Legacy
Who we are, and the talent that came through our doors.
For decades, CAPAS has been a community outreach and nonprofit program built on a simple belief: it is never too late to start, and every student deserves individual nurturing from professionally trained instructors.
Who we are
A studio for every age, every ability.
CAPAS is a community outreach and nonprofit program founded by artistic director Lola Louis. It began with a small number of piano and voice students and grew into professional instruction in music, voice, drama, dance, art, and musical theatre.
Classes are offered to ages three and over—and because we believe it is never too late to start, senior citizens are welcomed too. We also offer classes to autistic students and some children with special needs.
Our youth are encouraged to broaden their horizons by reading, thinking critically, and participating in field trips to performances and places that develop the imagination. Through the creative process, students gain a sense of accomplishment through hard work, discipline, and fun—building the self-esteem and confidence to understand themselves and their vast capabilities.
Our classes are kept small, so that each student receives individual nurturing and attention from experienced, professionally trained instructors.
Our mission
Minds, bodies, and spirits.
Lola Louis' Creative and Performing Arts, Inc. (CAPAS) is a 501(c)(3) studio-based creative and performing arts program.
CAPAS aims to develop the minds, bodies, and spirits of children (three years old and up) and adults by utilizing the creative arts process.
To this end, CAPAS fosters the development of artistic skills by providing a supportive environment for creative fun and the freedom of artistic expression and ideas.
The majority of our students received full and partial scholarships—no child was ever turned away for inability to pay.
Successful alumni
The talent that walked out our doors.
Perhaps the most visible measure of our outreach is the publicity CAPAS earns when its students and graduates share their talents with the public—performing at neighborhood schools and public festivals across New York City throughout the year.
Sean Nelson
Recruited from CAPAS to star alongside Samuel L. Jackson in the widely-acclaimed film “Fresh.” His other credits include the Broadway production of “The Shadow Box” and, on television, “New York Undercover,” “Law & Order,” and “The Corner,” among several other films.
Afi McClendon
A CAPAS graduate who has appeared in several Broadway productions including “Once on This Island” and Cheryl West’s “Holiday Heart.” Afi appeared opposite Sean Nelson in “Fresh,” has television credits including “The Red Shoes” and “Ghostwriters,” and joined the Broadway cast of “Fela!”
On stages across New York
Other students have appeared in Off and Off-Off Broadway productions at the Public Theater, the National Black Theater, and the American Theater of Actors.
Awards & citations
Recognized for our work in the community.
- Citation of Recognition from Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson
- City Council Citation — Councilman Larry Seabrook
- New York State Assembly Citation — Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie
- Citation of Merit Award from Adolfo Carrión, Jr., President of the Borough of the Bronx
- Achievement Award — The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. (Bronx Chapter)
- L&L Productions Achievement Award for encouraging members of the community to celebrate their personal and artistic development
- AUDELCO Rising Star Award for best youth performance — Afi McClendon, Karloff Commissiong, and The Conscious Ones Acting Company
In their words
“Through all of my years at Lola Louis' Creative and Performing Arts Studio, I have gained strength, knowledge, and life-long memories that I will cherish forever. I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am today if I had not spent 14 of my 18 years of life in CAPAS. I truly consider CAPAS to be my second home.
It enlightened me of my history in all its darkness and glory, and gave me the confidence to speak up and not be subjected to the stereotypes society places on my race. I've been highly trained in the arts by phenomenal teachers in piano, dance, acting, and musical theatre—a background that helped me develop a presence on and off stage.
It is because of Lola Louis and CAPAS that my life took a turn for the better after I was accepted into LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Above all, I learned how to be true to myself and to others.”
— Laianna Wright, CAPAS alumna
Give the gift of the performing arts.
Your generous donation reduces the cost of instruction, instrument rentals and maintenance, costumes, performance fees, books, and supplies for the next generation of CAPAS students.