THE SCHOOL
Caper School of Performing Arts is a leading force in Sydney's Hills District. Directors and sisters, Kate and Beth McDermott, established the school in January 2003 to offer premium tuition for students aged 3-18 years. In this short time, the school has taken the local dance, song and drama world by storm. Caper students have had outstanding success at national and local dance competitions and have achieved high results in examinations. No other local dance school can match Caper’s commitment to performance opportunities in which all students are encouraged to participate (although entirely optional).
The school’s name “Caper” means a playful leap, or form of movement - this defines the culture of Caper School of Performing Arts. Classes are held in a friendly, professional and nurturing environment and are guided by our strong teaching philosophy. All staff share a commitment to training students to have solid technique as well as encouraging performance skills –the cornerstones needed to create talented and happy students. Individual and team effort and achievement are encouraged through our formal and informal merit systems. At Caper, students should not only reach their personal best in dance, but also benefit from increased confidence and social skills.
Caper prides itself for offering the best of both worlds - whether you dance for fun and fitness or whether you are a budding professional - there are classes and opportunities to suit you! Come along to a free trial lesson and begin your journey into the world of performing arts. Please enjoy the photo slideshow below which contains testimonials from Caper students in 2010.
THE DIRECTORS
Kate and Beth McDermott are the Directors of Caper and work closely together to make the school the success it is. Kate put on her first pair of ballet shoes when she was five and hasn’t looked back! Having trained for many years in Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Funk, she is a qualified teacher with the Australian Teachers of Dancing. Kate is also an experienced professional dancer and choreographerhas performed at many leading venues in Sydney for various corporate, promotional and sporting events. However, Kate's passion is uniting her “obsession” of dance with her love of children. She has been teaching for over fifteen years and in this time has enjoyed the thrill of watching her students succeed.
Beth followed her big sister’s footsteps into the dance world at age three. She trained in all facets of dance and musical theatre. By the age of 15 Beth had started to dance professionally, which she continued to do so whilst completing university studies. Beth has previously taught at a number of dance studios around Sydney and is a qualified teacher with the Australian Teachers of Dancing. She has also worked as a dance instructor at various Primary Schools in Sydney. Although Beth hasacheived a combined Economics and Law degree from the University of Sydney, she is now directing her energies to Caper in order to carry out her vision for the school: a studio which pushes the boundaries, inspiring students to achieve their personal best in a safe but fun environment - training Caper’s stars of tomorrow!
Kate and Beth are supported by an impressive team of highly qualified and experienced teachersand administration staff who uphold and share their vision for developing good technique, enhancing performance skills and nurturing the next generation’s love of the performing arts. The school also has a team of friendly and approachable reception and administration staff to keep the parents up to date with all the latest information at this busy school!