What is SCAPA? The School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA) is Fayette County Public School’s magnet program for students in grades 4-12 who exhibit excellence in one of 9 arts areas…ballet, band, contemporary dance, drama, literary art, piano, strings, visual art, or vocal music. Students must audition in their chosen area and meet selection criteria. Auditions are typically held in November/December the year prior to admission.
Bluegrass versus Lafayette? SCAPA Bluegrass includes our 4th-8th grade students. SCAPA Lafayette includes our 9th-12th grade students. The Bluegrass building is adjacent to Lafayette High School and some SCAPA LHS students continue to return to Bluegrass for classes in their art area during the school day.
What’s a typical SCAPA day like? Elementary students have class in their Major (chosen art area) 3 times/week, with an elective class (band, strings or movement) on opposite days. They also have class in other art areas (art, dance, drama, choir, literary arts) in addition to their Major area as part of their weekly class rotation. Elementary students have science daily along with their math, social studies, reading & language arts classes. Middle school students have class in their Major every day, declare a Minor each year in a different art area than their Major, and have multiple elective options. Middle schoolers rotate through their academic classes on an A/B schedule. High schoolers have classes related to their Major every day, and rotate their academic and other elective classes on an A/B schedule.
What are SCAPA’s school hours? SCAPA Bluegrass’ (4th-8th grades) hours are 8:25am-3:45pm. School doors open starting at 7:55am for elementary & middle school student arrival. SCAPA Lafayette’s (9th-12th grades) hours are 8:25am-3:15pm. School doors open starting at 7:30am for high school student arrival.
What is Cruise Into SCAPA? Cruise Into SCAPA is SCAPA Bluegrass’ annual back-to-school night. Families & students are invited to school and attend grade-level orientation meetings, receive academic schedules & teacher assignments, meet teachers, complete required forms, pay student fees and stock up on SCAPA Wear.
Where do SCAPA performances take place? SCAPA utilizes multiple local venues for their performances…Lexington Opera House, Norsworthy Auditorium, Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, Beeler Auditorium at Lafayette High School, Farish Theatre at the downtown Lexington Public Library, local churches and SCAPA Bluegrass’ multipurpose room.
What does a typical SCAPA Bluegrass year look like? A general calendar of events includes:
- August – Cruise Into SCAPA
- September – Fall Fundraiser
- November – Fall Musical at Opera House (all Elementary encouraged to participate in ensemble, Middle School (MS) may audition for main roles), auditions for SCAPA applicants (for the following school year)
- December – auditions for SCAPA applicants (for the following school year), Winter Vocal concert (Elementary & MS Voice Majors & MS Minors participate), Winter Band/Orchestra concerts (all Elementary may choose to be in band or orchestra), MS Speech Team season begins
- January – Science Fair (5th & 7th Grades required, other grades optional)
- March – Dance SCAPA at Opera House (all Dance Majors & MS Dance Minors participate), KMEA Choral/Band/Orchestra Assessments, Spring Middle School Play at downtown venue (MS students may audition)
- May – Spring Vocal concert, Spring Band/Orchestra concerts, Dance Kaleidoscope, Solo Recitals, 8th Grade Showcase