NSU's CAPA Turns Students Into Working Professionals Before Graduation

Northwestern State University's School of Creative and Performing Arts takes a career-first approach to training the next generation of artists.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:04am

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At Northwestern State University's School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), students are immersed in professional-level work from their first semester, rather than waiting until after graduation. The school's curriculum prioritizes hands-on experience and collaboration with industry experts, allowing students to build robust portfolios and resumes before entering the competitive creative field.

Why it matters

CAPA's approach stands in contrast to the traditional model where students wait years to gain practical experience. By treating the arts as a discipline rather than a hobby, CAPA is producing graduates who are already working professionals, giving them a significant advantage in the highly competitive creative industries.

The details

At CAPA, students are immediately involved in mainstage productions, gallery exhibitions, professional recording sessions, and digital media reporting. The faculty are active artists, performers, and creators who understand the modern industry landscape and push students to build portfolios that can stand up to scrutiny. This has led to impressive outcomes, with CAPA alumni landing roles on Broadway, in film and television, and at professional dance companies.

  • CAPA was founded in the 1970s as the Mrs. H.D. Dear, Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts.
  • In 2025, a study by the Louisiana Board of Regents recognized CAPA's Design Center for in-house internships as one of only twenty elite models in the state.

The players

Scott Burrell

Director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts and Professor of Theatre at Northwestern State University.

Northwestern State University

A public university located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, known for its School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA).

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What they’re saying

“We don't ask you to wait until graduation to become an artist. We hand you the tools and the stage on day one. By the time you leave, you're not starting a career. You're continuing one.”

— Scott Burrell, Director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts and Professor of Theatre

The takeaway

CAPA's career-first approach sets it apart from traditional arts education, producing graduates who are already working professionals and poised for success in the highly competitive creative industries.