About Us
Our Story
Cleveland Academy of Performing Arts is a proud, family- and veteran-owned business rooted right here in our local community. Founded by Tyra McGinnis—with the unwavering support of her husband and children—our academy was built from the ground up with heart, passion, and a vision to make the performing arts accessible to all.
What began as a grassroots family dream has grown into a thriving center for creativity, expression, and community. Every class, performance, and event reflects our dedication to nurturing talent, building confidence, and supporting the next generation of artists.
At CAPA, we’re more than just a performing arts academy—we’re a family, and we’re honored to serve yours.
Our values
At the Cleveland Academy of Performing Arts, we believe in more than just performance — we believe in transforming lives through the power of the arts. Our mission is to celebrate originality, encourage expression, and build confidence in every student, whether they dream of center stage or simply seek to grow as individuals.
We recognize that every student brings unique strengths to the table. Our faculty works to highlight those strengths, using them as stepping stones to overcome challenges, both on and off the stage. CAPA is a collaborative environment where students learn to work together, grow as artists, and develop skills that extend far beyond performance.
Through our award-winning, psychology-based curriculum, we foster professional excellence and personal development. Students gain not only technical skills in music, dance, art and theater, but also the emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness essential to success in life.
At CAPA, we don’t just train performers — we empower individuals to become their most confident, capable, and creative selves.
Want to know how you can get involved and support our program?
It is our mission to provide quality arts education at a price our local families can afford. While the many benefits of the arts are well documented, at CAPA we see firsthand how it positively impacts the lives of children in our community. Your contribution will allow us to keep students' cost low while providing the space and equipment necessary to learn the skills they need to produce quality, professional work. Your full contribution will go towards purchasing necessary equipment and supplies needed for student projects and productions. This includes the purchase of scripts, set building materials, sound, lighting, cameras, costumes, props and makeup. Earning your spot on CAPA's Wall Of Fame!
We greatly appreciate your consideration and support of our students!
Our Team
Tyra McGinnis
Founder/Director
Tyra McGinnis is internationally recognized for developing arts education curricula described as having "the potential to transform the way we understand arts education."
With over 30 years of experience as both a performer and instructor, Tyra is a classically trained vocalist who has built a successful career in voice, theater, and arts education.
As the Founder & Director of CAPA’s program, Tyra draws on her extensive training and experience to design and lead a one-of-a-kind performing arts curriculum. Her approach centers on harnessing the transformative power of the arts to foster both personal growth and professional development.
Deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of CAPA, Tyra provides one-on-one coaching in voice and audition preparation, teaches group classes, and collaborates with industry professionals to deliver a high-quality, holistic arts education experience for every student.
Awards & Recognition
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2025 Global Recognition Award: Leader in Arts Education & Student Development
- 2025 Best of Georgia: Performing Arts School, Studio, & Instructor
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2024 Best of Georgia: Performing Arts School, Studio & Instructor
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2023 Best of Georgia: Performing Arts School, Studio & Instructor
- NATS Voice Instructor
- International Thespian
As a United States Navy Veteran, Tyra embraced opportunities to train, perform, and teach a variety of artistic styles all over the word.
Her artistic journey has taken her across Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Atlanta, and numerous theatre programs both internationally and nationwide, enriching her craft and expanding her perspective.
Tyra has a dynamic, empowering teaching style that motivates students to reach their fullest potential, on stage and beyond.
Sudie Crouch
Sudie has a Master's Degree in Psychology and completed doctoral coursework in Educational Leadership & Management. Her background, education and experience brings a wealth of knowledge to our program.
As a board-certified Health & Wellness Coach her work as a mental health and behavioral coach for adolescents, teens, and young adults brings an in-depth understanding of how to navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation.
Utilizing principles from Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Sudie & CAPA Founder-Tyra McGinnis have created an award winning curriculum that is changing the face of arts education. Combining evidence-based practices with a compassionate, individualized focus that supports students with their personal & professional development.
Sudie provides CAPA instructors valuable training and support in implementing our psychology based performing arts program. Ensuring our instructors have the training they need to offer students one of kind instruction that is focused their individual needs and well being.
In addition to her work in mental health Sudie is a lifestyle, health & wellness columnist and contributing writer for three Metro-Atlanta newspapers. She brings a wealth of experience in radio, print, and digital media, including press releases, blogs, and other professional writing services.
Jason Payne
Art Instructor with 25 years professional visual art experience. Jason is a vital member He honed his craft studying fine art under the guidance of renowned local art and theater director Kevin Whitley, as well as at North Georgia College and State University and Kennesaw State University. With a strong background in realism, Jason brings theatrical spaces to life by creating immersive environments that enhance storytelling.
An imaginative and free spirited instructor known for his unique and engaging style. He fosters creativity through exploration, embracing a hands-on, sometimes messy approach that inspires students to think freely and create with confidence.
Forest Seales
Guitar Instructor with over 17 years of playing experience and more than a decade of professional performance. His background spans folk and traditional Appalachian music to blues, jazz, rock, and pop, giving him a versatile approach well-suited for a performing arts environment.
His teaching style emphasizes a “song-first” approach, using real music to build technique, theory, and confidence from the start.
With experience teaching beginner to intermediate students and a strong background in live performance, Forest helps students develop not just as players, but as confident performers.