by Chuck Seaver, SOUTH LAKE TABLET
Caponi’s Cannolis School of the Arts is a successful dream of Angelo and Jennifer Caponi. A husband-and-wife team that in 2005 had a vision of bringing the assistance of inter-disciplinary assistance to children in the South Lake Community by teaching drama and music experiences to elementary through middle school-aged students. The Caponi’s have recently expanded their teaching to high school level students. “We noticed that a lot of kids outgrow their school programs but remain in Caponi’s School of Arts throughout their school career,” says Jennifer Caponi. “Our main mission is to help kids grow in their confidence and build their own space while expanding to adult-age performance in theatre and entertainment,” adds Jennifer.
The school was nominated and awarded the Best of Performing Arts and Entertainment of 2023 by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. The Caponi’s are quick to point out that none of these dreams would be possible if it were not for the selfless dedication of the volunteers and staff that assist with the operations of the school. “Many of our volunteers have moved to staff positions and we are so grateful for each one of them. We are a very family-oriented business,” says Jennifer.
The Caponi’s themselves have extensive and impressive backgrounds in the field of entertainment including Jennifer’s teaching of theater arts classes at Walt Disney World’s Youth Education Series as well as their Camp Disney theater arts programs for grades K-12. Jennifer has performed on stage in Clermont in the musical “Annie” and the comedic play “Lend Me A Tenor.” She has also performed on Long Island, New York in the musicals “Baby, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, “My Fair Lady”, “As Bees in Honey Drown”, and “The Butler Did It.”
Angelo Caponi is no stranger to entertainment either as he holds an extensive background in music. A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Elementary Education and a K-12 Music Certification, Angelo continues his 20+ year career as a K-5 music teacher at Minneola Charter. While at Minneola, Angelo has produced over 120 children’s musicals. His students have sung at Downtown Clermont First Fridays, the Orlando Magic, the Atlanta Braves, the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Walt Disney World, and America’s Got Talent.
Both Caponis share that they have found that children who have been a part of their programs continue to talk and reminisce about them for years to come. Being a part of the performing arts is a memorable experience that helps build confidence, friendships, and a positive attitude.
A few sneak peeks that the Caponi staff is working on for the Spring Season of 2024 include a Black Box Theater performance on May 2nd – 3rd, a National Anthem performance for Orlando City Soccer (date pending), and a possible Flash Mob performance at the Mall of Millenia in Orlando on May 19th (target date pending).
Stage performances planned include “Like Totally 80’s”, “The Muppets” (choral highlights from the movie), “Whisper!”, “Evolution of Dance”, “Mary Poppins”, “Finding Nemo”, and “Lemonade.”
Visit www.CaponiMusic.com for a full listing of performance schedules, classes offered, and registration information. Also visit Caponi’s Cannolis on Facebook or Instagram for performing arts videos and pictures of musicals and theater.
