Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) Inc.

Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) is a NOT FOR PROFIT academy for the creative enrichment and development of young people from ages 6 to 18.

As a not-for-profit the Academy is governed by a board of directors, with all of RAPA’s creative programs designed and delivered by industry professionals with extensive experience in various fields of the arts, and with a passion for making a difference in young people’s lives.

RAPA is a warm, friendly and safe environment. An academy for the arts that develops confidence, personal motivation and self-worth. A place of encouragement where young people can express their own rich fertile imaginations. There has long been a need for a creative hub for young people in the Hills - RAPA has arrived.

HOW DID IT ALL START

In 2015 local Filmmaker and Theatre Director, Rainsford Towner, with his partner Mary Salem, recognised a need to create a hub for the arts that could encourage the best arts practitioners to come to The Hills to teach young people various creative streams. A creative hub that genuinely supported the creative processes of young people.

They felt it was important to establish it as a Not For Profit, with a community focus that could well outlive their own contributions and be available for generations to come.

Rainsford drafted a proposal that soon gained momentum, and when Prudence Marie came on board, the dream took flight.

Soon after Michelle Congrues and Simon Storey joined the team as the inaugural founding directors, and Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) Inc. was incorporated in the state of Victoria on 29th April 2016.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President : Rainsford Towne

Vice President: Mary Salem

Secretary: Rachel Calnan

Treasurer: Michelle Congues

Board Member: James Kelly

Board Member representing LGBTQI+ young people: Poppy Adams