How do I Join the CAPA Family?

Admission to the Creative and Performing Arts Academy at West Middle School is through audition only.  

Students entering grades 6 through 8 in the 2024-2025 school year can audition for the CAPA program housed only at West Middle School. Audition location varies between West Middle School and Auburn High School.

Auditions for the 2025-2026 school year are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to attend the Fall Audition Dates, as seats are prioritized during this time. Make-up and waitlist auditions are available but may offer fewer opportunities for seat placement.

Fall Audition Dates

  • Saturday, November 9, 2024 at West Middle School

    • 9:00 AM (check-in begins at 8:45am)

  • Saturday, December 14, 2024 at West Middle School

    • Session I - 9:00AM (check-in begins at 8:45am)

    • Session II - 1:00 PM (check-in begins 12:45pm)

Winter Audition Date (Make-Up)

  • Saturday, January 25, 2025 at West Middle School

    • 9:00 AM (check-in begins at 8:45am)

Summer Audition Date (Waitlist Audition*)

  • Monday, June 9, 2025 at West Middle School, 1900 N Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL 61103   

    • Begins at 1:00PM (arrive for check-in by 12:45PM)

    *Pending seat availability. Summer audition is specifically for the waitlist, allowing students to get onto the waitlist rather than offering a seat into the program.  



    Click the red button below to register for CAPA Middle School Auditions

CAPA Middle School Auditions
How To Prepare For My Audition
Attend the CAPA Informational Meeting
CAPA Logo

Have Questions?

Julie Hindenburg 
CAPA Coordinator at West
Email Julie Hindenburg 

Tiffany Vang 
Special Programs Coordinator
Email Tiffany Vang 

Informational Meeting Dates

Attend an information meeting on the CAPA Program at West Middle School. You'll hear from current students and staffs, and learn more about the auditions requirements. Includes a tour of West Middle School.

Disclaimer: This is not an open house meeting style. The presentation starts at 5:30pm. Click here for the flyer

  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024  from 5:30PM - 7:00PM

  • Monday, November 4, 2024 from 5:30PM - 7:00PM

Accommodations

Students with accommodations documented on an IEP or 504 Plan will need to contact Julie Hindenburg (CAPA Coordinator at West Middle School) to discuss your student's specific accommodation needs. The IEP/504 Plan ​will be reviewed and audition options will be discussed. The Special Education and Psychology Departments may be consulted to develop the best plan for the student.​ The need for accommodations should be indicated on the online registration form.

Student Residency
In accordance with Board Policy 7.55

  • If you are a current resident, in order to be eligible to audition for this special program, students must:

    • Be enrolled as a resident student in one of the Rockford Public Schools OR

    • Reside within the RPS 205 boundaries

  • If you are a non-resident: 

    • Any student who resides MORE than 25 miles from the District's outer boundaries AND who is considered relocating his/her residence to the District may apply for admission to this program.

  • Any non-enrolled student admitted to this program will be required to submit proof of residency BEFORE enrolling.