General Questions
Does the school cost anything?
The Creative Arts Academy is no additional cost to any student from Iowa. The student must fill out the open enrollment form. Students from Illinois are subject to pay a tuition. This tuition covers what the amount of money the state of Iowa would not receive since that student does not live within the state. The tuition changes each year.
Do we have to live in Iowa to attend the Creative Arts Academy?
You do not have to be a resident of Iowa but Illinois students are subject to a tuition fee to cover expenses normally covered by the state.
The Creative Arts Academy is no additional cost to any student from Iowa. The student must fill out the open enrollment form. Students from Illinois are subject to pay a tuition. This tuition covers what the amount of money the state of Iowa would not receive since that student does not live within the state. The tuition changes each year.
Do we have to live in Iowa to attend the Creative Arts Academy?
You do not have to be a resident of Iowa but Illinois students are subject to a tuition fee to cover expenses normally covered by the state.
Applying
Can my student apply after the audition deadline?
Students CAN apply after the deadline, but their acceptance may be subject to availability.
What if we are unable to attend an informational meeting? Can my student audition if we did not attend any of the informational meetings?
Informational meetings are not required for students to apply and audition for the Academy. These meetings are simply to educate potential families who would like to learn more or have questions about the school. We understand that parents have busy schedules and would like to learn more.
How do I apply for the school?
Applications are available online right here! Students need to have a teacher fill out the recommendation form found on our website. Any non-family adult who has worked with the student in an educational setting may fill out the recommendation. Students who do not attend school in the DCSD will need to submit a report card. Please call (563) 445-5150 with questions or email [email protected]
Students CAN apply after the deadline, but their acceptance may be subject to availability.
What if we are unable to attend an informational meeting? Can my student audition if we did not attend any of the informational meetings?
Informational meetings are not required for students to apply and audition for the Academy. These meetings are simply to educate potential families who would like to learn more or have questions about the school. We understand that parents have busy schedules and would like to learn more.
How do I apply for the school?
Applications are available online right here! Students need to have a teacher fill out the recommendation form found on our website. Any non-family adult who has worked with the student in an educational setting may fill out the recommendation. Students who do not attend school in the DCSD will need to submit a report card. Please call (563) 445-5150 with questions or email [email protected]
Auditions
What happens at auditions?
Students will meet with instructors in their given arts area. The students will first demonstrate their competency in their given art area. Each art area has an onsite skills demonstration portion. Each audition will be followed by a brief interview between the teachers and the student auditioning. Finally, the student will participate in a 20 minute writing assignment. There will be three questions given to the student and they are able to select one question and write on that subject.
For a more in depth explanation of each art area - see below:
Media Arts
An electronic portfolio is required of Media Arts applicants. This portfolio asks students to show something you can see, something you can hear and something you can see and hear. These topics are purposely kept vague to showcase the creativity of each student. We encourage you to submit your portfolio prior to your audition so we can ensure all elements are compatible with our system. Media Arts students who are already part of the Davenport Community School District will be invited to a Google Classroom where they can upload their e-portfolio. Other students will be asked to email their portfolio.
Media Arts students will also be asked to demonstrate their storytelling abilities through a series of images. Students are able to pick the images they would like to use and then create a story inspired by the images.
Dance
Dance applicants are asked to perform a solo of their choosing. This solo may be choreographed by the student or a dance teacher/instructor. Students will be asked to talk about their routine. Students will learn a combination and perform it for the panel. What we look for in the combination is the student's skill level, ability to pick up dance moves quickly, but overall, performance quality.
Music
Music students will bring in one prepared piece to perform. Students are allowed to bring their own accompanist or one can be provided for them upon request. Following their solo performance, students will be tested on their music basics such as pitch matching, scales, etc.
Theatre
Theatre students are asked to bring in a monologue at least one minute in length and no longer than two minutes.
What is a monologue?
A monologue is a speech given by a single character in a story. In theatre, it is the vocalization of a character’s thoughts; in literature, the verbalization. It is traditionally a device used in theater a speech to be given on stage but nowadays, its use extends to film and television.
A few monologue resources are:
Drama Notebook
Monologue Archive
Performer Stuff
Don't sweat finding the PERFECT monologue. We want see your personality shine. Write your own, find something you love or connect with, or dramatically reinterpret the side of a pizza box - we want to see your creativity in action! Just tell us a good story!
Visual Arts
Visual arts applicants are asked to bring a portfolio of their work. The works we require could be works you've already completed in your elementary school art classes so pick out your best work! Visual Arts applicants will be asked to do an on-site drawing based on the observation of a series of objects presented to them.
All students get to showcase what they love and be confident in their abilities for a supportive panel of judges who love to see them succeed!
Students will meet with instructors in their given arts area. The students will first demonstrate their competency in their given art area. Each art area has an onsite skills demonstration portion. Each audition will be followed by a brief interview between the teachers and the student auditioning. Finally, the student will participate in a 20 minute writing assignment. There will be three questions given to the student and they are able to select one question and write on that subject.
For a more in depth explanation of each art area - see below:
Media Arts
An electronic portfolio is required of Media Arts applicants. This portfolio asks students to show something you can see, something you can hear and something you can see and hear. These topics are purposely kept vague to showcase the creativity of each student. We encourage you to submit your portfolio prior to your audition so we can ensure all elements are compatible with our system. Media Arts students who are already part of the Davenport Community School District will be invited to a Google Classroom where they can upload their e-portfolio. Other students will be asked to email their portfolio.
Media Arts students will also be asked to demonstrate their storytelling abilities through a series of images. Students are able to pick the images they would like to use and then create a story inspired by the images.
Dance
Dance applicants are asked to perform a solo of their choosing. This solo may be choreographed by the student or a dance teacher/instructor. Students will be asked to talk about their routine. Students will learn a combination and perform it for the panel. What we look for in the combination is the student's skill level, ability to pick up dance moves quickly, but overall, performance quality.
Music
Music students will bring in one prepared piece to perform. Students are allowed to bring their own accompanist or one can be provided for them upon request. Following their solo performance, students will be tested on their music basics such as pitch matching, scales, etc.
Theatre
Theatre students are asked to bring in a monologue at least one minute in length and no longer than two minutes.
What is a monologue?
A monologue is a speech given by a single character in a story. In theatre, it is the vocalization of a character’s thoughts; in literature, the verbalization. It is traditionally a device used in theater a speech to be given on stage but nowadays, its use extends to film and television.
A few monologue resources are:
Drama Notebook
Monologue Archive
Performer Stuff
Don't sweat finding the PERFECT monologue. We want see your personality shine. Write your own, find something you love or connect with, or dramatically reinterpret the side of a pizza box - we want to see your creativity in action! Just tell us a good story!
Visual Arts
Visual arts applicants are asked to bring a portfolio of their work. The works we require could be works you've already completed in your elementary school art classes so pick out your best work! Visual Arts applicants will be asked to do an on-site drawing based on the observation of a series of objects presented to them.
All students get to showcase what they love and be confident in their abilities for a supportive panel of judges who love to see them succeed!
New Students
How do I register my student for the school year?
First, register your student online via the Parent Portal. School registration takes place in August, usually halfway through the month. This will be the time when students meet with their counselors and finalize schedules. Final schedules will be given by Unpack Your Backpack - usually about one week after registration takes place. Registration takes place solely at Sudlow.
When will my student get their schedule?
Students should receive their schedules at Unpack your Backpack. This is a great opportunity for students to walk around and get to know Sudlow! Unpack Your Backpack is only held at Sudlow.
How do I sign up for extracurricular activities?
You will sign up for additional classes through your counselor at registration. If your student is taking orchestra, band, or choir - they will be required to take an Early PE/Health class starting at 8:05 a.m.
How do I pay for lunches?
You may pay for lunches through Sudlow Middle School. The Creative Arts Academy does not handle any nutritional service information.
First, register your student online via the Parent Portal. School registration takes place in August, usually halfway through the month. This will be the time when students meet with their counselors and finalize schedules. Final schedules will be given by Unpack Your Backpack - usually about one week after registration takes place. Registration takes place solely at Sudlow.
When will my student get their schedule?
Students should receive their schedules at Unpack your Backpack. This is a great opportunity for students to walk around and get to know Sudlow! Unpack Your Backpack is only held at Sudlow.
How do I sign up for extracurricular activities?
You will sign up for additional classes through your counselor at registration. If your student is taking orchestra, band, or choir - they will be required to take an Early PE/Health class starting at 8:05 a.m.
How do I pay for lunches?
You may pay for lunches through Sudlow Middle School. The Creative Arts Academy does not handle any nutritional service information.
Returning Students
Can my student transfer divisions and how?
Students are able to transfer divisions once. A division transfer form must be completed prior to the transfer to take place. This form requires a short essay explaining why the student would like to transfer, a signature from the teacher, and a signature from their parents.
Students are able to transfer divisions once. A division transfer form must be completed prior to the transfer to take place. This form requires a short essay explaining why the student would like to transfer, a signature from the teacher, and a signature from their parents.
