ELIGIBILITY

This program is for students Grades 9-12 in the 2026-2027 school year.
There are limited spaces available. Students are selected through an application process.  Interested students must meet the following requirements to apply:

• Looking to gain acceptance into a collegiate performing arts program

• Complete AUDITION FORM.

• Complete the following audition process:

  Please send a video submission with the following:

  16-32 bars of a musical theatre song with a backing track.

  A short monologue, 1 minute or less - only if you have one prepared.

  For dance, if you have a short combination in jazz, ballet, or musical theatre dance - please send that. A tap combination is optional. If you do not, please just send a video of you executing any of these steps you know. If you do not know the step, you do not need to include it.
  -Jazz Pirouette

  -Chaînés - 3 in a row

  -Grand Battement a la second (to the side)

  -Balancé - 3 in a row

  -Tombé, Pas de bourrée, Glissade, Grand Jete or Saut de Chat

  OR Chasse 2x alternating, Two Runs, Grand Jete or Saut de Chat

  -Time Step (Single, Double or Triple)

  -Alternating rolling shuffles

  - 8 paradiddles

  Video auditions are accepted as UNLISTED YOUTUBE links or GOOGLE DRIVE links that must be shared with the following emails: sfox@gcpastl.org, lpagano@gcpastl.org, actorpagano@gmail.com, ablevins@gcpastl.org

  Once we receive this submission, we may have you come in for a private voice and acting lesson. This would be free of charge and just an assessment of how you work in a classroom setting.

CrAFT graduates have been accepted into the following prestigious performing arts college programs:

STRUCTURE

This is built as a 4 year program, but students do not have to commit to 4 years and are able to join after their freshman year, if accepted.

Freshman Year: Focus on identifying and applying/auditioning for pre-collegiate summer programs, high quality production experiences or other beneficial educational activities . Mentors will work directly with students to find financially viable programs that align with his/her current collegiate goals. 

Sophomore Year: Continued focus on identifying/auditioning for pre-collegiate summer programs. Mentors will also begin working with students on school discovery. 

Junior Year: Focus on completing a list of schools that students will apply for and begin curating audition material. 

Senior Year: Focus on finalizing audition submissions and working through acceptances and declines.

COMMITMENT

Fall and Spring

Please note, the following are the base suggestions for each track built on the foundation that a well rounded performer in any track is ideal. Mentors may adjust requirements on a student-by-student basis. Seniors: are only required to take 2 classes due to the overload of applications and are allowed more frequent absences. 

Musical Theatre Track

• Acting component (1) - Acting

• Dance component (2) - Tap AND Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance, Jazz or Modern

• Elective component (1) - Any additional class

• Private Voice*

Theatre Track

• Acting component (1) - Acting

• Viewpoints (1) During Freshman, Sophomore or Junior years

• Dance Component (1) - Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance, Jazz or Modern

• Elective component (1) - Any additional class

• Voice component (Private*, Group)

 Vocal Performance Track

• Private Voice*

• Acting component (1) - Acting

• Music Theory

• Dance Component (1) - Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance, Jazz or Modern

• Elective component (1) - Any additional class, Masterclass heavily suggested

• Piano (Private*) 

*Length of private lessons to be determined by GCPA approved piano instructor

Students in private voice are required to take a minimum of 16 lessons between September and April (bi-weekly). Those taking from an outside teacher must turn in attendance slips signed by your instructor to prove attendance.

ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS

Assessments and Meetings
CrAFT students are required to attend assessments at the start of each year. Students will be assessed in dance technique, vocal technique and acting technique. This allows the mentors to best provide feedback and guidance.

There are UP TO 5 meetings for CrAFT College:

Fall Meetings - All Mentors
Mid-Fall Meeting - Personal Mentor
Mid-Year Meeting - Personal Mentor
Mid-Spring Meeting - Personal Mentor
Final Meeting - All Mentors
Please lock these dates into your calendar:

FALL ASSESSMENTS:
August 29, 2026
10 - 1:30 pm

FALL MEETINGS:
September 1 - 3, 2026
Evenings

MID YEAR MEETINGS:
TBA in December/January

SPRING MEETINGS:
May 25 - 26, 2027

RAISE THE CURTAIN:
Raise the Curtain is our Annual Gala Style Fundraiser.
CrAFT Students are required to perform at Raise the Curtain unless there is a school required conflict

Event: October 17th
Rehearsals will be scattered throughout September and October.
Friday, October 16: Rehearsal will be held between 5 pm and 10 pm
Saturday, October 17: The day of the event!
We do not know rehearsal times, yet. Please hold the full day.

UPDATED! CrAFT WORKSHOPS!
New this year! CrAFT workshops are getting a new structure. We will offer a dedicated monthly class just for CrAFT members. These once-a-month sessions will focus on topics not always covered in discipline specific classes. These are included in dues and 80% attendance is required outside of approved conflicts. CrAFT students will still receive the FOXPACF Discount when offered.

Sample Classes:
Business of Theatre
Auditioning on Camera
In Person Audition Training
Stage Combat
Sight Singing/Ear Training
Everyday Music Theory
Masks

Unique dance topics
*Workshops are not set. Material subject to change.
Have a subject you are interested in? Let me know!

Dates will alternate between Fridays and Sundays.

Sunday, Sept 20
Friday, Oct 23
Sunday, Nov 15
Friday, Dec 18
Saturday, Jan 17
Friday, Feb 19
Sunday, March 21
Friday, April 9
Sunday, May 16

Summer

CrAFT College students will be encouraged to explore a variety of options during the summer to help work toward college acceptance. This will include applying for summer pre-collegiate programs, auditioning for non-youth productions, participating on crew, and other educational opportunities and assignments. A focus on balancing these opportunities with summer jobs and activities will be considered, but CrAFT College students should plan to stay active in the arts during the summer.

Private Lessons to Prepare Applications and Pre-Screens:

Applying for college programs as well as summer collegiate programs takes preparation, including choosing, rehearsing and videoing performance material. CrAFT Mentors are able to assist with monologue, dance and/or vocal submissions in a private lesson setting. Space is limited, so CrAFT College students will have priority. During the first meeting, Mentors will work individually with students to create a private lesson plan to complete applications. This will include a payment schedule to evenly distribute private lesson payments. The standard CrAFT Private Lesson discount will apply. 

Private study is a part of the program, but CrAFT College students are not required to study privately with a GCPA instructor. They may work with non-GCPA instructors on their submissions.

CrAFT College students will have priority access to GCPA’s self-tape equipment.

CrAFT College students can have their pre-screens reviewed by their mentors. Videos must be sent in at least 7 days prior to submission to be reviewed.

Performances

CrAFT College participants must meet the following performance requirements:

• Perform in one Mentor approved musical or play during the school year

• Perform at Raise the Curtain: October 17th, 2026

New York

CrAFT takes a trip to New York either every year or every other year, depending on interest/availability. For 26-27, we are working towards a trip during the first or second weekend of June

Price is TBA based on current rates and availability. Summer 2026 was $1,850 for students and $1,650 for chaperones. There will be an increase due to increased rates. Trip includes airfare, hotel, 2-3 broadway shows, 2-3 master classes, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch. 

COST

Cost is based on the 2025-2026 class schedule and subject to change with 26-27 rates.
Need-based financial assistance is available. Email kbendoff@gcpastl.org for an application.

Dues
CrAFT College: $150 due in August and again in January. Dues cover the cost of participation, assessments, mentors and workshops.  

Classes

Students will receive 5% off their class total. Payment can be made in full or on line with GCPA’s monthly payment plan (1st of Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, March, April, May)

Students taking private voice through a GCPA instructor will receive $5 off per lesson, rolled into your monthly payment:

• $45/45 minute lesson (regularly $50): 8 payments of $90 (no MAY payment)

• $60/60 minute lesson (regularly $65): 8 payments of $120 (no MAY payment)

Base Cost

Over-all cost will depend on how many hours of class a student takes. For reference, here is the smallest package including private voice:

• 4 hours of class per week: $206.15 per month (normally $217) x 9 payments =$1,855.35

• 45 minute private voice ($50 per lesson), twice per month: $100 x 8 payments = $800 (Regularly $55 per lesson)

• TOTAL MONTHLY= $306.15 for first 8 payment. $206.15 for final payment

• TOTAL CLASSES/PRIVATE IN FULL = $2,655.35

• DUES: $150 x 2 Payments = $300

• PROGRAM TOTAL IN FULL = $2,955.35

*This is for standard private voice lessons through GCPA. Additional monthly charge will be determined for private lessons focused on preparing and filming application materials.