READY TO ENGAGE YOUR CRAFT?

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

ELIGIBILITY

This program is for students in grades 8* - 12 in the 2025-2026 school year. 8th grade applicants are only eligible if part of the CrAFT Show Starters transitional program. More information below.

There are limited spaces available. Students are selected through an application process.  Interested students must meet the following requirements to apply

  • Have a strong desire to become a better performer

  • 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, ppagano@gcpastl.org, 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 she works in a classroom setting.

CrAFT Show Starters Program
Students in 8th grade have the exciting opportunity to engage in both CrAFT and Show Starters. This dual participation allows for a seamless transition between programs, unlocking their full potential for growth. By integrating the performance opportunities of Show Starters with the mentorship and training offered by CrAFT, students will develop the crucial habits and skills needed for success in the CrAFT program. Additionally, CrAFT Show Starters will take on an enhanced leadership role within the Show Starters program, nurturing the development of leadership skills and promoting team unity.

This is the LAST year for CrAFT Show Starters dual enrollment. In 26-27, CrAFT will be 9 - 12 only.

- Class Requirements to be a CrAFT Show Starter

Show Starters Class (which will count as the ELECTIVE course in CrAFT)
One Dance Class
One Acting Class
Private Voice

CrAFT-Show Starters will have CrAFT dues waived in the fall and will only pay the Show Starters production fee. Total fee schedule:
Fall: $150 Show Starters Production Fee
Spring: $100 CrAFT Dues

CLICK HERE for more information on Show Starters. Applicants must fill out both forms but may submit the same audition material for both.

CrAFT DEVELOPMENT COMMITMENT

School Year

Students must enroll in both Fall and Spring semesters with the following requirements, as decided with your mentor. Students are required to keep a 75% attendance average and meet expected growth parameters. Approved absences must go through your mentor and will not count against your total.  Not meeting these requirements will be cause for removal from the program.

  • Acting component (Acting, Improv)

  • Dance component (Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance)

  • Elective component (Any additional from the above, Tap, Hip Hop or Improv)

  • Voice component (Private*, Group)

*Length of  private voice lessons to be determined by GCPA approved vocal 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.

RAISE THE CURTAIN, ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS

Assessments and Meetings
CrAFT students are required to attend assessments at the start and finish of each year. This allows the mentors to best provide feedback and guidance.
Please lock these dates into your calendar:

Fall Assessments: Saturday, August 23rd 10 am - 1 pm
Fall Meetings: Wednesday, August 27th and  Thursday, August 28th (Each member receives one 30-minute time slot)
Spring Meetings: May 27th and 29th

CrAFT Members are required to attend and perform at Raise the Curtain on Saturday, October 4th, 2025.
Rehearsals are subject to change but are tentatively held for the below windows of time. This is a shared number with the SHOW STARTERS, so CrAFT members will not be called for all/complete rehearsal times. We may not use all rehearsal times. Reasonable conflicts accepted.

Thursday, Sept 11: 6:30 - 9 pm
Saturday, Sept 21: 7 - 9 pm
Saturday, Sept 28: 7 - 9 
Thursday, Oct 2: 7 - 9
Friday, October 3: 8 - 9
Saturday, October 4: The day of the event!
We do not know rehearsal times, yet. Please hold the full day.

Summer

GCPA values the variety of experiences summer can provide and how those experiences help an artist grow. To balance that time with continued artistic development, requirements for the summer are limited to the following:

Students wishing to continue with the program the following year must complete one or more of the following at GCPA or other quality arts program:

  • Participate in at least one production on stage or on crew.*

  • Attend a summer performance program at least 1 week in length.

  • Take a minimum 1 hour of weekly technique class

*Participation in CrAFT does not guarantee a role in any YTC production.

Performances

CrAFT 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 4th, 2025

CrAFT EXCLUSIVES

Mentors

Participants will be assigned a mentor. There will be 3 scheduled mentor meetings, and mentors will be available for additional guidance and conversation as needed. The first and last meeting is with all GCPA Mentors. The remainder are with your assigned Mentor. 

Meeting Dates: August, December, April TBD

Exclusive Workshops

Students will have access to a minimum of 4 exclusive workshops, available only to CrAFT students. Workshops will be taught by GCPA Staff and industry professionals. Dates are TBD and will be announced as they are scheduled.  They will likely be on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons. Cost is included in the overall cost of the program.

New York

CrAFT takes a trip to New York either every year or every other year, depending on interest/availability. For 25-26, we are working towards a trip in MARCH or END OF MAY, likely a Thursday - Sunday. 

Price is TBA based on current rates and availability. Summer 2024 was $1,600 for students and $1,300 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 breakdown is based on the 2024-2025 class schedule.
Need-based financial assistance is available. Email sfox@gcpastl.org for an application.

Dues

 $100 due in August and again in January. Dues cover the cost of participation, 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 $45): 8 payments of $90 (no MAY payment)

  • $60/60 minute lesson (regularly $60): 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:

  • 3 hours of class per week: $165.30 per month (normally $174) x 9 payments =$1,487.70

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

  • TOTAL MONTHLY= $265.30 for first 8 payments. $165.30 for 9th payment

  • TOTAL CLASSES IN FULL = $2,287.70

  • DUES: $100 x 2 Payments = $200

  • PROGRAM TOTAL IN FULL = $2,487.70

    Walk-Ins

Students receive 50% off GCPA Walk-In classes ($10, Regularly $20). *Does not apply to Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation Workshops.