SPRING 2025 CLASS FINALES
GCPA prides itself in offering quality performance instruction, and participating in an end-of-the-year performance offers students a unique opportunity for personal and artistic growth. It provides a chance to showcase the skills and techniques they've developed over the semester, boosting their confidence and sense of accomplishment. The Finale experience fosters discipline, as students practice and prepare for the event. Beyond the technical benefits, GCPA's Finales encourage a sense of community, as students share the stage with their peers, celebrate each other's progress, and create lasting memories through their collective efforts.
Our hope is our Spring Finales will be an exciting and fun experience to celebrate all of your students' hard work! There are two kinds of end-of-year performances: In Class (Observation or Informal Demonstration) and On Stage.
Below you will find details you need for both types of Class Finales to help you plan and prepare for a great experience
IN CLASS: In-class Finales happen over the week of May 5th - 10th, 2025, on the last day of class, and usually last 15-20 minutes at the end of class. Some classes offer an Observation, where parents may observe typical learning, but there is no performance prepared. Some classes offer an Informal Finale, where students may have finished work to demonstrate. In-class Finales are casual performances meant to give parents an opportunity to observe the growth of their student in a class environment.
ON STAGE/OFF SITE: These performances are scheduled for Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th, 2025 and are a formal performance event meant to highlight the work done in class during the semester. The Formal Class Finale will showcase a group of classes together, giving students and parents the opportunity to enjoy a variety of performances from different disciplines and levels.
Scroll below for detailed schedule information!
Scroll for a detailed breakdown.
PARTICIPATION
It is our hope that every student will be able to participate in our Finales. However, we know that some students may have a conflict. In order for teachers and students to best prepare for these performances, we need to know whether or not your student(s) will be performing at the end of the semester! If your student cannot attend these performances, they will still participate in class as usual. However, some scenes/dances/songs will be modified or given alternatives so that students can practice material as it will be performed at the Finales.
In Class: Students with Observations or Informal Finales do not need to commit in writing. We appreciate you letting your instructor know if you will not be able to attend the last class / participate in the Finales.
On Stage Finales: We ask students to make a written commitment to the Formal Class Finales, as this is a big event requiring significant preparation and collaboration in class.
Commitments must be submitted by Friday, February 28th, 2025.
<<< PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR YES OR NO FOR ON STAGE CLASS FINALES HERE >>>
LOCATION:
In Class: Observations and Informal Finales take place at GCPA studios within the regular class parameters. Some Finales may be moved to a larger studio to accommodate families attending, but all will take place at GCPA. We will communicate any room changes closer to the time of the Finales.
On Stage: In order to accommodate the large number of family and friends attending and offer our students an opportunity to experience a true performance experience, Formal Class Finales will take place about 10 minutes from GCPA at the beautiful, newly-renovated theatre at Lutheran South High School, 9515 Tesson Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63123. This venue will be a fantastic place to celebrate the end of the semester!
DRESS CODE:
We are offering a special 2025 GCPA student tshirt for purchase as an option for Finale attire. This purchase is fully optional, and there are many other attire options below. GCPA shirts cost $25 and will be available for purchase soon. Orders are due April 1st, 2025.
No student will be required to purchase a costume. However, we do ask that students consider a professional presentation within the following guidelines:
Students may wear the 2025 GCPA shirt with black leggings or skirt.
Dance Classes may wear solid colored dance attire (no branding, words, graphics, etc. please). Leotards, athletic tank tops or shirts, leggings, dance skirts are all examples of acceptable Finale attire. Dancers should wear the appropriate shoe for the style performed (jazz, tap, ballet, etc). Hair should be pulled back from face.
Musical Theatre Performance and Voice classes may wear black pants/leggings and a solid colored top or a solid color dress. Please no text, patterns, graphics, etc. Footwear should be closed toed and easy to dance in. No flip flops, crocs, sliders, etc.
All dresses and skirts must have shorts and tights underneath.
AUDIENCE:
In-class: Due to space constraints, please limit to two visitors per student. If you need accommodations for more, please reach out to the office and we will do our best
On stage: The LUSO Theatre has a large seating capacity, and we are happy to welcome any and all guests of the performing students.There is no charge for admission and no RSVP required to attend.
We hope you can join us in celebrating the amazing body of work happening at GCPA this year!
Please contact Christy at ctimberlake@gcpastl.org with questions.