Ages 14 - 20
Pg-13
Professional Focus Production^
Now auditioning! See details below for video submissions and in person auditions March 1st-3rd.
From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.
As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world-premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times
*Actors must be 14 by July 1st and no older than 20 on August 4th to participate.
We will consider actors age 10 - 14 for the roles of Young Alice and Young Alfred
^PROFESSIONAL FOCUS PRODUCTION
Alice by Heart is being presented as one of our “professional focus” productions which means an even higher focus on professional practices and production values. There are also NO PRODUCTION/PARTICIPATION FEES.
We are ecstatic to finally be able to produce Alice by Heart! After years of waiting, asking, and hoping - they've released this title for just a short window of time. We know we will be one of many amazing productions over the next year and can not wait to put our own spin on this beautiful story of love, friendship, and grief and celebrate all of the other amazing productions that are sure to be announced.
Gateway Center for Performing Arts is holding auditions for its 10th Anniversary summer production of Alice by Heart!
Auditions will be held March 1st - 3rd, 2024. We will accept video submissions, especially from actors out of state.
Please read all the audition details below and then CLICK HERE to complete the Audition Form to schedule an appointment or submit a video.
Actors must be 14 by July 1st and no older than 20 on August 4th to participate.*
*We will consider actors age 10 - 14 for the roles of Young Alice and Young Alfred. No audition is needed for these roles. Please fill out audition form and include a headshot, resume and full list of conflicts. Minimal rehearsals.
Friday, March 1st: Vocal Appointments
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday, March 2nd: Vocal Appointments
6 - 8:30 pm
Sunday, March 3rd: Callbacks - By invitation only
Dance Callbacks: 1 - 2 pm
Read/Sing Callbacks: 2 - 9 pm (A schedule will be provided)
VOCAL AUDITIONS:
Please prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song. Sheet music is preferred. No transpositions and no lead sheets. No a cappella singing. Please do not sing songs from the show. An accompanist will be provided. Backing tracks (karaoke) are not preferred but are allowed. We will provide the speaker and adapters/Bluetooth. Please bring your track on a device.
DANCE CALLBACKS:
A short dance combination will be taught. There are roles available for strong dancers as well as non-dancers. You will be notified at your vocal audition if we would like to see you at the dance call.
READ/SING CALLBACKS:
You will be notified at your vocal audition if we would like to have you read/sing. A schedule will be emailed out by midnight on Saturday, March 2nd.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:
Attending auditions in person is much preferred. However, we know many college students may not be able to return to St. Louis the weekend of auditions. If you are unavailable for any of the times listed, here is the process to submit a self-tape video audition:
Tapes are due by February 22nd. You will be notified of any callbacks by February 26th. Callback tapes are due by midnight on Friday, March 1st.
All vocal audition self-tapes should follow these guidelines:
- Please prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song. Please do not sing from the show.
- Vocal backing tracks or live accompaniment are allowed. Do not sing a cappella.
- Please slate your name, age, and what you will be singing.
- Video auditions are accepted as UNLISTED YOUTUBE links or GOOGLE DRIVE links ONLY.
- Links need to be included in your audition form.
- GOOGLE DRIVE links must be shared with the following emails: lpagano@gcpastl.org, ppagano@gcpastl.org, sfox@gcpastl.org
Some helpful self-tape hints:
- Early submissions are greatly appreciated and give us more time to spend on your video than those we receive at the deadline.
- You do not need fancy equipment. Using a phone camera is more than sufficient.
- Film in landscape.
- Make sure your phone is stationary and level. A tripod is helpful, but not necessary. It is easy to make a stand for your phone out of household items.
- Choose a quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions.
- Natural light and ring lights are great, but you can also enhance with lamps. We want to clearly see your facial features and expressions.
- You do not need to do a full-body frame unless your audition piece requires it. In most cases, an upper body frame is best.
- Practice before filming! Prepare for this audition as you would for an in-person audition. Practice your song for vocals and acting before ever setting up your equipment.
- If you are prepared ahead of filming, you should not need more than 3 takes. Do not over analyze details.
Be sure you’ve read all the audition details above and then CLICK HERE to complete the Audition Form to schedule an appointment or submit a video.
Hover over the images to learn more about the Creative Team!
Paul Pagano (Director), a native of St. Louis, received his BA in Drama from Washington University and Masters in Theatre Education from Fontbonne University. As a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 2001, Paul has had the opportunity to work with the Guthrie Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Children’s Theatre Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Hey City Theatre, the MUNY, STAGES St. Louis, HotCity Theatre, and many others. As a director and fight choreographer, in addition to 19 productions (and counting) at GCPA, credits include the MUNY, Washington University, Fontbonne University, Missouri All-State Theatre, and Kirkwood Theatre Guild. As an instructor, Paul has taught at GCPA, COCA, St. Louis University High School, and STAGES Performing Arts Academy. Love to wife, Lori, and kids, Xavier and Kalia!
Lori Barrett-Pagano (Music Director & Managing Director) (she/her) is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of GCPA. She earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Washington University in St. Louis. She has been teaching voice for over 25 years – currently as an adjunct voice faculty at St. Louis University, as well as voice and classes at GCPA. Professionally, Lori has performed with The MUNY, STAGES St. Louis, Union Avenue Opera, Echo Theatre, Spotlight Theatre, MainStage Musicals and SIUE Summer Showbiz. Regional credits include The Minnesota Opera, North Star Opera, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Theatre in the Round, and The Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company. Love to husband Paul, and children Xavier and Kalia.
Stephanie Fox (Choreographer) Originally from Oklahoma, Stephanie graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Music: Music Theatre and continued her studies independently in New York. As a proud member of Actors’ Equity (Stephanie Long) she has performed regionally, on National tour and in New York. In St. Louis, Stephanie has taught at COCA, STAGES, and choreographed for 8 years at Chaminade College Prep along with numerous professional choreography credits. Stephanie now lives in Michigan with her two pups and husband but is grateful to continue her work with GCPA both remotely and in person.
Actors are not called to every rehearsals, only when needed. A detailed schedule will be provided. This is a short and intensive rehearsal process, so only limited conflicts will be considered. No additional conflicts can be submitted after March 3rd except for emergency circumstances.
YOUR CONFLICTS MUST BE UP-TO-DATE IN THIS FORM TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL.
Rehearsals
July 1st - 31st
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday: 5 - 10 pm
Saturday: 10 - 4 pm
Sunday: 1 - 9 pm
Tech
July 27th - 31st
Saturday, July 27th and Sunday, July 28th - 9 am - 9 pm (may not use entire time frame)
July 29th - 31st: 4 pm - 10 pm
Performances:
Thursday, August 1st at 7 pm
Friday, August 2nd at 7 pm
Saturday, August 3rd at 2 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, August 4th at 2 pm
Performances held at
Washington University Hotchner Theatre
6445 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 6310
Strike Sunday, August 4th. Actors are required to stay until strike is completed.
Strike is REQUIRED for all actors with no exceptions. Strike will begin after the final performance and actors are required to stay until strike is completed.
There is no fee to participate.
COSTUMES
GCPA provides costumes. Actors may be asked to provide the following:
Female Characters – Skin colored tights. Skin colored leotard with invisible straps. Some option(s) out of: jazz shoes, character shoes, lace up boots, heeled tap shoes
Male Characters: – Black Pants, belt, and socks. White button-down dress shirt. White undershirt. Fitted undershorts. Some option(s) out of: black dress shoes, black jazz shoes, flat tap shoes, lace up boots.
All - Provide own make-up and hair products unless wigged.
Potentially provide every day items such as jeans.
Prices vary for base layer items and dance shoes. GCPA does provide options from wholesaler Revolution Dancewear for extremely competitive prices.
TICKETS
Tickets for Alice by Heart will be $25. There are no complimentary tickets.
There may be a processing fee.
TRIBUTES, BUSINESS ADS, T-SHIRTS AND JACKETS
All of the below are OPTIONAL.
GCPA provides a program (digital and printed) where you will have the option to purchase a tribute ad for your actor and/or a business ad. There are price points from $20 - $500, so something for everyone!
T-shirts will be available for $25. Show shirts include the show logo on the front, cast/crew list on the back and the YTC Cast Member badge on the shoulder.
Youth Theatre Company Members Only Jackets are available for $65
There is a company dinner between shows on Saturday with a suggested donation of $10.
EXTRAS:
Parent volunteer may ask for donations/ideas for our annual fundraiser, Raise the Curtain.
Parents often organize a cast party and director gifts, requesting a donation from cast. This is separate from GCPA and up to the cast to decide.
Alice by Heart is rated PG -13. It deals with heavy themes such as growing up, war, grief and death. It includes innuendo and reference to Alice's growing body. There is one scene where the caterpillar smokes an opium like substance from a hookah.
