Ages 14 - 18
PG-13
Professional Focus Production^
CLICK HERE to sign up for your audition. (Full details below and in audition form
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece...and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.
The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
*Actors must be 14 by July 1st and no older than 18 on August 9th to participate.
^PROFESSIONAL FOCUS PRODUCTION
Into the Woods 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.
CLICK HERE to sign up for your audition.
Auditions will be held February 28th - March 1st, 2025.
Actors must be 14 by July 1st and no older than 18 on August 10th to participate.*
Friday, February 28th:
7 - 9:30 pm Into the Woods Vocal Appointments
Saturday, March 1st:
9 am - 12 pm Into the Woods Vocal Appointments
Sunday, March 2nd:
11 - 12 pm Into the Woods Movement Callback
12 - 9 pm Into the Woods Callbacks Downstairs
We will accept video submissions but highly recommend attending in person.
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.
MOVEMENT CALLBACKS:
A short movement combination will be taught. You will be notified at your vocal audition if we would like to see you at the movement 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 1st.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:
Attending auditions in person is much preferred. 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, February 28th.
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.
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.
Lawrence is a St. Louis native multidisciplinary artist, now residing in Chicago. Lawrence's experience in theatre & dance has varied in scope, serving as; Stage Manager for 8 musicals with Gateway Center for Performing Arts (and is excited to return to this role), Assistant Stage Manager for Rebels & Misfits' Macbeth, Teaching Artist in Dance at Yes Honey Studio, St. Louis Dancing Classrooms, & Bella Body & Co. Lawrence has also been Frank & Dance Captain for Stray Dog Theatre's Dreamgirls, and is also the recipient of an Arts for Life Best Achievement in Choreography award for their work on bare: A Pop Opera.
Hover over the images to learn more about the Creative Team!
Join the Youth Creative Team! CLICK HERE to apply!
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 2nd except for emergency circumstances. If you plan to audition for the MUNY, please fully communicate your
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
August 1st - 7th
Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd - 9 am - 9 pm (may not use entire time frame)
August 3rd - 7th: 4 pm - 10 pm
Performances:
Friday, August 8th at 7 pm
Saturday, August 9th at 2 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, August 10th at 2 pm
Performances held at
Lutheran Souths brand new facility
9515 Tesson Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123
Strike Sunday, August 10th. 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.
Into the Woods 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.
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 Into the Woods 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.
Into the Woods is rated PG -13 for dark themes, heavy material, and innuendo.