Artistic Director’s Note
Welcome to the GCPA Youth Theatre Company’s monumental 10th season! As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment to delivering challenging, thoughtprovoking and “out-of-the-box” youth theatre experiences remains unwavering We are ready to embark on a season filled with laughter, gorgeous music, epic dances, and transformative stories, inviting you to be immersed in the magic of live theater
In this season’s Mainstage productions, we invite you to rock out with School of Rock, a high-energy adaptation of the Jack Black film that showcases the power of music to inspire and uplift Following this, we delve into the rich tapestry of Ragtime, a poignant exploration of diverse lives interwoven by the threads of history and music. Two distinct narratives, united by the universal language of melody, promise to captivate your senses and leave you humming tunes long after the curtain falls.
This summer, our theatrical voyage takes a plunge first into the depths of the ocean with Finding Nemo. This registration-based show caters to all young enthusiasts, offering a KIDS version for ages 6-11 and a JUNIOR version for ages 11-14. Dive into the enchanting world of GCPA magic without the pressure of formal auditions. Performers learn and practice the process of preparing and skill building, auditioning, casting, rehearsing and performing, all as part of the program! They will experience full GCPA production value, bringing to life the heartwarming tale of Nemo’s underwater escapades.
Our middle school audition-based production gets some underwater fun as well, with SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition Join SpongeBob and your beloved Bikini Bottom residents on a spirited mission to save their home Through catchy tunes collaborated from some of the most celebrated pop, rock and musical theatre artists of the last few decades, combined with the endearing, hilarious and iconic characters of the SpongeBob universe, this production promises a sea of laughter and lessons on friendship that will resonate with audiences of all ages
Concluding our subterranean adventures, we proudly present Alice by Heart Set against the backdrop of World War II, this poignant story follows two young friends seeking refuge in an underground bunker To ease the pain of her dying friend, our protagonist recounts the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland - “by heart” - infusing magic and whimsy into their confined and difficult world as they merge through imagination into Wonderland. The power of friendship through a journey of grief take center stage in this evocative production, reminding us of the enduring impact of storytelling even in the darkest times. Alice By Heart is open by audition to actors ages 14-19.
As we embark on this celebratory season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our patrons, supporters, and the talented casts and crews who make GCPA a beacon of creativity. Here’s to a season filled with unforgettable moments, laughter that echoes through the halls, and the experience only live theater can provide. Welcome to a decade of dreams, drama, and dazzling performances at GCPA! If you like what you see, please consider joining us on our mission to provide quality, challenging, and out-of-the-box theatre for STL youth. See our shows, take our classes, spread the word, volunteer, or donate We’d love your story with GCPA to begin today ox
Artistic Director
Welcome to the Big Blue World!
Finding Nemo is about acceptance, growing up, and letting your kids grow up. The title character, Nemo, was born with a “lucky fin” smaller than the other His “lucky fin” and the incident that caused it before Nemo’s egg hatched makes Marlin, Nemo’s dad, overprotective of Nemo and somewhat of a helicopter parent Nemo has been sheltered his whole life by Marlin, and on his first day of school, he goes too far to prove that he’s just as strong and capable as the other kids. Nemo tries to swim up to a boat at which the reef kids are marveling, but he is captured by a scuba diver’s net and taken away. And here begins the adventures of Finding Nemo.
When Marlin sees Nemo get captured, his worst fears as a parent are realized This is relatable for all of us – something bad happening to someone we love and worse, not being able to do anything to stop it. It’s an emotional start to this story. I’m sure we all hope to find ourselves in Marlin - embarking on a determined quest to save them What’s perhaps not so simple are the unexpected challenges Marlin has to face along the way: overcoming feelings of guilt, his fear of the ocean, his general anxious outlook toward the world, and ultimately, letting go and trusting the amazing person Nemo is becoming. He meets many different creatures along the way, just as Nemo meets many different creatures where the scuba diver takes him as well. This ocean community helps shape them both and teaches them so much more about themselves and each other that they never would have seen otherwise
The many different characters in Finding Nemo allow young actors to learn about all the different people in the world, their intrinsic beauty and value, and the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness Theatre teaches empathy That is why it is so vitally important for young actors to work on shows like Finding Nemo, where so many types of characters are represented. The wildly populated sea of creatures provides a brilliant metaphor for the wonderfully diverse world we live in and the many people we encounter - all who are all worthy of dignity and care And It provides the backdrop for a simple but powerful message: We need each other.
I’m so grateful to have worked on this show that emphasizes this to young actors and gives so many the opportunity to see a part of themselves in theatre
Thank you, and just keep swimming!
