Children's Performing Arts in Jacksonville
Riverside Children's Arts Center is proud to have one of Jacksonville's fastest-growing theatre programs for children! Our first show was Rumplestiltskin in 2019. It was a short, 10-minute show with a cast of six that presented as part of a showcase demonstration of all our spring classes. The stage was being used as a storage space at the time, and the kids used a tiny corner of the stage to perform with no set, no costumes, and minimal props. Now, just three years later, we have got a truly unique educational theatre program with complete sets, costumes, and props. Our program is designed to build confidence, poise, and teamwork skills that will be useful no matter what they choose to do in their life ahead.
What makes our theatre program different? To put it simply, our realistic, albeit kinder representation of the way things work "in the real world." Our main stage shows are audition only; not everyone who auditions will always get a part or have lots of lines. Actors who miss rehearsals or are disruptive can be re-cast. This all might sound scary, but it is genuinely beneficial! The only way to truly understand how a theatre works is to experience it firsthand.
Not quite ready for the scary-fun thrill of an actual audition? Riverside Children's Arts Center offers excellent acting classes; all children enrolled will perform on stage at the end if they feel ready.
A Christmas Carol - Fall 2022
Mommy's a Zombie! - Spring 2022
Simply Cinderella - Fall 2021
Belle And That Beast Guy - Spring 2021
Upcoming Auditions!
Open to ages 17 and under
Auditions
Thursday, March 2, 2023
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
You may show up any time before 8:00 pm.
Cast Orientation & Read Through
March 23, 2023
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Parents strongly encouraged to attend with their child. This is where we will discuss all the expectations of the cast and answer questions.
Rehearsals
3/30, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/10, 5/11, 5/15, 5/16, 5/17, & 5/18
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cast and crew only, please.
Performances
May 19th & 20th
Call Time: 5:30 pm | Doors @ 7:00 pm, show @ 7:30pm
Can't be at auditions? Download this monologue here, and upload a video of you reciting it as the character for which you are auditioning
at the link below.
Important Notes:
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There is no cost to audition or participate in this program, however, everyone age 2 years and older, including families of the cast, must purchase a ticket in order to attend the performance(s).
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Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and improv activities.
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Children must be able to read on the stage without assistance in order to be considered for casting.
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Missing a single rehearsal for any reason may result in your part being recast. Please look at the rehearsal schedule, and be prepared to list your conflicts at the auditions. If you are cast, only the conflicts listed on your audition form will be excused.
See the frequently asked questions below.
Characters:
Alice: The young protagonist. Very curious. Thinks grown ups have it all figured out.
Rabbit: Frantic, terrible time management skills, overly critical of themselves.
Queen of Hearts: Bossy, angry and unreasonable. Often asks to speak to the manager.
King of Hearts: His motto is, "Happy wife, happy life."
Cheshire Cat: An imaginary cat that explains things to Alice.
Duchess: The queen's cousin. Mean at first, but then way too affectionate.
Caterpillar: A slacker hipster know-it-all. They hate everything mainstream, and think all music sounds better on vinyl.
Mad Hatter: He thinks life is a non-stop party, and he's rude to anyone who doesn't agree.
March Hare: Annoying, enjoys making people upset just because.
Mock Turtle: Overly sentimental and self-absorbed.
Laura: Alices teenage sister, likes to pretend she's a grown up who has everything figured out.
Ensemble: 3-4 kids who will play various smaller characters and extra roles throughout the show. Must be comfortable with a speaking part.
Questions people ask about every show:
Will you really recast my part if I miss one rehearsal? We might. There are a limited number of rehearsals, and we need people who are dedicated to putting on a great show. You are expected to be at every rehearsal for which you are scheduled. Look at the schedule, and tell us about any conflicts you have. If cast, the conflicts you listed on your audition form will be your only excused rehearsals.
What if I forgot to list a conflict on my audition form? If we haven't cast you yet, let us know so we can add it to your form. Once you are cast, only the conflicts listed on your form will be excused.
What if I'm sick? This will be handled on a case by case basis, but yes, your part may be recast if you miss a rehearsal because you are sick. Please take care of yourself, and try to keep yourself healthy. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of water, and wash your hands often.
What if I break a bone? "Break a leg," but not literally. For liability reasons, we cannot cast anyone with a broken bone. Additionally, we must recast your role if you break a bone after you are cast. Go easy on the extreme sports until after the performances.
Do we have to pay to be in the show? No. Participation is free.
Do families of the cast get to see the performances for free? No. Everyone who wants a seat, or is over 2 years old must purchase a ticket.
Have additional questions? Email rcacartsdirector@gmail.com