Alice by Heart
Auditions
Book By:
Steven Sater &
Jessie Nelson
Music By:
Duncan Sheik
Lyrics By:
Steven Sater
Vocal Direction By:
Daniel Evan Castro
Choreography By:
Amanda Ruhl
Directed By:
Keri Burman Castro
Overview
WHERE IMAGINATION BECOMES SURVIVAL
Alice by Heart is not just another musical—it’s an emotional plunge into a dreamscape built from memory, courage, and the desperate need to escape when the real world becomes too heavy to bear. Inspired by Lewis Carroll but transformed into something far more intimate and haunting, this story invites you into a Wonderland cracked open by war and stitched together by imagination.
In this production, Wonderland isn’t a place you visit. It’s a place you create—a world where familiar characters twist into new forms, where music pulses through grief and hope, and where two friends fight to hold on to each other as their world collapses around them. The show blends surreal imagery, poetic storytelling, dark humor, and a sweeping score that moves like a heartbeat.
This is a musical for performers who want to dive deep—emotionally, physically, vocally, and creatively. It challenges you to shift between reality and fantasy, to embody characters shaped by trauma and wonder, and to explore how imagination becomes a lifeline when everything else is uncertain.
If you’re ready to take risks, build bold characters, experiment with movement, and help create a world that feels both unsettling and beautiful, then Alice by Heart is calling you down the tunnel.
Synopsis
Set in the rubble of London during World War II, Alice by Heart follows a young girl who escapes into the pages of her favorite book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to survive the chaos around her. As bombs fall overhead, Alice drags her best friend Alfred into a surreal, dreamlike world where imagination becomes a lifeline and memory becomes a maze.
Inside this fractured Wonderland, familiar characters appear in haunting new forms, pushing Alice to confront grief, love, and the fear of letting go. What begins as an escape becomes a journey of self-discovery as she learns that sometimes the only way out is through.
A whimsical, poetic, and emotionally charged piece, Alice by Heart blends fantasy and reality in a story about courage, healing, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Author Information
Steven Sater won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score, as well as the Grammy Award, both the NY and UK Drama Critics' Circle, and the Olivier Award for Best New Musical for Spring Awakening. A revival of Spring Awakening, produced by Deaf West Theatre, was Tony-nominated for Best Musical Revival. The recent Almeida Theatre revival received the London Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Musical. In November 2021, the original Broadway cast reunited for a one-night benefit, which is now the subject of the HBO documentary, Spring Awakening: Those You've Known . Sater's other musicals include Alice by Heart (National Theatre of London, MCC Theater, novel version from Razorbill/Penguin Random House); The Nightingale (La Jolla Playhouse); Prometheus Bound (A.R.T.); Nero (Magic Theatre, NYSAF, forthcoming in London); and Some Lovers (music by Burt Bacharach, The Old Globe, Grammy-nominated album from Broadway Records). His pop songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael Bublé, Dionne Warwick, and Leslie Odom Jr. TikTok: @steven_sater. Instagram: @stevensater
Jessie Nelson wrote the musical Waitress with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. The show played on Broadway for 4 years and moved to the West End in London. Sara and Jessie went on to create the show Little Voice which they Executive Produced with JJ Abrams for Apple TV. Jessie wrote, directed and produced Corrina Corrina and I Am Sam staring Sean Penn, who received an Academy Award nomination for his performance. Among her other directing credits are Curb Your Enthusiasm and Love, the Coopers with Diane Keaton. Her writing credits include Step Mom and The Story of Us . She produced Fred Claus and Danny Collins . In London, Jessie directed Alice By Heart which she co-wrote with Steven Sater with music by Duncan Sheik at the National Theater Connections Program and again at MCC in NYC. She began her career as an actress at the Public Theater working with the award-winning experimental theater Mabou Mines and at the New York Shakespeare Festival. She wrote the children's book Labracadabra. She has been the artistic Director of the Sundance Screen Writers Lab.
DUNCAN SHEIK is a Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist who launched his career in 1996 with his Grammy nominated self-titled debut album. Sheik is the composer for the critically acclaimed musical Spring Awakening, which went on to win eight Tony Awards in 2007, including awards for Best Orchestrations and Best Original Score. The album earned Sheik a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. In years since, Sheik has released multiple albums, most recently Claptrap in 2022 and American Psycho: Original London Cast Recording, with lyrics and music written by Sheik, premiered in the U.S. on Broadway in 2016 after a sold-out London run. His most recent theater projects include Alice By Heart, The Secret Life of Bees, Because of Winn Dixie, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Nero, and Noir.
Theatre credits include; Spring Awakening (2006) Tony Awards for “Best Original Score” and “Best
Orchestrations,” 2008 Grammy Award for “Best Musical Show Album”, The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida Theatre in London April 2023, Atlantic Theatre Company 2019), Noir (The Alley Theatre 2022), Nero (London 2023), Memoirs of An Amorous Gentleman (In Development), Alice by Heart (MCC Theater 2019), Because of Winn-Dixie (Goodspeed Opera House 2019, Alabama Shakespeare Festival 2017, Delaware Theatre Company 2015), Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (The New Group 2020), Whisper House (London 2017, Old Globe Theater 2011), American Psycho (2016).
Recordings include; Claptrap (2022) American Psycho Original London Cast Recording (2016), Legerdemain (2015) Covers 80s (Sneaky Records 2011), Whisper House (Sony 2009), Spring Awakening (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (2006), White Limousine (Rounder 2006), Daylight (Atlantic Records 2002), Phantom Moon (Nonesuch 2001), Humming (Atlantic Records 1998), Duncan Sheik (Atlantic Records 1996).
Production Team Information
Keri Burman Castro: (Director) has directed more than fifty productions across Northwest Indiana, including multiple regional premieres. Her most recent work includes Cabaret at Valparaiso University, Hadestown: Teen Edition, Shrek, and SIX: Teen Edition for Playact Theatre, Something Rotten Jr. for Premier Performance, Anastasia at Valparaiso University, and the regional premiere of Beetlejuice Jr. for Premier Performance. Last fall, she also appeared onstage as Margaret Johnson in Playact’s The Light in the Piazza.
As a professional actor, Keri has performed in productions across the United States and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. She holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre Directing from Roosevelt University in Chicago, as well as degrees in Music and Theatre from Oklahoma Baptist University and The American Musical & Dramatic Academy.
Keri is endlessly grateful to her husband, Daniel, whose creativity, partnership, and support make every production possible. She is passionate about nurturing young artists and creating inclusive, collaborative spaces where creativity and confidence can thrive. @playacttheatre
Daniel Evan Castro (Music Director) is an educator, and multi-discipline theatre artist with a passion for shaping bold, expressive performances. As co-founder of Playact Theatre, he has helped build a space where young artists can grow through rigorous training, supportive mentorship, and high-level creative work. Daniel has music-directed and choreographed productions across Northwest Indiana and at Valparaiso University, including Shrek, Six: Teen Edition, Hadestown: Teen Edition, Cabaret, and upcoming projects such as Alice By Heart and Matilda. He is known for his sharp musical instincts, collaborative rehearsal style, and his ability to coach singers toward honest, energized storytelling. Daniel believes in creating an environment where students feel challenged, encouraged, and safe to take creative risks. His goal is simple: help every performer raise their artistic ceiling while celebrating the joy and discipline of musical theatre.
Amanda Ruhl (Choreographer) is a dance educator known for her dynamic movement style and her ability to bring out confidence and clarity in young performers. She has worked throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, creating choreography for musicals, competitive teams, and studio training programs. Amanda specializes in storytelling through movement and is skilled at teaching dancers of all levels, from beginners finding their footing to advanced performers refining their technique. At Playact Theatre, she works closely with actors to build movement that feels honest, expressive, and rooted in character. Amanda is passionate about fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks, push themselves, and grow. Her goal is always to help performers discover their own voice in the work while developing strong technical and artistic foundations.
Character Breakdown
Alice Spencer / Alice: Full of questions, wonder, and a tenacious stubbornness when it comes to achieving her goals. Entering a confusing time of transition in her body while trying to survive a distressed situation — living in a tube station, displaced from her family. Possesses a wonderful imagination that allows her to escape her present situation. Must believably play age 15. Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: G3
Alfred Hallam / White Rabbit / March Hare: Alice's ailing childhood friend. Alfred contracted tuberculosis while living on the streets and is now being cared for by a small medical staff in the Underground station. Doubles as White Rabbit: Attractive, obsessive-compulsive, and a little manic - running from something he doesn't understand. Strong contemporary pop/rock singing voice. Must believably play age 18. Vocal range top: A4. Vocal range bottom: B2
Young Alice: Must play between the ages of 6 and 10. Featured in flashbacks. Vocal range top: A#4. Vocal range bottom: F#4
Young Alfred: Must play between the ages of 6 and 10. Vocal range bottom: C#4
Red Cross Nurse / Queen of Hearts: Also appears in the show as Queen of Hearts. Tough, funny, take-charge. Dominates her husband and gets what she wants. Big singing voice with belt. Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: F#3. Must believably play age 30-50.
Harold Pudding / Mad Hatter: To play late teens to early 20s; preening; demanding; full of riddles; also plays "Harold Pudding," a soldier who has lost his wits in the war who is manic, funny, charming and nuts. Vocal range top: F4.. Vocal range bottom: C3
Tabatha/Cheshire Cat: Smart; streetwise; has gravity. Also appears in the show as Cheshire Cat. Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Dodgy / Duchess: A somewhat flamboyant street urchin with sticky fingers. Requires drag for song, comedic chops required. Gender: male. Vocal range top: E4. Vocal range bottom: C3
Clarissa / Queen of Diamonds: An upper-class young girl who finds herself in the Underground with the rest of the survivors. Doubles as Queen of Diamonds. Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: B3
Nigel / Dormouse / Knave of Clubs: A young boy who has been traumatized by the bombs and the loss of his family. Doubles as Dormouse and Knave of Clubs. Vocal range top: Bb4. Vocal range bottom: E3
Angus / Caterpillar 1: A working class youth with a penchant for escapism. Doubles as Caterpillar 1. Vocal range top: B4. Vocal range bottom: F3
Dr. Butridge / King Of Hearts / Jabberwocky: Falling apart and anxious to a comic extent, a la Larry David. A nervous yet somehow still threatening doctor tasked with managing the Underground station. Doubles as Jabberwocky, King Of Hearts. Character singing voice. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: C3. Should be able to believably play ages 35-45.
Caterpillar 2: Vocal range top: C5. Vocal range bottom: Ab3
ENSEMBLE: Looking for 3-4 dynamic ensemble members who will be students in the tube, as well as play roles in Wonderland. Looking for strong movers/dancers.
Important Dates & Location
Audition Dates:
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 8, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Callback:
Feb 11, 2026
First Rehearsal: Feb 18, 2026
Performs: May 8-10
Location:
Playact Theatre
651 W. Morgan Ave, Chesterton, IN 46304 [enter Door #11 (Pool Entrance) and proceed to suite D-146]
Audition Requirements
All auditioners will prepare one monologue, one song of your choice, and one song from the show (materials are listed in the “Provided Materials” section). There will also be a dance/movement component at auditions.
(1) Register for Your Audition
Once you've read everything you needed to know on this page, register for your audition by CLICKING HERE
(2) Download and Fill Out The Audition Packet
Click Here To Download the Information Packet
(3) Headshot and Résumé (Optional)
You may include a headshot and résumé, but they are not required.
(4) Monologue
30–60 second monologue from a classic play. No Shakespeare. Comedic or dramatic is fine, as long as it feels grounded and truthful.
(5) Song
Prepare a 60–90 second vocal selection (appox 32 bars) in the style of Alice By Heart. Memorized.
This piece should not be from the show. Choose something that showcases your range, storytelling, and character work.
Movement/Dance (Callback Only)
Movement plays an important role in this production. All auditioners should come dressed appropriately for movement, as there will be a dance call as part of the audition process.
A Note to Dancers
Dancers are fully encouraged to audition using the requirements above.
We value strong movers and physical storytellers, and the creative team will place you where your strengths shine. Even if dance is your primary discipline, please prepare the same materials as actors.