The City of Gladstone and Van and Susie Ibsen co-founded Gladstone Theatre in the Park. In 1988, our first production was "Oliver!" Presented on a portable, plywood stage, this first season was modestly produced without a band, dressing rooms, or even programs. However, in 1989 the North Star Community Band joined the production team to provide pit music for each performance.
The first permanent stage was built in 1992 and in 2002 it burnt down as a result of arson. The Amphitheatre, as it stands today, was built bigger and better...the only amphitheatre in the area that rivals it is Starlight. Now twenty- three years and over 100 performances later, the Theatre in the Park will perform "Flyer: The Musical Story of the Wright Brothers" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie".
The average cast consists of 65 men, women and children ages 10 years or older who volunteer an average of 83 hours each between rehearsals and the three productions. We invite you to come and be part of the excitement of a production.
The All Call Open Auditions will be held on Sunday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 9th. Auditions are open to anyone, and will be held at Antioch Middle School, 2100 NE 65th Street, Gladstone, Missouri. No experience is necessary and no prepared material is needed. Those auditioning will be asked to sing and dance. Dance clothes and dance shoes are recommended. Parents must sign audition terms for participants under 16 years of age. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to audition time.
Audition times are: 1:00 p.m. Ages 10 - 12 years
2:00 p.m. Ages 13 - 15 years
3:00 p.m. Ages 16 - 19 years
4:00 p.m. Ages 20 & up
The City of Gladstone hosts an annual Theatre in the Park Golf Tournament as a fund-raiser to off- set the costs of equipment, such as microphones, specialized lighting fixtures and lighting trusses.
If you have any questions, need any other information, or want to get involved in any capacity, please contact Amie at (816) 423-4085 or the Parks & Recreation departments at (816) 423-4091.
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