KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts presents
the WORLD PREMIERE of Chasing Alice in Celebration of its 40th year of Actor Training
(Opens August 9th and runs through August 18th)
KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts is proud to announce their Summer theatrical production of
Chasing Alice, a contemporary adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Dallas
theatre artist and educator Tom Parr IV.
Prepare to jump down a strangely familiar rabbit hole — or shall we say, back alley — with the mysteriously whimsical
cast of Chasing Alice. This contemporary adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland calls upon
audiences to: step into the shadows they often choose to avoid; take a closer look at situations often deemed none of
their business; and lend an ear to those who cry out for help. Follow the character Carl Lewis as he desperately
searches for Alice in the least likely of places in hopes to reunite her with her family. With contemporary characters,
ingenious plot twists, breathtaking effects, and an array of various theatrical styles, this play is a fresh look at one of
the most influential works of fiction of the last two hundred years.
Chasing Alice and KD Conservatory actors Kelsey Ray as Cookie, Ely Ramos as The Cat and Jordan Mercado as Wits. Photographer Tom Parr IV.
Director and playwright Tom Parr IV explains why he chose to adapt Carroll’s famous novel:
“I have always been fascinated with Lewis Carroll’s imagination. Writers like Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkein, and George
R.R. Martin have this nearly beyond-human ability to generate entire, fantastical universes through their creative
gifts. In the theatre, that’s what we attempt to do, but we are constrained by the dimensional limitations of a theatre
space. When developing a play like Chasing Alice, it challenges the director and the actors to create Carroll’s
fantastical universe. The ensemble must utilize the entirety of our theatrical skills. It is our responsibility to give
justice to his work through movement, voice, design, and imagination.”
KD Conservatory’s School Director Mike Schraeder was thrilled when Parr proposed Chasing Alice for KD’s 2018-
2019 season and for the school’s 40 th Anniversary:
“I’ve known Tom since our time as theatre students at Baylor University. He has been one of my closest friends for
nearly twenty-five years. We trained together, started Second Thought Theatre together, and have collaborated on at
least twenty shows. When I read Chasing Alice, I knew what Tom would be able to do with this show. The play
requires the use of several theatrical styles: realism, Brechtian, musical theatre, and Tom’s own artistic stylings. The
show is a collage of theatrical mystery and beauty. I cannot wait for audiences to see his work and the work of KD’s
students.”
The talented cast bringing Parr’s characters to life is comprised of KD Conservatory students from the school’s
Acting, Musical Theatre, and Motion Picture Production degree programs.
Chasing Alice opens August 9, 2019 and runs through August 18 th at the T.A. Taylor Theatre at KD Conservatory,
2600 N. Stemmons Frwy., Ste. 117, Dallas, TX 75207. Showtimes are August 9th and 10th at 7:30 pm, August 11 th at
2:00 pm., August 16 th and 17 th at 7:30 pm, August 18 th at 2:00 pm. For tickets, please contact KD Conservatory’s Box
Office at 214-638-0484 or purchase online at https://chasingalice.brownpapertickets.com/
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for KD Conservatory Students and Alumni. Please note that this
show contains some adult content and is intended for viewers ages 14 and up.
Chasing Alice and KD Conservatory actor Eric Kirton as Carl. Photograph by Tom Parr IV.
Celebrating 40 years of professional training, KD Conservatory is dedicated to the development of actors and
filmmakers and to the creation of avenues into the professional world of entertainment. KD’s students develop skills
that enable them to realize their full potential in the theatre and film industries in a supportive and creative
environment.
If you would like more information about KD Conservatory’s play Chasing Alice or their degree programs and
workshops, please call (214) 638-0484, or email admissions@kdstudio.com. Visit us at