Behind the scenes of Alice in Wonderland
When the Stage Becomes a Space of Trust: Behind the Scenes of Alice in Wonderland at Apolline
It’s a special moment at the Apolline Fest. Just before the lights dim and the curtain rises on Alice in Wonderland, two young actresses stand backstage, ready to step into the spotlight. In their eyes, the same spark — a mix of excitement and the nervous thrill of a big night.
Discovering an Artistic World
Laïs, 9, has been doing musical theater for two and a half years. “My mom works in a theater and one day she told me I could give it a try. I said, ‘Yes, I want to do it!’” she says with a smile. Since then, she’s fallen in love with the stage.
Doria, 12, joined Apolline after a difficult experience elsewhere. “At my old school, the teachers weren’t nice… Here, it’s completely different. People encourage me, they help me.” For her, returning to theater and circus arts alongside her mom has become a new, caring adventure.
Learning to Tame Stage Fright
Just minutes before curtain time, both girls admit they feel a mix of excitement and nerves. “Yes, I get stage fright,” Laïs confesses. Doria shares her trick: “You can make a square with your breathing… I inhale and exhale like that, breathing in a square.”
These small rituals show how far they’ve come. At Apolline, children learn not only how to act, but also how to manage their emotions — turning stage fright into positive energy.
Tailor-Made Roles and Personalized Support
Throughout the year, Laïs prepared her part, carefully chosen by her teacher to help her grow. “She gave me a role where I had to scare Alice,” she says proudly. Later, she was given the role of the March Hare because she already knew the lines well, even though she didn’t feel ready for a solo.
Here, nothing is forced. Each child progresses at their own pace, encouraged to take on challenges that fit their personality.
The Magic of Being a Team
When asked what they love most about musical theater, the answer comes instantly. “For me, it’s when we’re all on stage together, with the music,” says Laïs. “I love that too,” adds Doria.
More than just a show, these moments capture the joy of being part of a group — building a shared story where everyone contributes their voice, their movement, their energy.
A Springboard for the Future
As rehearsals go by, an artistic future begins to take shape. “It’s something I’d like to do when I’m older,” says Laïs, her eyes shining. For both girls, musical theater is more than a hobby — it’s a school of life. They learn to express themselves, to gain confidence, and to trust their own abilities.
A Reflection of Apolline’s Mission
Through their words, the school’s philosophy shines through: to offer every child a place to express themselves freely, nurture their creativity, and grow — all within a caring, professional environment.
Far from an elitist conservatory, yet much more than an after-school activity, Apolline is that rare place where children truly grow — together, through art.
And that afternoon, in the packed hall of the Apolline Fest, when the curtain finally rose, the audience witnessed far more than a performance. They saw children gaining confidence, sharing their joy, and inspiring an entire crowd — just for a moment, but one that will be remembered.