1. What memory of Alice in Wonderland has left you the biggest impression?

Zane: I always loved how Alice grows and shrinks throughout the story. I really like how it makes the familiar new and unusual. I also love the image of sailing on an ocean of your own tears.

Cassie: For me, Alice's descent down the rabbit hole will always be the most iconic and pivotal moment in her story. It's the moment that catapults her from reality into fantasy, and the moment when her journey begins. The imagery of her falling into the deepest place in her imagination also holds so much weight-the fear, the curiosity, the way time and reality warp around her, is all really powerful. It's the moment I am most excited to create in this show.

2. What character(s) are you playing and what's your inspiration for your act?

Zane: As a shadow puppeteer, I don't get to play a specific character but I'm most excited about creating the world of Wonderland; it's such a fantastical place that bringing it to life will be a very cool challenge.

Cassie: We're crafting the shadow landscape, using our own unique style of shadow puppetry & live animation. We're generally inspired by cinema and film noir, so there will definitely be elements of both of those genres layered into the shadow puppetry. For me, I'm inspired by the possibilities. Because Wonderland is an expansive world, it means that there are no limitations to create a world that is tethered to reality. This is an opportunity for us to play with new and different mediums and materials, and we're both really excited about that.

3. What's your favorite tea and snack combo?

Zane: A nice black tea with a little sugar and milk and a Tim Tam slam. Here's how to properly do a Tim Tam Slam:

Step 1: Hold the biscuit between your thumb and index finger.

Step 2: Take a small bite out of one corner of the biscuit. Repeat with the opposite corner.

Step 3: Hold your biscuit at one of the unbitten corners.

Step 4: Use the Tim Tam like a straw to suck the hot liquid through the biscuit.

Step 5: Slam the entire, sodden biscuit into your mouth.

Step 6: Repeat until you feel physically ill.

Cassie: This is a tough one because I LOVE tea. I think if I had to choose my favorite combo, it would be something like Golden Monkey (or Jin Hou), which is a Chinese black tea, combined with an earl gray tea cake. Or really any cake, let's be real.

1. What memory of Alice in Wonderland has left you the biggest impression?

Definitely the tea party with the Mad Hatter. Alice doesn't know the rules and simply never gets to drink a cup of tea! I remember having so many dreams and experiences like this as a child where I felt like I was making mistakes in a situation I found myself in suddenly. Now as an adult I realize I can always ask questions or establish my own boundaries.

2. What character(s) are you playing and what's your inspiration for your act?

I play the White Rabbit! An anxious little character who's in a rush to make an appointment! His tendency to get distracted over and over again despite crunching for time is so relatable. In this production, I will take his acrobatic bounce up some levels (literally into the air!). Despite my agility and familiarity with the land, you'll soon find out why Alice keeps catching up to me.

3. What's your favorite tea and snack combo?

I prefer savory food, so my pick is barley tea with something like onigiri!

1. What memory of Alice in Wonderland has left you the biggest impression?

The scene that left the largest impression on me was the walrus eating up the baby clams - particularly I was struck by how terrifying it was.

2. What character(s) are you playing and what's your inspiration for your act?

In this production I am portraying the Caterpillar and Tweedle Dee. My characters are opposites in some ways - one leisurely and relaxed, one explosive and in-your-face. I also play one of the Queen's card soldiers - the most amazing part of the show will be how fast I can change costumes!

3. What's your favorite tea and snack combo?

Earl Grey tea with chocolate dipped shortbread cookies.

1. How do you prepare for your role?

In this instance where the character work is based on the movie, I prepare by watching the movie a number of times as well as taking notes. It's helpful for me to familiarize myself with the characters that I will be playing.

2. What is your favorite childhood story?

Alice in Wonderland :)

3. What would you rather have, a tail or extra arms?

A tail.

1. What memory of Alice in Wonderland has left you the biggest impression?

I remember how Alice kept changing her size to manage through the struggles the most. It seemed like she was figuring out if growing up was better or staying as a child was better to fit the confusing world.

2. What character(s) are you playing and what's your inspiration for your act?

I am excited to play mainly as Cheshire Cat and a bit as Card. How amazing to have a go to be sassy and play cat and mouse in a fun costume on stage?!

3. What's your favorite tea and snack combo?

I have been addicted to coffee, straight black coffee since I was a preteen. I don’t really need anything for snacks but…..I would happily take a couple of macaroons with my coffee!

1. What memory of Alice in Wonderland has left you the biggest impression?

When The Mad Hatter ruins the white rabbits pocket watch that was two days slow. I love when he spreads butter and jam on it with the knife then when offered mustard he says "don't be silly...now lemon that's different" and squeezes lemon juice into the watch. Then as the watch goes mad he says "I can't understand, it was the very best butter".

2. What character(s) are you playing and what's your inspiration for your act?

The Mad Hatter is my favorite (and arguably the best) character in the story and I'm very excited to learn into the chaotic energy of the character. In addiction to the Mad Hatter I will also be portraying Tweedle Dum and a Card Soldier and want to collaborate to create acts and scenes that are fun and memorable for the audience and everyone involved.

3. What's your favorite tea and snack combo?

I love tea! Lately I've been jiving with Osmanthus Oolong, but I've always loved Gok Bo with lou po beng or Matcha with daifuku... or mint tea. Too many options!