2025 CALL FOR MODELS

STEP RIGHT UP AND JOIN THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

Part artistic spectacle, part fashion show, part underground ball—ALTBALL is a unique creative showcase that is both *of* the community and *for* the community.

For over 35 years, DOORWAYS has provided emergency housing and supportive services for individuals living with HIV in St. Louis and across Missouri and Illinois. Each year DOORWAYS’ programs serve over 3,000 clients facing homelessness and poverty with wrap-around services to stabilize and rebuild their lives.

ALTBALL celebrates the strength, resilience and beauty of this community—demonstrating what’s possible when everyone is free to be and express themselves at the height of their potential. Designers, artists, drag queens, circus performers, ballroom legends and community leaders will showcase inspired avant-garde creations on the runway while raising funds for DOORWAYS’ programs.

It’s going to be a thrilling show—and models won’t just be walking a straight-faced catwalk. This is a performance. We’re looking for unique and energetic models, dancers, drag artists, ballroom icons and legends of all kinds to help command the runway and bring ALTBALL to life.

Interested in participating? APPLY HERE

Read on for details and be sure to fill out the Model Questionnaire below to be considered for this year’s event.

2025 THEME: RINGLEADER

Following a wildly-successful inaugural year, ALTBALL is thrilled to be moving to a bigger stage for our 2025 event: The Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District.

Built in Italy by two of the world’s premier manufacturers, the tent is designed to showcase a real main event—featuring state-of-the-art sound, lights, rigging and video fit for world-class productions.

And we’re leaning all the way in, creating an elevated circus experience for attendees and a theme that will inspire talent to showcase truly surprising and alluring creations.

RINGLEADER will conjure vintage French cirque and inject it with the avant-garde energy of queer club kid expression. View the moodboard to catch the vibes.

DETAILS

WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S THEME ALL ABOUT?

DOORWAYS’ mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by HIV, illness and poverty—advancing their stability and well-being through housing, health and hope.

All too often, those living with HIV have been cast in role similar to the sideshow performer: as spectacles on the fringes, their humanity obscured by labels and misconceptions. Ridiculed for their differences, unfairly ostracized, constantly navigating a tightrope of stigma, fear and misunderstanding.

Yet like the most captivating circus acts, DOORWAYS’ clients possess a resilience and strength that—if truly seen—can transform onlookers from gawkers to admirers. RINGLEADER puts this strength on display at the center of the ring, demonstrating what’s possible when everyone is free to be and express themselves at the height of their potential.

SO WHAT KIND OF LOOKS WILL YOU BE SHOWING?

By way of style, ALTBALL draws inspiration from international fashion houses, Club Kids and underground ball culture alike. Translation: this is an opportunity to go big, over-the-top, or avant-garde. We’re looking for a diverse set of artists to surprise attendees with distinct and standout looks that may not fit the mold of a traditional runway.

Designs may be for any gender expression and are not limited to a particular form—so long as it’s fit for a ball, hunty.

HOW WILL YOU SELECT MODELS?

We’ll present interested model profiles to confirmed designers and work to match based on their needs, concepts and preferences.

To note: the ALTBALL runway is a performance—so we’re looking for models ready to serve and have a good time. Professional modeling experience is not required; it you have dance, ballroom, drag or performance experience we’d love to know about it.

WILL MODELS BE PAID?

Despite being a charitable event, we’re fiercely committed to ensuring that ALTBALL is accessible and recognizes creatives for their work. Selected models will be paid an honorarium for their time ($100) and will also be free to utilize photo and video from the event with proper attribution.

IS THIS A JUDGED COMPETITION?

First and foremost, this is a showcase of what our community is capable of… but it is a ball and greatness will indeed be celebrated! A panel of judges will assess each look and presentation. Awards for top design and runway—inclusive of a cash prize—will be recognized at the event.

KEY DATES

Please review the following dates to ensure they align with your schedule before committing to participate.

NOVEMBER 12: Model Call Opens
NOVEMBER 30: Model Call Closes
DECEMBER: Designer/Model Matching
- We’ll present interested model profiles to accepted designers and work to match based on needs, concepts and preferences.
JANUARY: Kickoff Cocktail Party
FEB–APR: Creation (potential for fittings with matched designers)
MAY 14: Event Run-Through @ The Big Top (Evening, time TBD)
MAY 15: The Main Event — ALTBALL 2025 (Doors @ 6p, Runway @ 8p. Model call times to begin early afternoon.)