Local youth experience a week with the Wizard

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The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Dorothy try to instil a little courage in the Cowardly Lion in Missoula Children’s Theatre’s production of the Wizard of Oz. Approximately 60 local youth took part in a week-long program of auditions, rehearsals and back-to-back performances. See story and photos on pages 14 and 15. – Stephen Dafoe photo

There was little tangible evidence left be- hind last week after the Missoula Children’s Theatre loaded up their little red truck full of props and left for the next town, but the memories created for roughly 60 local youth who had the opportunity to work with the theatre group are sure to last for many years.

The travelling theatre group auditioned local thespians Monday and immediately began a week of rehearsals, culminating in packing Z the cultural centre twice for a pair of well-received performances of the Wizard of Oz.

Cultural Services Manager Laurie Stalker was pleased. “The kids and the parents have been so committed and excited,” she said. “I think it’s just been a thrill for the entire town. I think they’re all going to really value this experience of being on stage. I think they all just had a lot of fun, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Missoula Children’s Theatre works with approximately 65,000 young people each year, performing before approximately 155,000 people. The theatre company visits 1,300 communities in the United States and Canada as well as 16 other countries.

audition
Almost 70 youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12 audi- tioned for the Missoula Chil- dren’s Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz. – Lucie Roy Photo

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Thursday night’s rehearsals showed a pretty polished cast.

dead witch
Morinville was treated to two opportunities to see the re- sults of the effort Missoula Children’s Theatre and their local cast put into the performance through two packed shows held Satur- day at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre.