Missoula Children’s Theatre offering parents a chance to make their kids a star

Cultural Services Manager Laurie Stalker holds the poster for Missoula Children’s Theatre’s upcoming production of The Little Mermaid, a show that will include 60 local performers. – Stephen Dafoe Photo

by Stephen Dafoe

A little red truck will show up in Morinville next Monday filled with actors, costumes and props, items necessary for a major stage production where the community is the cast. The Missoula Children’s Theatre is bringing their knowledge and skill to town for the second time in as many years to put on a week of rehearsals and two performances of The Little Mermaid. All they need are 60 young people to help them.

Cultural Services Manager Laurie Stalker is looking forward to the event because it gives residents an opportunity to be a part of the show, not just audience members. “It’s kids being able to come nad participate in a variety of different ways in the theatrical process and have lots of fun,” she said. “Last year the kids in the schools were calling each other by their stage names. It’s that kind of excitement and buzz and vibe that I hope to accomplish [again this year].”

Stalker said anyone wishing to audition for the weeklong activity can come to the cultural centre Monday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.. There are 60 parts available for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Those who audition will take part in some theatre games to demonstrate their theatrical chops. Roles and rehearsals will start the same night. Participants will audition Monday, Feb. 23, rehearse Monday through Friday, and perform two shows on Saturday, Feb. 28: one at 3:00 p.m. and another two hours later. Tickets are $10 and available at the cultural centre box office during business hours.

Stalker said not everyone will be able to participate if more than 60 show up for the open auditions. The Missoula Children’s Theatre will be conducting three theatre workshops while in Morinville, affording everyone an opportunity to participate and learn.

She sees the Missoula opportunity as the type of opportunity that can set students on a future path. “Last year some of the key roles were performed by high school students who have aspirations to go on to post-secondary school education in theatre,” Stalker said. “This is how kids get the opportunity to find out if this is something they enjoy.”

Those interested in participating can call the Morinville Community Cultural Centre at 780-939-7888 or click here to register online.

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