Next Monday, April 16th, the Missoula Children’s Theatre rolls into Martinsville.  For those not familiar with MCT, it is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana that travels around the country giving children an  opportunity to perform in plays.  Auditions are open for all students in the Martinsville/Henry County area, kindergarten age through the 12th grade.  About fifty-five kids are chosen.

It’s a very fast-paced week for those who earn parts!  Auditions are held on Monday with the first practice held afterward.  The actors rehearse every day, 4:00 - 8:30 (with small dinner break) Tuesday through Friday, and then two “Grand Performances” are held on Saturday.

Last year, my kids were cast in The Jungle Book.  Chad was appropriately Hathi, the frantic little elephant in desperate need of a Xanax and Bug, of course, was a monkey.  It was amazing to see the shows on Saturday, complete with elaborate settings and costumes but most of all, to see how the children absorbed their lines and cues.  Very, very impressive when you stop to consider the fact that all of this magic rolls out of a little Toyota truck with two MCT members at the helm and constructed in less than a week!

The Martinsville/Missoula performance is made possible by the Charity League of Martinsville & Henry County.  If you are fortunate enough to have the Missoula Children’s Theatre roll into your town, please support it.  See a show, you’ll be glad you did!

For more information about the Charity League or the Missoula Children’s Theatre, please visit their websites.