Local Actors Perform in Missoula Children’s Theatre Production

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on August 4, 2012
- 5:58 pm

Members of a cast of local actors performed in a dress rehearsal July 25 for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Beauty Lou and the Country Beast held July 28 at Crossroads Bible Church, 97 East Road. Missoula Children’s Theatre is sponsored by the Los Alamos Arts Council and is funded in part by Los Alamos County. The theater group comes to town with the set, lights, costumes, props and make-up—everything it takes to put on a play. The team holds open auditions and casts 50–60 local students, who rehearse throughout the week and present a public performance. Housing was provided by the Hilltop House Hotel. The program was provided by Dr. Tom – Child and Adolescent Medicine. For more than 30 years, the Los Alamos Arts Council has underwritten a visit by Missoula Children’s Theatre for a full week of auditions, workshops, rehearsals and a public performance by local children. Photo by TK Thompson/ladailypost.com

Photo by TK Thompson/ladailypost.com

MCT website:

Missoula Children’s Theatre mission statement: The development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.

Although Missoula Children’s Theatre’s programs tour to major metropolitan centers, MCT remains dedicated to providing financially accessible arts experiences to all communities, regardless of size or economic status.

Many of the communities served by MCT are isolated, culturally deprived and/or economically depressed. Live theatre participation, qualified drama teachers and educationally sound music programs within the curriculum are often non-existent or low on the priority scale.

Constructive opportunities in the performing arts are rare, and the chance to spark a new interest often goes unkindled. MCT’s programs can and do provide the kindling to ignite the flame of interest.

Within each MCT cast, girls and boys are equal; the disabled become able; the shy experiment with bravery; the slow are rehearsed to perfection; and the gifted become part of the whole.

The lesson they learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on. Few arenas exist where responsibility is taught and learned so clearly.

MCT provides a unique opportunity to learn the lessons of group dynamics while excelling as an individual — a lesson from art that carries into life.

Pianist David Li is the accompanest for the production. Photo by Tk Thompson/ladailypost.com