Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go.
Actually it will be to the Performing Arts Centre they go when Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) returns to Vernon with its all-new production of Red Riding Hood.
North America’s largest touring children’s theatre is bringing along all the tools needed to stage the production, except the cast. That’s where local children come in.
Registration is now open to ages six to 18 to be part of the week-long theatre camp, which begins July 6 and runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The camp ends on July 11, when the cast and crew take Red Riding Hood to the stage for two productions at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.
“The production is more than memorizing lines. Missoula Children’s Theatre’s mission statement is the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts,” said Brian van Wensem, audience development coordinator with the VPAC. “While children are learning the theatrical production, they will also have the opportunity to explore who they are as actors and individuals.”
No preparation or prior experience is required and participants need only to arrive with a bagged lunch and the desire to join an on-stage adventure, learning a unique adaptation to the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood.
“It’s an experience that develops creativity, social skills, goal achievement and self-esteem,” say organizers.
For those who aren’t interested in being in the spotlight, there are four additional backstage spots available for ages 10 and over that will teach important fundamentals of running a production from behind the scenes.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre has been touring extensively for more than 40 years from Montana to Japan. They will visit nearly 1,200 communities this year with dozens of touring actor/director teams.
Registration forms are available at the Ticket Seller box office at the Performing Arts Centre. Registration is first-come, first-serve and there are a total of 64 spots available. Call the Ticket Seller at 250-549-7469 for more information.
