By Joanne Bausman
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Having selected the fifty-six students needed for this play, they continued the audition to cast individual roles. The thirteen most attentive five, six and seven-year-olds were cast as magical jumping beans. A large group displaying enthusiasm became farmers, merchants and circus performers. The three lead roles were also cast.
As well as attitude and behavior, the directors looked for good body language, loud clear voices and other specific talents, such as dance and gymnastic training. A flair for the dramatic and the confidence to express it were also considered, especially for the three lead roles.
Rehearsals started Monday after school. The three lead roles, which were Jack, Jill, and the Giant, rehearsed for four hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The rest of the cast rehearsed in groups at various times. On top of this grueling schedule, there was regular school. It was an exhausting week for all involved, but everyone stayed focused and pulled together.
Friday morning was the first dress rehearsal on the stage with costumes, makeup, scenery and several hundred empty seats staring back at them. Anyone who has ever been on a stage knows that even without an audience, a stage is the biggest place in the world. Jack forgot his lines, Jill couldn't sing past the front row, the magic beans were out of sync and the Giant had the jitters. All in all, the whole cast was ragged.
Some hours later, I sat in the darkened theatre and watched the curtain go up on the real show. Jack performed like a seasoned professional, Jill sang like a canary, the jumping beans performed a rousing Mexican hat dance and the Giant was, well, giant. This was not Broadway or Hollywood, but for the audience that night and the actors taking their bows, it was no less inspiring. As I left the theatre, I listened to the comments in the crowd around me. They were all positive, but the one that I heard the most was, "I can't believe they put that show together in less than a week!" And that, I think, says it all.
So for all of you with theatrical dreams and goals, the beginning of your road to the stars could be closer than you think. Start by talking to your parents, teacher or principal about bringing the Missoula Children's Theatre to you school. It's well worth it for all involved. I, for one, cannot say enough about this unique and special experience.
I am a stay at home MOM with three children, ages 11, 10 and 8. My husband works in the oil patch, which means he is gone 90% of the time. As a result, I have deep respect for single mothers.
I am a student with the Institute Of Children's Literature. When the children go back to school in five days, I am considering going back to work. It has been 12 years, so it will be like starting all over again.
My hobbies are flowers (I am a fanatic. My family thinks I need therapy.), horses (I got a broken wrist from a fall last year. Maybe I should stick to the flowers.), and tap dancing (My group won the gold medal at the local festival last year.).
MISSOULA CHILDREN'S THEATRE
200 North Adams St.
Missoula, Montana 59802-4718
Jim Caron 406-728-1911
http://www.mctinc.org
tpur@mctinc.org
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