The Missoula Children’s Theater is returning to Big Sandy to put on a performance of “Johnny Appleseed” with our local students. Rehearsals are open to children from Kindergarten through 12th grade. They will take place at the High School Auditorium on May 16th from 4 PM to 6 PM. They will also be looking for backstage help for the performance.
Amanda Hoffman, who helps run the Big Sandy Theater group explains the program: “Montana’s Children’s Theater is an organization out of Missoula that goes around and puts plays on for Children K through 12. This is the first year I have worked with them. I know that they’ve been in Big Sandy in the past with the Elementary School. We house the two directors for seven days and they bring everything. They bring their own lights, their own sound, their equipment, the props, the set costumes, the whole nine yards.”
“Diana Keane and I decided we wanted to do something in the Spring for the kids. But putting a play together, it’s a lot of work. And we thought this was a great opportunity for the kids to continue their growth and development and keep them involved until we can do our play in the fall.”
This is the first time the Big Sandy Theater has taken on organizing the Children’s Theater’s visit. Amada explained that she took it on this year because they wanted to see it happen. “We both are very excited about it. I’m just kind of happy to be able to sit back and watch it happen. Even though it has been a lot of planning, more than I anticipated, to be honest with you. But it’ll be nice to be able to be on the other side for a change.”
Students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops to prepare for the show in various ways. “They’ll do workshops in the classrooms with the kids. There are three workshops that they can do. Like pantomime, improv and stuff like that.” There will also be rehearsals throughout the week in preparation for the show. Rehearsals will take place after school in the afternoons and into the evenings.
During their stay in Big Sandy, the two directors from the Missoula Children’s Theater will be staying with the Jespersons. For those who are interested in helping out with the play as volunteers the Big Sandy Theater page on Facebook will be posting a sign up sheets. Potential areas an individuals might be able to help out include paying for a meal at Pep’s or the Bakery, volunteering to help at rehearsals or workshops, etc. Amanda wasn’t sure, but is planning on establishing opportunities and ensuring there is enough help to put on the show. “I think, for the most part, they’re pretty self-sufficient. We don’t have a lot to do.”
Perhaps the best way to help is to “…come out and see the play. We’re going to do a Friday night performance at 6pm, and then a Saturday matinee at 1.”
The Big Sandy Theater group is paying part of the cost of the program this year, with the majority of the expenses being covered by the Rotary Club.
