FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 7, 2013) -- Fort Rucker Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosts the Missoula Children's Theatre to allow area youth a chance to audition for parts in a summer production of "Rapunzel."

The team will arrive with a set, lights, costumes, props and make-up, everything it takes to put on a play except the cast, according to the company's website.

Auditions will be held June 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the post theater. Auditions are open to all eligible military, contractors and Department of Defense civilian youth, 1st to 12th grade. Children must be registered with child, youth and school services.

A cast of 50-60 local school-age children and four assistant directors will be selected for the production of "Rapunzel," and rehearsals will be held June 10-14 at the post theater.

"It is a wonderful experience for our youth. It provides an (amazing) summer experience for the entire Family and it is pure, simple fun," said Denise Honeycutt, Hired! and EDGE! program manager.

Those who audition should bring a brown bag lunch and snack in the event they land a part in the play because rehearsals for some parts start right after, she said.

There is no registration for auditions, but Honeycutt advises to arrive 15 minutes early.

"(Participating) is a wonderful experience (because) it forms new friendships, helps brings out Fort Rucker's talents, teaches commitment and a special bond is formed between the directors, actors and everyone involved in the production," added Honeycutt.

According to the company's website, the Missoula Children's Theatre has opened both hearts and minds of children to the possibility of achievement through creativity and teamwork that they learn during the theatrical process.

"We live in a highly competitive era," the site reads. "MCT… strives to use participation in the performing arts as a vehicle to develop the life skills such as social skills, communication skills, self-discipline, a strong work ethic, an understanding of the team concept and self-esteem necessary to answer the challenges of our time."

The site also states that a stronger performance in oral reports, better grades, a healthier rapport with teachers and classmates, confidence, self-control, an increased sense of tolerance and respect for others, enthusiasm for challenging projects, a blossoming imagination and sense of individuality, and a perceptible sense of emotional and physical well-being are among the positive results of participation.

The audition is a group two-hour process that all children who are interested in being cast must attend for the entire time, and the organizers say that no preparation or materials are needed for try-outs.

"Our team of directors will guide the children through the audition process with easy to follow instructions," reads the site. "At the end of the audition, the cast will be announced, and each cast member will receive a rehearsal schedule for the week."

Rehearsals are extensive. Children will learn lines, staging, songs and movement in the 4 1/2-hour rehearsal each day, according to the website.

"We rehearse a total of 4 1/2 hours each day -- two, two-hour sessions with a short break in-between. Although not all cast members are needed at every session, those auditioning, if selected… must be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role," it reads.

Rehearsals will be held at the post theater June 10 from 12:30-2:30 p.m., and June 11-14 from 10 a.m. to noon and from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

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, according to the website.

"The lesson (children will) learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on," it says. "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."

The performance of "Rapunzel" will be held June 14 at 4:30 p.m. and again June 15 at 2 p.m. at the post theater.

For more, call 255-0666 or 255-9638.