Developing life skills through the arts: Missoula Children's Theatre

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Parents, is your child Broadway bound, or are you just looking for a way for your child to interact more with their peers - aside from Facebook or text messaging'

Then Family and MWR has the perfect opportunity for your aspiring actor or actress: Missoula Children's Theatre.

This free, week-long performing arts residency will be held Aug. 9-14 at the Middle School Teen Center, Building 2515, Funston Road . The program is offered by Child, Youth & School Services SKIES and open to registered youth 8 to 18 years old.

The program uses performing arts to help them develop critical life skills, including discipline, confidence, self-esteem, leadership and team building. Such character skills are especially important for military children - as they often face unique situations such as prolonged parent deployments and frequent moves that can wreak havoc on a child's emotional well being.

"For many children, there's nothing like hearing that applause that tells them, 'Great job; we're so proud of you - if you did all of this in just one week, then you can do anything,'" said Jonna Michelson, tour marketing director, Missoula Children's Theatre.

"The Missoula Children's Theatre is so grateful to have the opportunity to serve our military families in such a positive way."

Missoula Children's Theatre staff will visit 121 Army, Air Force, Navy and NATO installations around the world this year. Auditions for the camp on Fort Sam Houston will be held Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. at the MST Center, followed by a busy week of workshops.

The children's hard work and new skills will be showcased on stage Aug. 14 with full-costume performances of "King Arthur's Quest" at 2 and 5 p.m. at the MST Center. All costumes and equipment are included as part of the residency. Performances are open to the public.

"This is an excellent opportunity for children to enhance their theatrical skills, perform in front of an audience and witness the actual stage being developed," said Lee Karvellis, SKIES Instructional Program Manager. "And let's not forget - opportunities to participate in the performing arts are rare, and more, importantly, children get to explore new interests and have fun."