Theatre group gives Fort Rucker children chance to display talents

By Angela Williams, Army Flier Staff WriterJune 14, 2012

Theatre group gives Fort Rucker children chance to display talents
Director Leann Casey Bjornrud puts the finishing touches on 6-year-old Carter's character, a cow, for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of "Beauty Lou and the Country Beast," at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Fort Rucker youth can join in the fun ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 14, 2012) -- The Missoula Children's Theatre makes a return trip to the Wiregrass to give the children of Fort Rucker a chance to perform on the big stage.

The nonprofit group travels across the country teaching children about performing arts and brings along everything needed to produce a musical version of "Jack and the Beanstalk" featuring the children of Fort Rucker.

"Participation in the Missoula Children's Theatre is a great opportunity for the children of Fort Rucker to work with professional actors," said Kathy Vickers, program operations specialist for child, youth and school services. "It gives them a chance to explore a new interest."

Last year, the group produced "The Wiz of The West," a western version of the "Wizard of Oz," she said. "It was a big success."

Auditions for roles in "Jack and the Beanstalk" start at 9 a.m. June 25 at the Spiritual Life Center and are open to all eligible military, contractor and Department of Defense civilian youth, grades 1-12. Children must be registered with CYSS and able to commit to a week of rehearsals.

Free performances of "Jack and the Beanstalk," featuring the children of Fort Rucker, will be at the post theater June 29 at 4 p.m. and June 30 at 12:30 p.m.

Also during the week, the Missoula Children's Theatre will offer free small group workshops, Vickers said. The "What If" workshop June 26, 1:30-2:30 p.m., is for grades 3-5. The "Acting Up" workshop June 27, 1:30-2:15 p.m., is for grades 6-8 and the "Mime You Own Business" workshop, June 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m., is for grades 9-12.

Everyone who auditions is not guaranteed a part in the play, but all children are invited to attend the workshops, according to Vickers.

"The Missoula Children's Theatre helps the children to develop social skills, communication skills, self discipline, self-esteem and teamwork," she said. "It's fun for the whole Family.

For more information on the Missoula Children's Theatre, call 255-0666.