The PTO of MES is bringing back Missoula Children's Theatre with help from Hess Pumice.  The weeklong residence will be January 23-28, 2023.  New this year, the play will have a preregistration to audition for specific rolls.  Live registration starts Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 5 p.m.  60 parts available in these categories. K-2nd grade: 16 spots.  3rd-5th grade: 44 spots.  Assistant Directors: 4 spots.  Audition for specific roles is Monday, Jan. 23.  Here is some basic info about this exciting week at MES.  The residence will also include classes for MES students in drama and theatrical production.

Among the roles to be cast are the Emperor; ManyPenny and the Money Council; the Royal Scholars Roxy and Red; Kings, Queens; Gem and the Royal Jewelers; Boots and the Royal Cobblers; Lid and the Royal Hatters; Stitch and the Royal Tailors; and the Royal Silkworms. Students, grades K-5th, are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.

The Missoula Children's Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup.  MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week from Jan. 23 - 28 each day.

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” will be presented on Saturday, January 28 at 3 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. at MES Auditorium. The Missoula Children's Theatre residency in Malad is brought to you by MES PTO with support from Hess Pumice.

The play, based on the classic Hans Christian Anderson story about an Emperor who ultimately learns his lesson about prioritizing outside appearances over one’s authentic self, was adapted by Jim Caron and Matt Loehrke, with music and lyrics by Jim Caron, Michael McGill, Greg Boris, and Amy Ellis.

 Two directions tour across the country to put on this play. Logan Smart is a lover of four square, movie nights, and the color green! A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in theatre and a concentration in performance, Logan has worked with young people of all ages with some really rad programs such as Florida Repertory Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, and AmeriCorps' Project YES!. Logan currently lives in Chicago, Illinois, and is so pumped to be joining such a wonderful team to make some super fun art. They would like to share a very big thank you to all of their friends who have always pushed them to make the big jumps and to his family who handle those leaps with so much love and grace.

Lillie Kraack is overjoyed to be touring with the Missoula Children's Theatre! She grew up just outside of Tampa, Florida and has been involved in the theatre community for over 20 years. She attended Oklahoma City University for a bachelors of music in musical theatre and opera. Her favorite show credits include: Pennywise in Urinetown, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and The Cat in the Hat in Seussical: The Musical. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless, unconditional love. She gives special thanks to her Uncle Jason who paved her way as a TAD for the Missoula Children's Theatre many years ago, as well as to her fiancée Hayley for her enthusiastic support while Lillie travels the country doing what she loves more than anything; bringing theatre to kids.

Last year, the Missoula Children’s Theatre brought “Alice in Wonderland” to Malad, with a spectacular production that ended up involving over 50 of Malad’s students in a world-class production of the beloved Lewis Carroll book.  The Theatre is nationally renowned.

For more information, call Callie Werk 406-289-0614.