Local kids to star in November play

The Missoula Children’s Theater is coming to town.

Sponsored by the Grand Coulee Dam PTA, the popular theater group will be here to train a host of children from local schools, then put on performances Nov. 9.

Representatives from MCT will come here to begin after-school rehearsals Monday, Nov. 4.

A request by the PTA to Coulee Dam’s town council for use of the Village Cinema venue was approved last Wednesday night. The council agreed on a $25-a-day charge for use of the theater, an amount that council members said would take care of electrical costs.

The MCT traditionally uses from 40-60 local children to put on the performances.

PTA president Tamra Sacchi stated in her letter to the council that it was hoped that children from kindergarten through the fifth grade would participate, and possibly through the sixth grade.

Sacchi said the appearance of the MCT program is part of the group’s efforts to bring arts and science programs to the district.

Crystal Jones, vice president of the organization, is coordinating the theater production.

Children, under MCT’s guidance, will put on “Blackbeard the Pirate,” Sacchi stated.

Two performances are scheduled: a matinee Saturday and an evening performance.

The MCT has been touring for 39 years, and has visited nearly 1,300 communities in all 50 states and in three Canadian territories and five provinces, as well as 16 countries.

The MCT’s stated mission is to develop life skills in children through participation in the performing arts. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and improving self esteem are all characteristics sought through participating in performances, the MCT website states.