Friday, Jul. 18, 2008

Children's theater group to hold auditions

Missoula seeks actors for "Rumpelstiltskin"

Auditions for the upcoming Missoula production of "Rumpelstiltskin" will take place Aug. 4 and sponsors are encouraging children to come out early to be a part of the fun.

Mary Harris, a Los Baños Arts Council member, said each year the Missoula Children's Theatre auditions attracts more children than it has parts for so this year they are limiting the number of children who can audition.

"It's hard, they hate to turn them away but it is difficult to audition all of them," Harris said.

Only 100 children will be allowed to audition for the 50 to 60 parts available in the show. Auditions will be on a first come, first served basis but Harris said there is a way for children to get ahead of the line.

By calling Harris at 826-9095, children can have their name added to a list that will put them in front of the line. She stresses that it does not guarantee a part in the show.

The Arts Council brings Missoula Children's Theatre for performances twice a year. During their week-long residency, Missoula directors will teach children the entire "Rumpelstiltskin" script and its accompanying musical numbers before its Aug. 9 debut.

"It's kinda cute and different," Harris said.

Based on the classic Brothers Grimm tale, the Missoula version features a strange little gnome who will spin straw for gold and Clara the young girl who must guess his name when his price is too steep.

Available parts include that of Rumpelstiltskin, Clara, and an array of villagers, wizards knights and bees.

Children wishing to audition must arrive by 3:30 p.m., Aug. 4, at the Ted Falasco Arts Center and be prepared to stay for the entire two-hour session. Since time is crucial, the first rehearsal begins right after audition.

Once parts are assigned,rehearsals will be conducted every day from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the arts center.

Harris said she has already received a few phone calls from children and their parents inquiring about placing their names on the priority list. She has also been contacted by a Merced group who is coming down to audition so she encourages everyone to arrive early.

"People are starting to get interested," she said.

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com