{"id":1500,"date":"2012-05-16T14:59:50","date_gmt":"2012-05-16T21:59:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/libernetics.com\/?p=1500"},"modified":"2012-05-17T13:31:59","modified_gmt":"2012-05-17T20:31:59","slug":"missoula-childrens-theater-notes-and-comments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/libernetics.com\/?p=1500","title":{"rendered":"Missoula Children’s Theater: notes and comments"},"content":{"rendered":"

I was in Montana recently and had a chance to visit the\u00a0Missoula Children’s Theater<\/a>\u00a0in downtown Missoula. \u00a0MCT has been around for 40 years; they estimate they have cast a million children in plays. \u00a0That’s a lot of kids! \u00a0A lot of kids with great memories and\u00a0expanded\u00a0horizons.<\/p>\n

I met up with Cate Sundeen, MCT Development Director<\/a>, who graciously took my wife and I on a tour through the theater complex. \u00a0It’s actually a marvelous venue.<\/p>\n

\"Missoula<\/a>

Missoula Children's Theater Complex<\/p><\/div>\n

The MCT directors tour the US (and some foreign countries) in little red trucks that contain everything needed to put on a play: scripts, costumes, backdrops, props, make up, posters, graphics, photos, press releases. \u00a0Add those\u00a0ingredients to 50-60 kids and you have a play!<\/p>\n

The kids don’t know about social dialog or social conscience or risks or any of the things adults think about when they think about theater. \u00a0The kids know about excitement, anticipation, and glorious adventure. \u00a0\u00a0Which is as it should be. \u00a0What they get is an opportunity to master the environment, to work hard, have fun, and exceed their current\u00a0limitations. \u00a0Some of the older kids probably sense that there is something important happening. \u00a0It’s OK if they don’t. \u00a0What’s important is they gain self-confidence, work as a team, and establish themselves as powerful little beings.<\/p>\n

\"Cate<\/a>

Cate Sundeen, MCT Development Director<\/p><\/div>\n

I’ve actually seen this happen. \u00a0Last year MCT came to\u00a0Theodore Judah Elementary School<\/a>\u00a0to do “The Princess and the Pea.” \u00a0It was a great show. \u00a0The girl playing the Princess had a long dialog near the end of the play, which she delivered without dropping a line. \u00a0I could see the stress building up a little bit as she got near the end. When she got finished you could see how proud she was of herself.<\/p>\n

I think every one of those kids was excited and proud of what they accomplished in that play. \u00a0And when it comes right down to it, what better way is there to teach kids something about how social organizations work? \u00a0A play has everything they need: dialog, action, drama, goals and rewards. \u00a0A play is a microcosm of the world they must master. \u00a0And it all takes place in an atmosphere of community.<\/p>\n

So if you see a little red truck<\/a> in your neighborhood with the\u00a0Missoula Children’s Theater logo, make sure you get some tickets for whatever play they are putting on. \u00a0If you have children, make sure they\u00a0audition\u00a0for a part. \u00a0Check out the MCT<\/a> web page for lots more details.<\/p>\n

Cheers (and applause!)<\/p>\n