Auditions for students in grades K-12 for the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) production “The Frog Prince” will be Monday, January 28, in the Meadowlark Elementary School Gym. Those auditioning should arrive at 3:30 p.m. and plan to stay for the full two-hour try-out period. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions.

No advance preparation is necessary for those wishing to audition. Among the roles to be cast are three sisters–who also happen to be Princesses—and two students to play the lonely Frog. Other roles include Ollie the Aspen Tree, bumbling Knights, kindly Swamp Things, a well-read Alligator, fancy Flamingos, helpful Ducks, a busy Fly and the mischievous Venus Fly Traps. Assistant Directors will also be cast to assist with the technical aspects of the production.

Once all of the parts are cast, the MCT Tour Actor/Directors will work with about 70 students in a week-long adventure that ends with a musical production of “The Frog Prince.”

As the story of “The Frog Prince” goes, deep in the royal swamp, a lonely frog retrieves a golden ball for Princess Prim in exchange for friendship. The spoiled princess doesn’t want to live up to her part of the bargain and puts her royal knights on alert. The story’s hero becomes a Prince (formerly known as Frog) and realizes that friendships are made, not bought.

The MCT touring productions come complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup. In addition to conducting rehearsals each day throughout the week, January 28-February 1 will be rich in theater, as the MCT team will conduct educational workshops for area students. One of these, Drama Quest, uses active and energetic role-playing in a group setting, where students will develop problem-solving skills by engaging their communication skills and imaginations. Although three workshops are included in the cost of the MCT residency, schools can purchase extra workshops, beyond the three included, which is something that Jon Martin, Meadowlark Elementary School Principal, has done.

“One of the three included workshops is designated for Zurich Elementary School students, but I will purchase additional workshops so that each grade level will have an opportunity to work with the production team. Hopefully we can schedule a school-wide assembly, as well. We’ll have the talent here, so I think we should tap that talent,” Martin said. “The workshops in the past have been quality educational projects,” he added.

“The Frog Prince” will be presented on Saturday, February 2, at 1:00 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m. at the Lloyd Sweet Auditorium at Chinook High School on 528 Ohio Street.

As part of their mission, MCT strives to transcend any barriers such as language, culture, financial resources, and unique needs to transform lives by actively engaging people in the arts. In their desire to reach the small communities that have few creative outlets or resources for their children, MCT brings the arts to all fifty states, five Canadian Provinces, and sixteen countries.

“We envision helping our country’s children grow into confident, successful citizens using the positive results of our programs,” an MCT spokesperson said. “No matter where they grow up, children all have something in common: a desire for opportunities to express themselves, learn and have fun doing it. That’s where MCT comes in.”

Those with questions or seeking additional information on the MCT residency are encouraged to call Martin at 357-2033.