The Pied Piper

Missoula Children's Theatre is coming to Waterville School next week with their own, probably quirky version of the story "The Pied Piper." If you've never seen a Missoula Children's Theatre performance you should really go check it out. It is amazing what they do with the kids in such a short time!

The entire production is produced by two actor/directors who come to town in a truck loaded with props, sets and costumes. On Monday they hold an audition, which I think is almost as fun to watch as the final production!

First, the students are organized tallest to shortest in a square surrounding the two actor/directors. Then they are guided through a series of fun exercises designed to isolate individual skills and levels of confidence. For example, students may be asked to say their name out loud loud in a very angry way, or mime a scenario like sneaking a cookie from a forbidden cookie jar. After each activity, students are shifted around the square and it starts to become clear who the directors have chosen for the lead parts. In my school, so many students audition that many end up being cut, which is always a little sad. I imagine they don't have that problem in Waterville; just one of the benefits of being a small school.

Once auditions have been completed, cast members are given a rehearsal schedule and rehearsals for the lead parts begin immediately.

Over the course of the week, magic happens. By Friday students have memorized songs, speaking lines, dance steps, costume changes and stage transitions. It is totally fascinating.

Performances of "The Pied Piper" are at the Nifty Theater at 7pm on Friday and at 1:30pm on Saturday. More information regarding auditions can be found on the Waterville School website: http://www.waterville.wednet.edu/