The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

The Missoula Children's Theatre is once again send- ing a tour team to Dayton to mount a production of its original play, "The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," at the Liberty Theater. The play will be presented to the public on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10 at 7 p.m.

MCT will hold au- ditions at the theater on Monday, August 5. Young people entering first grade through those entering their senior year of high school can audition for a role.

Those who wish to audition must pre-register at the Liberty on Tuesday, July 30 or Friday, August 2 between 2 pm and 5 pm. While pre- registering, they can also sign up for three afternoon enrichment workshops presented by the Tour Actor/Directors that are open to any young per- son, regardless of whether or not they are cast for the play. There is no cost to participate in either the play or the after- noon workshops.

Among the roles to be cast are Robinson Crusoe, his sole companion, a goat named Wilson, Leonard the Leopard, Friday's Family, the Oscar Octopus Octet, a fam- ily of Goats, the very hairy Frowny-Face Tribe, and the colorful Chameleons. As- sistant Directors will also be cast to assist with the technical aspects of the production.

Those young people who are cast will rehearse with the MCT team through Friday, August 9, readying themselves for two public perfor- mances of the play.

MCT has been touring extensively for 41 years, from Montana to Japan. The group sends teams to communities with sets, lights, costumes, props and make-up; every- thing it takes to put on a play. Everything that is, except the cast. For that they turn to the young people of the host communities.

Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communi- cation skills and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through participation in this unique, edu- cational project. MCT's mission is the develop- ment of lifeskills in children through participation in the performing arts.

The Missoula Children's Theatre Residency is made possible by the

Touchet Valley Arts Coun- cil, with support from Blue

Mountain Community Foundation and its Columbia County Fund, Inland Northwest Community Foundation and the Dayton Kiwanis.

For more information on the Missoula Children's Theater, contact the Liberty Theater at 509-382-1380 or via email at info@libertytheater.org.