Children's theater to present Cinderella play

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Missoula Children's Theater is gearing up to present a play production entitled "Cinderella" starting at 5 p.m. June 12 at the David C. Jones Youth Center here.

Children, ages 6 to 18 are encouraged to audition for one of the roughly 50 available parts June 8 at 10 a.m. at the Youth Center.

According to the MCT's mission statement, from academics to athletics to social interaction, children are pressured to get the best grades, to score the most points and to have the most friends. MCT approaches children with a full awareness of these conditions and strives to use participation in the performing arts as a vehicle to develop the life-skills (social skills, communication skills, self-discipline, a strong work ethic, an understanding of the team concept and self-esteem) necessary to answer the challenges of our time.

Within each MCT cast, girls and boys are equal; the disabled become able; the shy experiment with bravery; the slow are rehearsed to perfection; and the gifted become part of the whole. The lesson they learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on. MCT provides a unique opportunity to learn the lessons of group dynamics while excelling as an individual -- a lesson from art that carries into life.

According to Ronda Knutson, 5th Force Support Squadron youth center director, the Air Force funds similar play production camps for several bases each year. Minot AFB will mark its 8th consecutive years of play production, and each year the camp has grown more and more successful.

"I look forward to the 'WOW Factor' from the parents of first-time participants," Knutson said. "It's amazing to see an entire production in one week, from ground zero. Every performance is just amazing to me. It truly is one of the most remarkable experiences I think the participants will have."

The children, along with MCT instructors, will be involved in every aspect of the play, from setup to acting. All the equipment and costumes will be provided by the MCT staff.

"MCT provides all the props and costumes," Knutson said. They even provide the lighting and stage. The marvelous thing about it all is that everything is professional, from instructors to scripts to stage to makeup."

Dedication to the camp is key to its success, however.

"It is very important that participants not miss practice and commit whole-heartedly to the camp," Knutson said. I urge all parents to encourage their children to come participate. To me, it's the experience of a lifetime."