Family drama at Minot

  • Published
  • By Laurie Arellano
  • Chief, Minot Air Foce Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Knickerbocker family knows their lives are full of drama, and they're proud of it. That's because Tim Knickerbocker, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, his wife and their three kids are all part of the Mouse River Players, Minot's community theatre organization. In fact, they love it so much, it was one of the reasons they decided to remain in Minot when Mr. Knickerbocker retired from the 91st Missile Wing in 2008. 

"We all enjoy it," said Mr. Knickerbocker. "It's a great family activity and we feel it's a good way to give back to the community." 

Mr. Knickerbocker said for families who arrive at Minot and are looking for things to do, the theatre is a good option. The theatre holds auditions for several shows a year, including shows just for the kids to put on, and there is no cost to audition or to participate in the shows. From auditions to performance, it takes about two months of rehearsals several nights a week to put on a show. 

"You don't have to act, or build to be involved, there are many ways to be part of the organization" said Mr. Knickerbocker. 

Mouse River Players is an all-volunteer organization, which means not only are the performers not paid, but everything from building sets to managing back stage is handled by volunteers. The Knickerbockers not only act in the theatre productions, but also volunteer backstage to ensure the productions go smoothly and the shows are enjoyable to the audiences. Mr. Knickerbocker is one of the primary set designers. His wife Lynn manages costumes for all of the productions and his daughter Courtney runs lights and sound. His daughter Brittany, who works at the Youth Center also manages props at the theatre. And their son Danny, who is 14 acts and assists at the theatre as well. 

"It's a lot of fun to be part of a group working towards a common goal."
Brittany Knickerbocker agrees. 

She said she got involved in Mouse River Players as an actor in one of the youth productions several years ago, and has stayed with it ever since. 

"I had no experience, but one of my friends encouraged me to audition," Miss Knickerbocker said. "I enjoy volunteering backstage, and acting is a fun hobby for me." 

Mr. Knickerbocker, who is a member of the Mouse River Players board of directors, said the theatre is always looking for new people to volunteer in any way they choose, and he said there are currently several Airmen performing in the theatre's upcoming show. 

"We don't want the same people in all the shows, so it's good for the shows to get new people to come audition and help backstage" Mr. Knickerbocker said. "No theatre experience is necessary." 

Mouse River Players is set to present "Last of the Minot Flappers" March 5 through 8. The show is a spoof of the prohibition days and is an original play based on Minot's history during the period. The Theater will also present two youth productions, "Bed Bugs" and "Hard Candy" March 27 through 29. The next auditions for upcoming shows are planned for mid-March. For more information on current and upcoming shows, call the Mouse River Players Community Theatre Center at 838-3939 or visit the website at www.mouseriverplayers.org.