By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
Dozens of area children have an opportunity to try out acting with a unique production sponsored by the Brewton Council of the Arts.
The Missoula Children's Theater, a traveling program based in Missoula, Mont., will hold auditions Monday for its production of &#8220The Little Mermaid.”
Once cast, the children will have one week to learn their parts before a performance on Saturday. MCT brings the costumes, sets, props and staff - the children supply the acting.
MCT also brings two actor-directors to help prepare the children for the performance and to take some of the roles in the play. Children audition in groups, Glaize said, and many also perform in groups during the production. &#8220It's not a real scary experience,” she said.
Glaize's family enjoyed being part of similar performances in Tallassee so much that she decided to suggest it to the Brewton Arts Council.
The professional actor-directors who travel with the Missoula Children's Theater have a lot of experience working with children, Glaize said, and they make the experience &#8220positive and upbeat” - even if they have to turn children down for roles.
And after just one week, the children and their instructors are able to pull off a great performance, Glaize said. &#8220It's amazing to watch,” she said.
Auditions will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Jefferson Davis Community College Auditorium. Those auditioning should plan to stay the full two hours, and some cast members may be asked to stay for rehearsal immediately after auditions.
The performance of &#8220The Little Mermaid” will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the JDCC Auditorium.