By Adam Eisenbarth
The stage may not be set quite yet but it won’t take long.
Bentley School will hold the 18th annual Missoula Children’s Theatre performance at 7 p.m. on May 8.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre has a travelling tour throughout the world and their stop in Bentley is one the school anticipates every year. The whirlwind production turns out a show in just one week.
“The tour directors hold auditions for kindergarten to Grade 12 on Monday and for those who make it, they rehearse every day after school. They work really hard for six days,” says administrative assistant Jackie Ruud. “The tour directors bring everything for the show.”
The theatre tour group provides everything from the set and lights to the costumes and makeup. The cast will comprise of more than 50 Bentley School students and this year they will perform Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Ruud says it’s a rare opportunity for the kids, and the student union helps cover the costs.
“It’s quite expensive. Not many schools get the privilege of having something like the Missoula Children’s Theatre.”
The travelling group has been around for 35 years and visits 1,300 communities each year. Bentley is the 21st Canadian stop on the busy tour. The group just made the trip from Bow Island.
Not only does the theatre group provide what it takes to run the show, they’re also there to assist the kids with their acting skills as well as promoting theatre to the entire school.
“It gets a lot of kids interested in theatre.” Ruud said.
Everyone is welcome to attend and Ruud says the event has become a popular one in the community.
“The gym is always packed. We really just enjoy the benefit of having this opportunity for the kids and we appreciate that everyone comes out to support it.”
The theatre will be held at the Bentley Jr./Sr. School gymnasium with tickets available at the door.