Youth audition for Missoula Children's Theatre
Children wait to audition for a role in "Robin Hood" Monday at Big Bend Community College. Photo by Chrystal Doucette/Columbia Basin Herald
MOSES LAKE — Nearly 130 children gathered, hoping to win a part in “Robin Hood.”
The youth auditioned for Missoula Children’s Theatre at Big Bend Community College, offered through Columbia Basin Allied Arts. Those lucky enough to receive a part will practice all week for two Saturday performances.
Sheena Bergeron and Joe Godburn are leading the play as tour actors and directors.
Bergeron said participants are in kindergarten through 12th grade.
“Everybody’s on stage at least three times,” she noted.
Practice consists of two rehearsals daily through Friday and a dress rehearsal Saturday.
“It gives them so much self-confidence at the end of the week,” Bergeron said.
Older children can work backstage as assistant directors, Godburn noted.
“It very much becomes them doing the show themselves,” he said.
Madison Bowser, 13, said she acted for Missoula Children’s Theatre last year.
“It was just a lot of fun,” Bowser said. “You made friends.”
Molly Hammer, 12, said many of her friends participated in Missoula Children’s Theatre, and being in a play looked enjoyable.
“I don’t really know what to expect at all,” Hammer said.
Daniella Aronsohn, 12, said it is her third time participating in Missoula Children’s Theatre.
“I actually signed up just now because I was like, ‘Dad, pick me up and take me to Missoula,’” Aronsohn said.
Siblings Nathan Shurtz, 13, Aleah Shurtz, 11, Cameron Shurtz, 9, Jonathan Shurtz, 9, and Carson Shurtz, 7, also signed up for auditions.
Nathan estimated it is his fifth time participating in Missoula Children’s Theatre.
Nathan said his voice is loud, and he has strong body motions.
“I want to go for Robin Hood,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”
Cameron said it is his third year participating in the program.
“It’s fun acting, and sometimes I can see my friends here,” he said.
Robin Hood is showing at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, at Wallenstien Theater.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.
For more information, call Columbia Basin Allied Arts at 509-793-2059.