Missoula Returns to Muskego With 'Cinderella'

A rainy Monday was a perfect opportunity for kids to stay inside and play, and play they did as the auditions for the Missoula Children's Theatre's production of Cinderella were conducted.

Sponsored by the Muskego Performing Arts Council, the theatre company has made its sixth return trip to Muskego High School's Performing Arts Center to assemble a complete production from audition to performance in less than a week. Children entering 1st through 8th grade were welcome to try out for a part in the production in a group setting, which makes the kids feel more at ease, according to Steve Krause, director of the PAC.

"The way they do this is with such energy and kindness," he said. "They don't waste a milisecond in rehearsal, and it's amazing that it comes together for a Saturday performance."

Directors Adam B. Ferguson and Karen Killion have the dozens of kids who audition positioned around the stage, asking them to recite lines in groups first, then individually. Once they're 'warmed up,' various other creative exercises, like miming a brief scene help them to determine which kids will best fill the various roles.

Mom Carla Sikora, whose daughter Maija, 12, was trying out, said, "it's a good experience even if she doesn't make it."

Krause agreed, saying "live performance is so important, kids learn to create from within. They have so many distractions that entertain them, like video games and television, this allows them to do something very different. In other words, it's not served to them on a platter, they're the ones making the meal."

About 50 kids were chosen, leaving a few out of the production, but directors encouraged the kids to keep auditioning for other productions.

"We are looking for kids within certain age groups and with certain characteristics for this play, so if you weren't chosen, don't be sad, because there will be others to come," Killion told them.

Evening classes are also offered to all of the kids who attended to help build creative skills, like improvisation and make up.

The curtain rises on performances on Saturday, August 18 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for kids, and can be purchased at the high school box office.