In “Beauty Lou and the Country Beast,” Steven Skaggs played the part of a farmer. In “Robin Hood,” he was a skunk. During the last several years, he has been cast in the roles of a lizard, a bat and even a crab.

 

The son of Michele Skaggs, Steven has grown up participating in local productions of Missoula Children’s Theatre, a company out of Missoula, Montana that comes to Bridgeport once a year to prepare area children to present a full-blown stage production – all in one week.

 

It’s sort of his mom’s passion project. Several years ago, she attended one of Missoula’s shows in another city and was very impressed. She set out on a mission to bring the group to her hometown.

 

In addition to plays mentioned above, Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals and local talented kids have combined forces to present “Snow White,”  “Blackbeard the Pirate,” “The Secret Garden,” “Robin Crusoe,” The Tortoise and the Hare” and the “Wiz of the West.”

 

On Nov. 21, the curtain will go up on “Aladdin” and Skaggs hopes plenty of local school-age children – from Kindergarten through high school seniors – will take interest in auditioning for the parts.

 

Auditions will be held 4-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16 at the Bridgeport High School auditorium. Starting that day, those with speaking roles will start rehearsing and will do so daily through Friday, Nov. 20. On Saturday, Nov. 21, they will perform two shows – at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

 

“It’s crazy how it all comes together,” Skaggs said. “It’s a great opportunity for kids who can’t dedicate months and months to be on stage. In just one week, they’re out there doing it. And that’s why I keep bringing Missoula Theatre Company here.”

 

From Nov. 16-20, practices will be held 4-8:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break in the middle. Not every show participant will have to attend every rehearsal. Included are the show’s youngest actors and actresses.

 

“Kids in Kindergarten through first or second grade are usually cast in the smallest roles and they usually don’t come to rehearsal until Wednesday,” Skaggs said. 

 

Saturday is, of course, a very big day.

 

“The kids come in at 10 a.m. and do a dress rehearsal, stop and eat, then come back and we do make-up and they perform the first show, take a break then come back for the last performance,” Skaggs said.

 

Missoula Theatre Company comes complete with costumes, set, script and a pair of professionals to host auditions, produce and sometimes even appear in the productions.  

 

Student actors from throughout Harrison County and surrounding areas are welcome to audition. For those not aspiring to be on stage, there are limited opportunities for behind-the-scenes work, including directing, producing and set assistance.

 

The theater company scales down the productions to hold the interest of kids – both those on stage and those in the audience. Often, the Missoula shows feature a slight twist in plot and sometimes slightly different characters.

 

It takes quite a bit of fundraising to put on the annual show, Skaggs said. Area businesses wishing to sponsor by making a monetary donation will receive tickets to attend the show.

 

This year, Days Inn has agreed to host the Missoula professionals, which will help significantly, Skaggs said.

 

Providing music will be Judy Gerwig, music teacher at Heritage Christian Church.

 

“Judy has been our pianist all but maybe one or two years,” Skaggs said. “She comes in Wednesday, learns all the music and comes Saturday and plays two shows.”

 

Companies and organizations wishing to sponsor this year’s show can contact Skaggs at 304-842-2102. 

Photos of past Missoula Theatre Company shows are courtesy of Michele Skaggs.