For the Tomahawk Leader
RHINELANDER – The Missoula Children’s Theatre, the nation’s largest touring children’s theatre company, is coming to Rhinelander from Monday, June 27 through Saturday, July 2, a release from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Oneida County announced.
“Two professional actor/directors will arrive in Rhinelander, along with a set, lights, costumes and props – everything it takes to put on a musical – except the cast,” the release stated.
The release said the team will host an open audition and cast 50 to 60 area students to perform in a show, a twist on a classic children’s story. This year’s production is “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
All youth entering grades 1-12 can participate for free. Registration can be done online at www.oneida.extension.wisc.edu or by calling 715-365-2750. Registration will also available in-person one hour before the group audition at Rhinelander High School.
Group audition will take place at Rhinelander High School, 665 Coolidge Ave., Rhinelander, on Monday, June 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No advance preparation is necessary, and there is no limit to the number of participants who may audition.
Rehearsals will be held at Rhinelander High School on Monday, June 27, from 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, June 28, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.; Wednesday, June 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.; and Thursday, June 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Dress rehearsal will be held on Friday, July 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Performances will be held at Rhinelander High School on Saturday, July 2, at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The performances will be approximately 60 to 70 minutes each. A donation of $5.00 per ticket is suggested.
According to Anne Williams, Oneida County 4-H Educator, the program is “an affordable, accessible, and inclusive opportunity for youth to participate in a musical and build life skills, like creative thinking, communication, empathy, cooperation, decision-making, and making healthy choices.”
“For youth and teens, this can help boost self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, which is so important right now, especially after having endured a pandemic,” Williams said. “This is a chance for young people to have an ‘I did it!’ moment, meet two professional actor/directors, challenge themselves, be with other people who might share their interests, meet new friends and have fun.”
Sponsors of the program include Oneida County 4-H (the presenting organization), Oneida County Extension, Rhinelander Community Foundation, GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club, ArtStart, School District of Rhinelander, Boys & Girls Club of the Northwoods and Holiday Acres Resort.
Williams added that she has been impressed with the support the Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association has received from area organizations. Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association received financial support from the Rhinelander Community Foundation and the GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Northwoods will be providing free snacks for all participants during rehearsal days, and ArtStart has provided planning support and resources. Holiday Acres Resort is providing rooms for the two Missoula Children’s Theatre Inc. professional actor/directors for seven nights. The School District of Rhinelander is providing facility space for rehearsals and performances.
For more information, contact Williams at 715-365-2750 or [email protected].