SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Schriever School Age Care program is teaming with the Missoula Children’s Theatre company to produce “The Wiz of the West” March 27-31.
The play is a spin-off of the classic “The Wizard of Oz,” but follows Dotty and her dog Mooch as they meet Tinhorn, Scared Crow and Lionel in a saga of Western adventure and personal discovery.
This will be the fifth year a team from MCT arrives to teach youth about the multiple aspects of stage acting and assist them in their performance. The group had previously helped youth with performances of “The Tortoise and the Hare,” “Pinocchio,” “Rapunzel” and “Black Beard and the Pirates.”
“The kids really run the production,” said Jessica Parks, Schriever Child Development Center director. “They audition for parts, but also for some of the creative roles, such as assistant director.”
All Schriever dependents, age 5-18, are able to participate; however, parents will have to follow the child supervision guidance during rehearsal times if their children are not SAC participants.
“Due to our staff-to-child ratio guidelines, parents will need to remain with their children during rehearsals,” Parks said.
Parents may inquire about space availability for the week with SAC staff.
Auditions are scheduled 9—11 a.m. March 27 at the CDC. Non-SAC youth and their parents will need to sign-in at the CDC’s front desk before heading down for auditions.
Being involved in both the performance and back stage aspects of the play allows for full creative expression, Parks added.
Youth who participate will be involved in nearly every aspect of the production, from set design to stage direction to performing.
“They experience all aspects of putting on a play,” said Regina Lee, SAC program assistant. “I don’t think some of the kids realize all the work that goes into a play, and they get to experience that.”
Participants will also learn valuable life skills. The MCT team expects anyone who signs-up Monday to be committed to attending each session through Friday’s final performance.
“The kids learn commitment and responsibility because they can’t back out and they have to make all the scheduled rehearsal times,” Lee said.
The first rehearsal will be noon—2 p.m. March 27 in Building T-135, next to the fitness center. Subsequent rehearsals will be 9—11 a.m. and noon—2 p.m. March 28-30 in the fitness center gym. The full production will be at 1 and 3 p.m. March 31 in the gym. All base personnel are welcome to attend either performance.
“Everything is pretty regimented,” Lee said. “They communicate well and take time to help each child, but it’s also very professional.”
The interaction and role-playing has served to help some participants discover a new side of themselves, Lee said.
“I’ve seen some kids really come out of their shell,” she said. “This opportunity allows them to expand their horizons.”
For more information, contact Parks at 567-7101.