The renowned Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) is returning to the Camellia City and the Ritz to help budding local talent put on a really big show.  Presented by the Greenville Community Theatre (GCT),  MCT’s “Rapunzel” will feature two performances, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

“Auditions are slated for September 19 at 4 p.m. at the Ritz for children and teens ages K-12 who have pre-registered,” explains GCT President Mollie Waters. “The audition pre-registration forms are now available and can be picked up at Greenville Elementary, W.O. Parmer Elementary, Greenville Middle School, Fort Dale Academy or from any GCT member.”

The forms are being taken on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number of audition participants plus alternates being accepted.  Parents or guardians will need to accompany children to the auditions.

“We will be looking to fill 60 roles, including sixteen roles for K-age 7, twenty-four roles for ages 8-12, and sixteen for ages 13-18. There will also be four assistant director positions,” Waters explained.

MCT’s most recent partnership in the county was with Greenville Elementary School in the spring of 2015 for a production of “The Jungle Book,” starring Vivian Gates as Kipling’s “man cub,” Mowgli.

The Missoula, Montana-based group is the nation’s largest children’s touring theatre as well as a community theatre production company. MCT’s touring theater sends its actors/directors all over the country to work with students during one intensive week packed with auditions and rehearsals, culminating in performances open to the general public. MCT states its goal and mission is “the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.”

Water sees it as a great learning experience for all the students who will be involved.

“This is a terrific opportunity for young people from across the community to get a crash course in all facets of the performing arts,” Waters said. “We are looking forward to a great turnout for the auditions on September 19 and wonderful shows on September 24.”

Rehearsals will begin immediately after the auditions on September 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rehearsals are scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. and again from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. September 20-23. A final dress rehearsal will take place September 24 at 10 a.m.

Tickets for “Rapunzel” will be on sale at McFerrin’s, The Pineapple and The Medicine Shoppe the week of the production.

For additional information, contact the Greenville Community Theatre at gctheater1@outlook.com or any GCT member. To learn more about MCT’s programs, visit their website at http://mctinc.org/