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Acting camp allows children to grow as actors, people
By Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
Young actors and actresses are ready to take the stage in Mesquite.
The Mesquite Arts Council is hosting its annual Missoula Theatre Camp for children in grades one through 12. To participate, a child must be at least six years old. This year the camp will be putting on a production of the Pied Piper.
“This is an open-call audition. We ask that everyone get her by 11:30 a.m. on July 23. The auditions will then take place immediately. Within two hours after the conclusion of auditions, each child will know whether or not they were cast and what part they will be playing,” said Mike Templeton, arts center director.
“If a child is unable to attend every day of the camp, they will not be cast,” Templeton said. “All costumes and makeup are provided. Once they pay the $70 they will not be out another penny.”
The audition process takes about two hours, during which time the participants must be prepared to stay quietly in their seats without their parents. The names of those selected to participate will be announced at the close of the audition, and the first rehearsal will begin after a short lunch break and announcements. Parents must provide their children with lunch on audition day if they are chosen.
The camp is led by two professional actor/directors from Missoula Children’s Theater in Montana.
“Through the mentorship of the two directors teaches the children great discipline and gives them an understanding of what they must do as an actor to connect with the audience,” Templeton said. “They usually come away from the camp with great confidence and leadership skills. They will all understand the importance of working together.”
The production is designed with suitable parts for every age, skill and experience level. Previous acting experience is not required to participate. The camp organizers just ask that the children bring a lot of enthusiasm, a great smile, the ability to sing on key and good listening skills. No prepared material is required.
“This camp is not only for seasoned actors but it also gives the person that has never taken the risk the tools they can carry with them if and when the acting bug bites,” Templeton said.
The Pied Piper is an original adaptation of the classic children’s tale. The story centers on what to do when your town is overrun by ravenous rats. Sara, an orphan girl, and the other townspeople of Hamelin Town turn to the mayor and his council when their town is threatened. They then call on the Pied Piper to save them from the troublesome creatures. The mayor's son and daughter and the cooks also join in the endeavor. When the town is unable to pay the piper, the children are led away from the town along with the rats.
“When we are given a list of productions available we try and chose one we haven’t done before and one that is not being offered in our region,” Templeton said. “We don’t want to duplicate anything in the area.”
He added that the arts council chose the Missoula Children’s Theater because they are a one stop shop for camps and have a great reputation.
“They send us everything including the directors,” Templeton said.
For information on the camp, visit www.mesquiteartscenter.org.
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