Helpful information about the show:
- Q&A for Hansel & Gretel (PDF) – information about the auditions, rehearsals, and performances
- Dealing with Disappointment (PDF)
We’re so happy to host Missoula Children’s Theatre for another year of fabulous fun! MCT (www.mctinc.org) comes to town with two directors, the sets, the costumes, and bundles of energy and enthusiasm to put on a show in only one week!
Auditions are very entertaining and non-threatening. In general, there are spaces available for 60 cast members. In recent years everyone who auditioned was cast, but there have been years when over 100 children have auditioned for only 60 spaces. We anticipate that we may have a larger audition pool again this year, so please be aware—some auditioners may not be cast. If your child is cast, you can expect a full and very fun week, capped off with two
performances in the ARMS Auditorium on Saturday.
Who: Students in Kindergarten – grade 12
When & Where: Week of March 27th – April 1st, 2023
Masks are required at auditions and rehearsals.
Auditions @ Amherst Regional Middle School cafeteria
Rehearsals @ Amherst Regional Middle School
Performances @ Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium
(all locations pending approval of Amherst Regional Schools—we’ll keep this info updated!)
Auditions:
Open large group audition… no signup or prior registration is necessary… just come and be ready to begin at 4:00 sharp on Monday, March 27th at Amherst Middle School cafeteria. Those auditioning should arrive by 4:00 and plan to stay for the full two hours. Parents do not need to stay, but should return by 5:30. Some of those cast in the show will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions. These are fun and non-threatening auditions where everyone auditions together. No preparation is needed—but a smile always helps!
Times are tough for modern-day Hank and Gretchen, ’til they find themselves deep in the wondrous Wildwood world of Hansel and Gretel. The Missoula Children’s Theatre proudly presents an original musical adaptation of the Brothers Grimm age-old tale of a journey, a secret and a grand adventure. As they make their way with Grandma through the dark woods, Hansel and Gretel meet a whole fairy tale full of characters! The Rascals dart from tree to tree as sweet little Wallybirds innocently munch on the cookie crumbs left as a map on the forest floor. Crafty cooks and Gingerbread Men lead our heroes to a colorful cottage concocted completely of candy and cakes, where Hansel and Gretel unravel the secret of the Wildwood Witch:
Is she bad?
Or is she good?
Is she wicked…
Or misunderstood?
There’s music and laughter and thrills and chills. So join the fun as Hansel and Gretel’s dream is mysteriously blended with real life, and the lessons of one apply to the other. You’ll learn the secret of the Wildwood — but, shhh — don’t tell!
Students from Kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to audition. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week, and to take on essential backstage responsibilities. There are 50-60 roles available, with parts in every age group. This is a group audition, and no advance preparation is necessary–though a smile always helps! There is a $75 Registration Fee due at the audition for all those who are cast—additional siblings are $40 (fee waivers are available!).
The Missoula Children’s Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup. The MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week from 4:00-8:30 Monday, March 27th – Friday, April 1st. Not everyone will need to be present at every rehearsal.
Rehearsals:
The first rehearsal (older students only) begins approximately 30 minutes after the audition. Older students should bring a bag supper to eat between the audition and rehearsal in the event that they are cast. Rehearsals will run from 4:00 – 6:00 and 6:30 – 8:30 Monday – Friday @ ARMS, unless otherwise noted. Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Older cast members with major roles are usually scheduled for all sessions and should bring a bag dinner each day. Children in grades K-1 rehearse Wednesday through Friday afternoons.
PERFORMANCES – Saturday, April 1st : Amherst Regional Middle School
Cast will be called at 12:00 noon to prepare for 1:30 show
Afternoon: TWO Performances at 1:30 and 4:00 PM
Registration: $75 (siblings $40) payable at the audition by cash or check (payable to Town of Amherst)
• (fee waived if you qualify for free lunch/$10 if you qualify for reduced lunch)
Tickets: At the door only • Adults $10, Students $5
MCT (www.mctinc.org) comes to town with two directors, the sets, the costumes, and bundles of energy and enthusiasm to put on a show in only one week!
For more information about Missoula Children’s Theatre traveling theater program,
see their web site: http://www.mctinc.org
For more information, please email: Betsy and David Mullins or call call Wendy at 413-253-7149
As an added note, we at Amherst Community Theater are committed to inclusive casting. In addition, Covid-19 precautions will be in place to help guard the safety of all participants. We ask that all auditioners and accompanying family members please mask up, for everyone’s safety. Please direct questions about our Covid policies to producer@amherstacts.org or call Sam at 413-265-8900.
Amherst Community Theater COVID-19 Policy