Missoula Children's Theatre Website

We live in a highly competitive era. Youngsters are introduced at an early age to the critical realities

of our achievement- and success-oriented society. From academics to athletics to social interaction,

children are pressured to get the best grades, to score the most points, to have the most friends. At

the same time, segments of our society tend to view the arts as a luxury, a frill, an extra-curricular

activity running a distant second to the popular status of sports. Add to these conditions the natural

curiosity of the child, the tendency toward self-exploration, the adolescent impatience to put away the

things of the child and emulate adult role models – for better or for worse. Pressure. MCT

approaches children with a full awareness of these conditions and strives to use participation in the

performing arts as a vehicle to develop the life skills (social skills, communication skills, self-discipline,

a strong work ethic, an understanding of the team concept and self-esteem) necessary to answer the

challenges of our time.

Although MCT's programs tour to major metropolitan centers, MCT remains dedicated to providing

financially accessible arts experiences to all communities, regardless of size or economic status.

Many of the communities served by MCT are isolated, culturally deprived and/or economically

depressed. Live theatre participation, qualified drama teachers and educationally sound music

programs within the curriculum are often non-existent or low on the priority scale. Constructive

opportunities in the performing arts are rare, and the chance to spark a new interest often goes

unkindled. MCT's programs can and do provide the kindling to ignite the flame of interest.

Within each MCT cast, girls and boys are equal; the disabled become able; the shy experiment with

bravery; the slow are rehearsed to perfection; and the gifted become part of the whole. The lesson

they learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on. Few arenas exist where responsibility

is taught and learned so clearly. MCT provides a unique opportunity to learn the lessons of

group dynamics while excelling as an individual – a lesson from art that carries into life.

Unsolicited testimonials to the practical value of MCT participation are received on an almost daily

basis. A stronger performance in a geography oral report, better grades, a healthier rapport with

teachers and classmates, confident self-control in that first job interview, an increased sense of

tolerance and respect for others, tunnel-vision enthusiasm for the most challenging project, a

blossoming imagination and sense of individuality, a perceptible sense of emotional and physical wellbeing--

a happier child; these are among the positive results of MCT participation often noted by

parents and educators alike. Yes, MCT provides a top-quality entertainment experience for audience

members. Yes, MCT nurtures and challenges the abilities of those rare children with career

performance ambitions and potential. Yes, MCT provides a healthy and wholesome ambassadorship

for the arts and opens the door to new life experiences and aesthetic pleasures. But, the primary goal