On Sunday, February 1 a little red truck came into
Martinsville loaded down with a full-scale musical
production. Immediately after school the next day almost 100
children arrived at Martinsville Middle School with hopes and
anticipation - children from all parts of Martinsville and Henry
County ages 5 to 17!
On Monday 60, of those children were cast as characters
based on an open audition (no experience necessary) by
Mandy Jung and Alicia Lees of the Missoula Children’s
Theatre.
This year it was a unique and extremely funny version of
“Robin Hood”. The usual characters of this Sherwood Forest
Robin Hood were: Robin Hood, Maid Marion, and Sherriff of
Nottingham. More roles included: “Marion’s Maid”, “Prince
John”, A “Merry Band” of jugglers, mimes, comedians, etc.,
“Guards”, “Horsemen” (with built in horses), “Aristocrats”,
and people of the forest – “Foresters”.
Let the fun, games, and memorizing begin….. Each
evening 4:00 - 8:30 pm the cast worked to bring a show
together with Mandy & Alicia’s expertise and guidance in only
5 days!
By Saturday, they had created a show along with gaining
knowledge, confidence and new friends!
Almost every week the Missoula actors roll into a new
town and perform their magic in less than a week. They are
trained on how to relate to kids making it a fun and
educational experience for everyone. Each year we have
children return for the chance to be part of this wonderful
production. Some are not cast, but the auditions are still
enjoyable, many would say they want to return next year and
try again!
Three workshops are included in the cost of the residency week.
 This gives other local children the opportunity to experience a bit of
theatre. This year’s workshop about improvisation (acting without a
script) was shared with some 6th and 8th grade students during school
day, and participation by everyone was encouraged.