ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Team Andrews' audience members were treated to a free performance of the Missoula Children's Theatre's "Princess and the Pea," at the Reel Time Theater recently. Over 30 children from the base community participated in the play as both cast members and assistant directors.
"The Missoula Children's Theater gives the military community a chance for all the kids to be together, make new friends and participate in an organized group activity," said Sarah Beauvais, Missoula Children's Theater tour actor and director. "So often military kids move from place to place and the Missoula Children's Theater allows children to have an outlet for their energies and their talents."
Matrice Adger, Youth Center teen director, agrees. "The Missoula Children's Theater is an excellent way to introduce the stage to the aspiring actors, actresses, and directors in our military family. It's an outstanding opportunity for our base community and allows their children to see what goes into putting on a performance," said Ms. Adger.
Ms. Beauvais said she and her Missoula Children's Theater tour partner and director, Erica Zintek, have traveled throughout the United States this summer providing military children with this unique opportunity. "This is actually our last stop this summer," said Ms. Beauvais. "Before we came to Andrews, we were in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and we started out in May. We pack everything up in our F-150 and we drive from one location to the next." Then, the real work starts for the traveling production company. "For a week we get the kids auditioned and we start rehearsing. At the week's end is when we perform. It's a fun opportunity for us and the children."
"This was so much fun, very memorable," said Claire Grissom, 13, the actress who played the Princess and daughter of Col. Del and Ellen Grissom. "I've learned a lot and I think acting is something I'd like to do as a side job."
As for "Pea," this play is just a stepping stone for a bigger and brighter stage. "This is what I want to be, I really want to be an actress," said Sarah Sunday, 13, and daughter to Maj. Al and Lisa Sunday. "Last year, I was in the performance of the Wizard of Oz as the Witch and I really feel that these plays help me build up my acting skills for when I get older."
"We were very 'pea-zed' with our daughter's performance today," smiled Major Sunday. "Really she, and the entire cast, put on a great performance."
Audience member Kathy Jones, wife of Lt. Col. Andy Jones said of the performance, "It was absolutely amazing that these children put this play together in a week's time. It was absolutely delightful."
This year, over 65,000 children from all 50 states and 16 countries participated as performers in the Missoula Children's Theater International Tour Project which deployed 45 teams around the world.
For more information, visit
www.mctinc.org.