Missoula Children’s Theatre Returns to Bath County This June

For many kids in Bath County, the stage isn’t something they grow up around — it finds them. And for Rachel Camacho, Executive Director of the Bath County Chamber of Commerce, it found her through Missoula Children’s Theatre.

“It’s a very full circle moment,” Rachel said during a recent visit to Allegheny Mountain Radio. “I actually got my love of the theater — the theater bug, if you will — from Missoula Children’s Theatre, where I participated through the Bath County Arts Association.”

Now, she’s one of the people making it happen for the next generation.

What Is Missoula Children’s Theatre?

If you’ve never seen it in action, the concept sounds almost impossible: two traveling directors arrive in a red Ford F-150, and packed inside that truck is everything needed to put on a full-scale, one-hour musical — costumes, sets, and all. Local children audition on Monday morning, parts are announced that same afternoon, and rehearsals begin immediately. By Saturday, they perform — twice — in front of a live audience.

“The kids learn so much,” Rachel said, “and to be able to put on a full musical in a week is really amazing.”

This year’s production is Beauty Lou and the Country Beast — Missoula’s own spin on Beauty and the Beast, complete with original music. “We get to learn the show as the children learn it,” Rachel said. “We know there’s always many surprises along with that.”

Auditions: No Experience Required

Auditions — or as Missoula calls them, talent inventories — are open to students entering 1st grade through 12th grade. The process is designed to feel low-pressure. Kids audition together as a group, no one is singled out. They learn a short dance, sing Row Row Row Your Boat, and introduce themselves with a little personality.

“You don’t have to have a really loud personality to get a part in Missoula,” Rachel said. “They are really, really sensitive about inclusion and just making it fun for the kids.”

Mark Your Calendar

Auditions are Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m. at the Bath County High School Auditorium. Performances are Saturday, June 20 with two shows — times to be determined. The program is open to students entering 1st grade through 12th grade. Pre-registration is available through the Bath County Arts Association website, and same-day registration will also be accepted.

It Takes a Village

Programs like this don’t happen without community support. Rachel credited Bath County Public Schools for providing the auditorium and Bacova Properties for donating housing for the touring directors throughout the week. “We would not be able to do this without our longstanding sponsors,” she said. “Having them in our corner has been just vital.”

For more information, visit the Bath County Arts Association website or find them on Facebook and Instagram.