What is the Presenting Organization?
The Presenting Organization is the party, individual, association, organization or company contracted and paying for the services of a one week residency with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. This can be a Performing Arts Center, Arts Council, PTA/PTO, school, theatre, individual, military installation, etc – the possibilities are endless.
How much does it cost to bring the Missoula Children’s Theatre to my community?
The cost of the residency is dependent upon the region of the country as well as the time of year the residency week is scheduled. For specifics on fees in your area, please contact the Tour Marketing office at 406-728-1911 or email tour@mctinc.org.
What does the Missoula Children’s Theatre provide for this fee?
• Presenter Materials: All materials needed to help you plan and promote your residency week—including flyers, graphics, a photo and pre-written press releases—are sent approximately 90 days in advance.
• Open Audition: Two professional MCT Tour Actor/Directors audition and cast 50-60 local school-age children in a full-length original musical production.
• Focused Rehearsals: Lines, staging, songs and movement are learned in four-and-a-half hours each day, Monday through Friday (two 2-hour sessions with a short snack break in between). Not all cast members attend all sessions.
• Three Enrichment Workshops: Our Tour Actor/Directors present interactive workshops to schools or community groups on a variety of theatrical topics.
• Two Public Performances: The residency week culminates in two public performances starring your local children, complete with professionally designed scenery and costumes.
What are the basic requirements of presenting a week in my community?
As a "Presenter" it is your responsibility to provide
• housing for two people for 7 nights either in a homestay or motel
• a piano and accompanist (the music in the show is live and the accompanist is generally needed Wednesday-Saturday)
• two rehearsal spaces (one preferably the performance space, the other at least classroom size)
• performance space - the area in front of the set must be at least 28'W 10'H 16'D
How many children can be in the cast?
All of our shows are written to incorporate an age range of 50-60 school age children.
What are the ages that can participate?
All of our shows are written to incorporate school age children through 12th grade. In the summer months (June-August), the youngest participants must be entering 1st grade to be eligible to participate. During the school year tour (September-May) the youngest participants must be currently attending Kindergarten.
How can we involve more than 50-60 children in the program?
• Take advantage of the three enrichment workshops included in your residency fee.
• Schedule additional enrichment workshops-up to 20 can be scheduled in a week.
• Create a mural that reflects the theme of the show and display it during the production.
• Decorate the halls with thematic creations from each class.
• Have a “dress-up” day where students come dressed as their favorite character from the show.
• Involve classes in reading and discussing the original fairytale or different cultural versions of the story.
• Have an essay contest between classes to write their own ending or twist to the fairytale.
• Have children create the advertising, show program and tickets for the show.
• Have children sell tickets and usher during performances.
• Present multiple weeks in your community.
The quality of experience that we want each child to receive is one of our main reasons for limiting the number of children that can be in the show. While some towns may have fifteen children audition, others will have as many as 300 or more. With only one week and two directors there just isn’t enough time and manpower to accommodate such a situation. Over the last thirty seven years of touring, we have found there are a maximum number of children that two directors can teach well in one week. If more kids are added, at any age level, the directors become spread too thin and therefore are unable to give the appropriate amount of individual attention to the children to make each child’s personal experience safe, positive and successful.
How do I choose the show title?
The unique nature of our program in turn creates a unique booking process in which we book the tour by date rather than show title. Consequently we offer date options and not show titles. We typically have 7-10 titles touring at any given time and assign the show title to each community based on how the tour routes together. All of our shows are comparable to one another in that they’re all musicals incorporating 50-60 school-age children.
When are rehearsals conducted?
The rehearsal schedule is set by the Presenting Organization within our guidelines. Rehearsals are 4 ½ hours each day and consist of two 2-hour blocks of time with a 15-30 minute snack break between the two sessions for those cast members involved in both sessions. It’s important to note that all cast members are not involved in every rehearsal session. Each child’s schedule for the week is dependent on the role in which they’re cast. Generally, during the school year tour, the majority of rehearsals take place after the school day is over, for example 3:30-8:00pm. However, some communities choose to have rehearsals during the school day. Generally during the summer months rehearsals take place during the day, for example 10am-2:30pm each day.
Can our week be used as a fundraiser?
Yes. All of the proceeds that you make from ticket sales are yours to keep. We encourage you to seek all possible funding sources to support your residency: banks, law firms, grocery stores, the local mall, fast food restaurants, businesses that cater to students and families. A Rotary, Lions or Kiwanis club may be willing to be a partner with you in this project. It can prove to be an excellent way to involve the business community in your children’s lives.
Who will be visiting our community?
A team of two adult, professional Actor/Directors will be visiting your community for the week. These individuals are typically college graduates with training in either education, theatre, musical theatre or a combination. During their week-long residencies throughout the continent and beyond, MCT Tour Actor/Directors serve as ambassadors for the arts; especially the theatre. They have the joy of directing and performing as well as the adventure of travel. Simply put, they have the opportunity and the privilege to change the lives of thousands of young people by carrying out MCT's Mission.
Do your teams have background checks?
Yes. With our more than 37 years of touring internationally, visiting nearly 1,300 communities and working with 65,000 children annually we take our hiring practices very seriously. Each individual on our touring staff goes through an arduous process of interviews, reference checks, criminal background checks and fingerprinting – both background checks and fingerprinting are completed by a nationally recognized company. Just as we can assure that every child within our cast is safe with our staff, this same assurance is extended to the homestay families.
A potential cast member can’t make the auditions- can they still be in the show?
If a child is not able to audition, unfortunately, they will not be able to participate in the show. The 2-hour audition is the time when the team is able to assess the abilities of the children auditioning, which in turn helps them to cast the child in the role that is just right for them.
Should the students prepare anything for auditions?
Our group audition is a 2-hour process at which all children who are interested in being cast must attend for the entire time. No preparation is needed. Our team of actor/directors will guide the children through the audition process with easy to follow instructions on basic movement, lines and song. At the end of the two-hour audition, the cast will be announced, and each cast member will receive a rehearsal schedule for the week. We rehearse a total of 4 ½ hours each day, two-2 hour sessions with a short snack break in-between. Although not all cast members are 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.
How long are the auditions?
The auditions last two full hours. Each child who attends the audition will need to be present for the entire two hours
How long are the shows?
Each show is approximately 60-70 minutes in length – there is no intermission.
Three enrichment workshops are included with my residency week - how long does each workshop last?
Each workshop is approximately 45 minutes in length.
How much should we charge for admission to the shows?
You may set your ticket prices at whatever level you wish. The ticket price should depend on your community and comparable events your audience attends. We strongly encourage you to evaluate your costs before setting the price. Do not underestimate the value of this project for your community or think that you need to “give it away.” Remember that your students have worked hard and are very proud of their show. In Missoula, we charge $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students.
What are the team housing requirements?
Providing housing for the two MCT Tour Actor/Directors is your responsibility as the Presenter. Housing must be provided a total of seven (7) nights, Sunday to Sunday, regardless of schedule variations set by the Presenter (i.e. Tuesday start, Friday shows). Housing shall be private (one person per room), clean, comfortable and safe accommodations, for the two Tour Actor/Directors, either in a hotel/motel or private home(s). Married teams will require only one room with one appropriately sized bed. Obtaining complimentary rooms for the two Tour Actor/Directors is often a possibility if you ask a local motel or hotel well in advance. This enables you to keep your expenses low, and helps us keep our fees well below the level of most theatre residency programs.
You may also choose to house the team in a private home(s). For the Tour Actor/Directors, the host families often provide wonderful memories and may launch new friendships. This is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and a “home away from home” experience for the team. The option of a homestay allows you to keep your costs down, but please take care to screen the hosts. Providing a sofa bed in an open family room or asking the Tour Actor/Directors to share a room (unless married) is NOT acceptable. In addition, please confirm that the lodging is equipped with a telephone land-line or adequate cell phone coverage. This is imperative to ensure the comfort and safety of the team. If you have any questions about this, please contact our office before arranging housing for the team. Please understand that the Tour Actor/Directors, like anyone else, need their privacy. If you are planning to arrange housing for the team at two separate homes, please keep in mind that the team has only one vehicle.
Housing the Tour Team is an important aspect of the week because it so personally affects the team. When arranging housing, remember that the Tour Actor/Directors are trained professionals who wish to do their best while in your community. Their comfort and health are important to the success of your residency week.
How do we arrange for an accompanist?
Providing an accompanist is a contractual obligation of the Presenter and critical to the success of the residency week. The accompanist is needed from Wednesday through the end of the residency week, including performances. In the unfortunate situation that an accompanist is not secured by the dress rehearsal and the cast is required to do the show a cappella, a $300 fee will be assessed. It is necessary for the Tour Actor/Directors to work with the same accompanist at rehearsals and performances. The music is not difficult, but specific cues will be set. Local music teachers may serve as a good resource when looking for an accompanist. Choosing someone who can read music and is comfortable with the task is very important. For this reason, student pianists are not always the best choice. The accompanist should arrive before or after the audition session to meet the Tour Actor/Directors and pick up the score. A time will be scheduled for the Tour Actor/Directors and accompanist to briefly run through the music before their first rehearsal with the cast.
Can we use recorded music if we can’t secure a piano player?
We do not provide a recorded version of the music. The accompanist is integral to the success of the show and adds an important professional component to the week. We feel that if we were to provide an alternative, many Presenters would opt for the recorded music which would result in the lessening of the experience for everyone involved.
I can’t find an accompanist, what should I do?
Providing an accompanist is a contractual obligation of the Presenter and is critical to the success of the residency week. Local music teachers and churches may serve as good resources when looking for an accompanist. Often teachers, parents or piano students are the best options. Choosing a pianist who can read music and is comfortable with the task is very important. A sample rehearsal score is included within the Presenter Information Materials, which can be forwarded to potential accompanists for their review.
What needs will the Tour Actor/Directors have?
Once they have access to the facility and the students have shown up for the audition, the Tour Actor/Directors are fairly self sufficient. The best thing you can do from then on is simply BE AVAILABLE. If this is not possible, designate one contact person who will check in with them daily and lock the spaces after rehearsals. Unexpected situations often arise. For example, rooms may be locked or a ladder may be required. The team is not authorized to acquire keys to any facility used during the course of the week.
When will the Tour Actor/Directors arrive?
Usually the two MCT Tour Actor/Directors will arrive the night before your residency begins. If they have an exceptionally long drive from their previous residency site and if their schedule in your community allows, they may arrive in the morning before the audition. When the Tour Actor/Directors call on the Tuesday two weeks preceding your residency, establish a time and place for your first meeting with them. You will also want to cover all of the important details listed on the Presenter Checklist (included in the Presenter Materials) during the advance phone conversation. During your first meeting, allow plenty of time to walk through the audition, rehearsal and performance spaces.
Where should the audition take place?
The ideal audition location is a large open room such as a gym or cafeteria. All those who audition will be up and moving where the MCT Tour Actor/Directors can see them, normally in a single line, circle or “U” shape. An auditorium can be used, but often does not provide enough open space.
Where do rehearsals take place?
Throughout the entire residency week, two rehearsal spaces are required. The first space must be a large room, preferably the performance space. The second space should be at least the size of a large, uncluttered classroom, where twenty students can move about freely. The same two spaces should be used the entire week. We recommend that you reserve these two spaces early to avoid conflicts with other events.
What is the best rehearsal schedule?
As the Presenter, you set the rehearsal schedule within our guidelines. Two 2-hour rehearsal sessions should be scheduled each day, Monday through Friday, with a 15-to 30-minute snack break scheduled between the sessions for those who will be staying for both sessions. On Monday, the first 2-hour session will be the audition and the second 2-hour session will be the first rehearsal. The entire time allotted for rehearsals should be 4 ½ hours. We recommend a rehearsal schedule of 10:00 am to 2:30 pm during the summer and 3:00-7:30 pm. during the school year.
Not all of the students are required at every rehearsal. The MCT Tour Actor/Directors will have a complete schedule to distribute after the audition. This schedule will need to be duplicated on the audition day.
Can parents and teachers watch rehearsals?
All of our rehearsals are open to parents and teachers. Be aware, however, that it may be fun for the students to surprise their parents at the end of the week by showing what they have accomplished! Please understand that we cannot allow guests to disrupt the rehearsals. Productive rehearsals depend on the focused work of the cast members involved.
Where should the performances take place?
The performance space can be a stage, auditorium, cafeteria or gym floor – any space large enough to accommodate the set and 50-60 cast members – keeping in mind additional room for the audience. The actual “playing area” (the area in front of the set) must be at least 28’W 16’D 10’H and does not include the additional backstage space required for 50-60 cast members.
Note: For size, sound and safety reasons, the use of portable stages and/or platforms is strongly discouraged.
When should the performance space be available?
It is important that the Tour Actor/Directors have an opportunity to assemble the set prior to performance day and preferable to have at least one full day of rehearsal in the actual performance space. If at all possible, we recommend the performance space be available for set assembly and rehearsals beginning on Thursday through performance day (earlier if you are having Friday shows).
When should the performances take place?
The suggested performance times are a 3:00 p.m. matinee and a 5:30 p.m. evening performance on the Saturday of the week. However, the schedule can be adapted to fit the needs of each community. Common variations are two Saturday matinees, or a Friday evening show followed by a Saturday matinee. A “Tuesday Start” is also a common variation. When the week begins on Tuesday, it is necessary to have the shows on Saturday to give the students ample time to polish their performances. A dress rehearsal must take place four hours prior to the first performance without an audience regardless of schedule variations. Choosing to have only one performance does not change the fee, nor can a performance be traded for extra workshops.
What are the enrichment workshops?
Three theatrically based enrichment workshops are included with your residency week. Each workshop is a 45 minute, age-appropriate, educational, interactive exploration of the performing arts through hands-on activities, coached by our professional actors. We provide a selection of workshops (included in the Presenter Materials) that are specifically designed for school-age students to adults and will be conducted for the participants that you choose.
How do we schedule the workshops?
The workshops are scheduled at your discretion within our guidelines. Please determine your workshop schedule prior to the residency week, and share your schedule with the team, who will be making an advance phone call to the “Team Contact” the Tuesday two weeks prior to your residency week. The Tour Actor/Directors will be planning other production-oriented activities around this schedule. The workshop schedule must be finalized and provided to the team by the end of the first day of the residency following rehearsals. If the schedule is not provided verbally or in writing by this deadline, workshops shall not be conducted during the week.
Can we use a credit card for payment?
Yes, we do accept credit cards for payment. There is an additional 4% processing charge if you choose this method of payment.
Can we request specific TADS to come back to our community?
While there's always a chance that a given team could return to a community they previously visited, it is incredibly unlikely. There are many variables that go into the planning and routing of a tour as we work to accommodate the request of nearly 1,300 communities each year. Our main goal is to accommodate the date options that work for each community. With as many as 48 teams out on the road throughout the year, we will have the tours routed much earlier than teams will be assigned. In addition, each tour actor has a separate contract and may not be touring with same partner from one season to another. More importantly, a community and cast can benefit from experiencing a different set of personalities, interests and style and a new team will have no preconceived ideas of the community and previous cast members. You may find that the next team that visits your community is just as lovely and wonderful as the previous - that would be our hope and goal!
Why can’t I find our booking listed on your tour schedule?
Our online tour schedule is updated weekly. If your community and corresponding presenting organization is not yet listed on our online tour schedule, we are not yet in receipt of the completed tour contract.
When will I receive the Presenter materials?
The 30 show flyers and online access information for the planning and promotional materials are sent via priority mail approximately 90 days before your residency. If you do not receive this packet, please contact the Marketing Department at the Missoula Children’s Theatre. You can either email us at
tour@mctinc.org or call us at (406)728-1911.
How do we book for next year?
The MCT Tour schedule is divided into three parts: The Summer Tour (June-August), The Fall Tour (September- December) and The Winter/Spring Tour (January-May). We begin the booking process for each tour approximately a year in advance. All Presenters who are currently on our mailing list will receive a booking invite via e-mail to complete our online form-Request for Residency-in July for the following Summer and September for the following School Year. Routing the Tour is a very complex process. Requests are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Waiting lists are common for many areas of the country. The prompt return of your Request for Residency Form and your flexibility in scheduling are greatly appreciated!