50 years of MCT and me!
Growing up on the hi-line of northern Montana, MCT was part of my life from a very early age. From a rat in The Pied Piper to the Fish in The Fisherman and his Wife, the week with MCT was a highlight each year. It never occurred to me that it could (and would) become my career.
While pursuing degrees in Music and Psychology from The University of Montana, I was fortunate to take part in Missoula Community Theatre productions. At the urging of my voice teacher, the late great Esther England, I auditioned and performed in Carousel at The Wilma and 1940’s Radio Hour at The Front Street Theatre. I also taught voice lessons and was a counselor at MCT’s Performing Arts Camp. I started touring in the Fall of 1996 after getting a call that they had a spot to fill last minute. What started as “helping” for 3 months, turned into 3 years on the road with The Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (pictured below: Amy with her first tour partner, Bryan King), Cinderella, and The Fisherman and his Wife. I loved every part of being on the road, but after 3 years, it was time to unpack my suitcase. I started in the home office as Tour Operations Assistant and part-time receptionist, became the Tour Finance Associate and eventually (and currently) the Tour Production Director.
I am grateful to continue to work with students in Missoula and also travel to Bermuda, Iceland, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (twice!), Ireland, Guam and just last month, Hawaii, to share the mission of MCT. I spend my days training new tour actors, supporting their efforts on the road, and helping them be as successful as possible. We are working hard to continue to keep MCT relevant and up to date— writing,editing, learning and growing each day.
My family has found a love of MCT as well. My husband, Blake, performed in Bang the Drum Slowly (bonding over baseball with MCT co-founder Jim Caron) and often lends his video editing skills. Our daughter, Alexa (8), has just performed in her 5th show—The Frog Prince. This was the 1st ever MCT residency at her school (Jeannette Rankin Elementary). Alexa considers MCT and everyone here as her second home and family. My parents have an “MCT room” in their home where they often house tour actors and they just became Premiere Night members. Perhaps most importantly, I have met most of my life-long friends through MCT.
I am proud to have made a career supporting MCT’s mission. Now more than ever, today’s young people need to learn teamwork, responsibility and empathy. We help them find the love of community building while having fun with theatre.