A rousing standing ovation was a rewarding payoff for a week of concentrated effort by the young local actors and actresses on stage during the Missoula Children's Theatre performance of The Secret Garden in Swift Current on Oct. 20.
A cast of over 50 performers choked back their stage fright and performed the rolls of everything from lead performers and ensemble participants in the Missoula Children's Theatre's original rendition of The Secret Garden. The production was a child friendly version of the turn of the century novel, complete with colourful costumes and fun songs. There was also a great deal of behind the scenes stage work, with children handling the assistant directing duties.
This was the second year the Swift Current Allied Arts Council Koncerts 4 Kids series included The Missoula Children's Theatre in their line-up, giving youngsters interested in performing a chance to be on stage.
Following auditions, the group conducted rehearsals from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday to prepare for the over one hour performance.
And while there were a few forgotten lines, and some youngsters that needed some extra coaxing to speak loudly, the entire cast can take pride that they had the courage to be on stage and contributed their own unique flair to each role. Undoubtedly, some were bitten by the acting bug and they will be anxiously awaiting their next chance to spread their wings on stage.
