‘Snow White’ arrives at Admiral

Even though they both seemed like calm, respectful young men, Karl Bailey and Cameron Anderson were picked to play the two not-so-nice roles of evil henchmen in the Missoula Children Theatre’s production of Snow White at the Admiral Theatre.

Stretching to play roles different than themselves is something both boys find challenging.

They have been practicing two hours a day Saturday’s performance.

In all, the play’s 58 young actors and actresses had only one week to rehearse for the show.

“It really shows them that when you put your mind to it you can do anything,” said Avery Moss, co-director of the play.

She travels all over the Northwest with her co-worker Phil Kasinski putting on youth plays for Missoula Children Theatre. Their entire set fits in the back of their red pickup truck.

Many of the kids in Snow White have been in numerous productions before.

Anderson and Bailey both attend and act in drama productions for for King’s West, a K-12 school in Chico.

They have been acting since elementary school.

Picked for the lead of Snow White was Jessica Kluth, a 15-year-old from Seabeck.

Missoula Children’s Theatre is the largest touring program in the United States. Production starts with an audition, followed by a week-long “residency” where young actors and actresses rehearse a couple hours a day.

98 kids — from Kluth to 7-year-old Casey Anderson — tried out for roles in the play.

“First thing we are looking for is how big and loud and expressive you can be with your voice,” said Kasinsiki on Monday during auditions.

“We want to see some movement,” added Moss. “Most importantly, we are looking for how well you can listen and follow directions.”

Kasinski and Moss asked all of the kids to say their names and ages in a row. First they asked them to say them as loud as they could.

This with excitement.

As the kids continued down the line, the directors took notes, plucking out certain children for the roles.

Sitting in the audience during her son’s audition was Greta Bailey, looking surprisingly calm.

“Carl is pretty secure,” she said.

But what about the fear of rejection?

“I would be hesitant to bring a little kid here and have them say ‘No’ she said. It is bad for their egos to be rejected.”

While the kids auditioned, parents sat in the audience smiling or laughing at some of renditions.

There are numerous reasons why acting is beneficial for young children’s development, according to Moss.

“It gives you the opportunity to explore your creativity — it gives you an outlet,” she said.

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