Beauty Lou and the Country Beast: Audition and Rehearsal Information for 2023 Missoula Children’s Theatre Production

The audition for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of BEAUTY LOU AND THE COUNTRY BEAST will be held on Monday, June 26, at 10:00 am inside the historic Peoples Bank Theatre at 222 Putnam Street in Marietta. 

There are roles for those students entering first grade through twelfth grade. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour Actor/Director. Up to four students will be cast as Assistant Directors. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play. 

Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15 minutes after the audition.

This is a group audition, so no advance preparation is necessary (but a smile never hurts!). Students should just be ready to come and have a good time! 

The rehearsal schedule inside the Peoples Bank Theatre auditorium is as follows:

  • This first rehearsal will take place Monday, June 26, from 12:15 pm through 2:15 pm.
  • Tuesday through Thursday, rehearsals will take place from 10:00 am to 2:15 pm, with a 15-minute break at noon.
  • The Friday dress rehearsal will take place from 10:00 am to 2:15 pm, with a 15-minute break at 1:00 pm. The cast will need to return to the theatre approximately 60 to 90 minutes before the 7:00 pm showtime to get into full makeup and costume.

Although not all cast members will be 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 and be available for all scheduled performances. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full 4 hours and 15 minutes will be asked to bring a sack lunch, dinner, or snack to be eaten during the 15-minute break between sessions. 

The performance will be held on Friday, June 30, at 7:00 pm and will be presented at Peoples Bank Theatre.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors, and teachers! The residency in Marietta is made possible in part by Marietta Community Foundation.

For any questions, please contact Peoples Bank Theatre’s administrative office at 740-373-0894.

Visit the Missoula Children’s Theatre: Beauty Lou and the Country Beast event page to learn more about the production and order tickets.

 

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Securing the Future: Peoples Bank Theatre Launches $5 Million Endowment Campaign

The Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre, operating as Peoples Bank Theatre, is excited to launch a substantial $5 million endowment campaign. This initiative aims to bolster facility maintenance, provide comprehensive program support, and ensure the nonprofit’s long-term sustainability.

“After navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19 and successfully establishing ourselves as a premier cultural hub, we are ready to press forward and secure the future of this historic venue,” stated Hunt Brawley, Executive Director of the Peoples Bank Theatre. “By building a healthy endowment, we can protect the theatre against unforeseen challenges and expand our endeavors to serve our community even better.”

The late Dan Stephan Sr., a founding member of the theatre and first Board President, took the organization’s first step toward sustainability in 2000 by setting up an endowment fund at Marietta Community Foundation. The theatre’s current Board now seeks to grow that fund to at least $5 million. 

Heather Allender, President and CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, expressed strong support for nonprofit endowments, remarking, “For many nonprofits, an endowment fund equals stability. They’re a tool that offers steady income, protects organizations long-term, and provides the flexibility needed for growth. I’m confident that nonprofits building their endowment now will be the ones thriving in 20, 50, or even 100 years.”

Aside from addressing maintenance needs and gaining perpetual operational support, Peoples Bank Theatre plans to use this additional funding to expand programming. Particular areas of focus include educational/youth programs, Broadway/theatrical programs, and film. 

“Many forget that we’re a nonprofit organization,” said Brawley. “Ticket sales only cover two-thirds of our annual operations. While we’re extremely thankful for the donors and sponsors who make up this difference, we hope this campaign will decrease our reliance on them to balance the budget and make positive investments in our future.”

Donations can be made online at https://peoplesbanktheatre.com/support/donate. Additionally, checks made payable to MCF can be mailed to Peoples Bank Theatre, C/O Marietta Community Foundation, 100 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750.  

For major gifts or sponsorships, contact Executive Director Hunt Brawley at 740-373-0894 or hbrawley@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com.

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Sensory Friendly Film Series Launches on June 13

June 13 marks the kickoff of Peoples Bank Theatre’s Sensory Friendly Film Series. The series, which is made possible through the generous support of the Marietta Welfare League and the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, features family films shown in an environment designed to accommodate neurodivergent children and their families.

The sound, lighting levels, and other aspects of traditional movie theaters can be overwhelming for those with autism and sensory processing issues. For Sensory Friendly Film Series events, Peoples Bank Theatre will make the following accommodations:  

  • House lights left on low (25% to 50%)
  • Sound turned down (so it is not overstimulating)
  • No advertisements or trailers at the beginning of the movie
  • Disabled access to the theatre
  • Audience capacity is limited to 300 patrons
  • Audience members are free to stand, dance, and sing along as long as there are no safety concerns
  • A chill-out zone located in The Stage Door will be available for attendees who need to take a break
  • Staff and volunteers have been trained in autism and SPD understanding

We hope these adjusted cinematic experiences will help foster improved inclusiveness both within our venue and the community at large.

 

There are three Sensory Friendly Film Series events scheduled at this time, which are:

Lilo & Stitch
Tuesday, June 13, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 85 minutes. Rated PG. Released June 2002.
Order Lilo & Stitch Tickets

Sonic the Hedgehog
Tuesday, July 11, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 99 minutes. Rated PG. Released January 2020.
Order Sonic the Hedgehog Tickets

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Tuesday, August 8, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 102 minutes. Rated PG. Released December 2022.
Order Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Tickets

 

Each Sensory Friendly Film Series event is free to attend, with general admission seating available to allow audience members to sit where they are comfortable within the theatre auditorium. Tickets are required for entry and are available on the Peoples Bank Theatre website and by calling the Box Office at 740-371-5152.

Print-at-home tickets are available for these events to simplify obtaining tickets and attending the film showings. Attendees may also pick up their tickets at the Box Office inside the Stage Door at 224 Putnam Street in Marietta. The Box Office hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, as well as two hours before showtime. It is closed at lunch daily from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

 

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