2021-2022 Local Program Update

Rebuilding after a Storm

While the storm we call the Pandemic is not over, we are already looking toward a year of rebuilding; thankfully, we’re not starting from the ground up. We already have a firm foundation on which to build, including an actual building (the MCT Center for the Performing Arts), an amazing community of supporters, and a Covid outlook which is improving daily as the vaccine rollout continues. So, now we get back to creating shows, with real people on stage and in the audience. You remember how good that feels, right?

We’ll build back one brick at a time, which can be tedious, but worth it. Choosing the productions has become even more challenging than some typical concerns such as “what shows will work on our stage”, “can we get the rights to the title, and if so, can we afford to build it?” and the eternal “will it conflict with Homecoming weekend?” Compliance to changing health and safety guidelines, making responsible and realistic choices with our resources (financial and staff), and holding our breath regarding restrictions on crowd size keeps us mindful that each brick must be laid with a solid future in mind. To be clear, we are not re-inventing MCT; just making wise adjustments that we believe are worthy of the trust we have earned from our patrons. With this said, our rebuilding in 2021-2022 looks like this:

Missoula Community Theatre: We will continue to present five theatre productions, starting with something small in October (in terms of number of cast/crew as well as smaller budget), and then rollout the remaining productions individually as we inch towards larger shows. We will forego selling traditional “Season Subscriptions” as in the past 300 years (ok, just a few decades), allowing us to remain responsive to adjustments in health and safety protocols and avoid so much unraveling of tickets for our Patrons. More information on that will be forthcoming soon. We will keep a focus on humor and family-friendly shows that begin with the process of AUDITIONS for members of the community. Keep your eyes open for the upcoming opportunities!

Missoula Children’s Theatre: We have a full slate of six (6) summer day camps, beginning the week of June 14th, keeping numbers lower, but with full costuming, audience members in the theatre and the continuing option of streaming the shows for those who are not able to come or not quite ready to gather in person. There will be after-school classes during the school year, including a world premiere “prototype” show that will eventually tour. Lastly, we aim to continue the Play In a Day program for days when MCPS schools are not in session.

The International Tour: We have tour teams out now around the US and currently have 16 teams scheduled for the summer tour. As the country continues to open safely, the tour is gaining momentum, so we are beyond thrilled to get more of our little red trucks on the road. As well, we long to get teams in the air to serve schools and communities overseas when the timing is right.