The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) Playdate is a fun, interactive, theatre experince based on our one-week International Tour Program. Learn lines, build props, sing songs, create costumes, and perform with your family. All with simple steps and MCT’s professional guidance. YOU can create the MCT magic in your very own home!
MCT PLAYDATE FAQS
What is MCT Playdate?
MCT Playdate gives you the ability to host a mini version of a tour show in your home. Each Monday, we provide a condensed version of one of our tour shows for you to rehearse and perform. We provide the script, songs, music tracks, and guidelines to get you going. What you and your family create is up to you! This series will be available through May 15th!
What is the cost?
MCT Playdate materials are FREE to download and present! We do recommend a donation of $5-$10 as every dollar will go toward getting our tour back on the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. Thank you in advance!
I have never participated in a MCT tour show before, can I still use these materials?
Absolutely!
What is the schedule for Playdate materials?
Monday: Script, Sheet Music, Rehearsal and Performance tracks are available for download.
Tuesday: Blocking, choreography, PR materials, and directing prompts are available for download.
Wednesday***: Costume presentation live streamed at 12PM mountain time – the live stream link will also be posted with the materials following the presentation.
Thursday***: Set presentation live streamed at 12PM mountain time – the live stream link will also be posted with the materials following the presentation.
Friday: Former Tour Actor/Directors share what they love about this show.
Saturday/Sunday: Your performance! All materials will be available until Sunday evening of each week.
***The MCT Center for the Performing Arts is currently closed in accordance with Montana’s shelter in place order. In lieu of live streaming, videos will be made and released on the Playdate materials page to cover these topics. As soon as we can return to our building, we will resume our live stream content.
I have never directed a play before. How can I use these materials?
We will provide basic blocking suggestions, simple choreography, and directing prompts to help you get your performance up and running.
I don’t have access to a printer, how can we use the scripts?
No worries, just download the materials to your phone or tablet!
Are the scripts identical to the scripts you present during a tour residency week?
Yes and no. The plot, characters, and songs will be familiar if you have seen a performance of the particular show. However, certain character groups and songs have been omitted so four performers can create the Playdate version of the script.
Is it a requirement to share our performance on social media or YouTube?
No. However we encourage you to share your performance to spread some theatre joy to your friends and family! If you do share your performance, we ask that you say on the video or post, “This was a Missoula Children’s Theatre Playdate Production of SHOW TITLE” and tag your performance either on MCT’s Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #MCTPlaydate.
Can we add our own dialogue or songs from other shows to our weekly performance?
To maintain the integrity and standards of our productions, we ask that you do not make alterations to the materials we provide.
Do we have to use the entire script and every song?
No! If you would like to condense the script further, or only perform a scene or two, that is just fine.
There are more/less than four people in my home, can we alter the roles to accommodate more/less people?
Absolutely! Please abide by your city/state suggestions for capacity of public gatherings. Leave the big productions with lots of children to us when we tour to your community again!
Can we use puppets? Or masks? Or a stage reading? Or, or, or..?
Yes, yes, and yes! Let your creativity soar and make it your own! A friendly reminder that you are presenting a Missoula Children’s Theatre script created for a young audience. If your production was to be rated on content, it should be “G” or “PG”.
Does our performance have to be memorized?
Nope!
Does our performance have to use your blocking or choreography?
Nope! Just remember that this is children’s theatre and your production is created for a young audience.
Does our performance need to have a set, costumes, or any other technical considerations?
Nope! Make a set, or not. Use costumes, or not! Do your show inside or outside, use multiple or one location, whatever you would like!
Can I charge admission for my performance?
No. MCT Playdate productions are free to produce and free to view. If you are interested in using this format for a type of fundraiser, please contact MCT at:education@MCTinc.orgcreate new email
I didn’t download last week’s Playdate materials; can you send them to me?
Unfortunately, Playdate materials are only available for download during the week of their presentation.
How long will the Playdate Project last?
We will provide a different script and supporting materials every Monday from now until May 15.
Playdate Summer Encore Season
June 1-7: Robin Hood
June 8-14: The Jungle Book
June 15-21: Johnny Appleseed
June 22-28: Peter and Wendy
June 29 – July 5: The Frog Prince
July 6-12: The Princess and the Pea
July 13-19: Beauty Lou and the Country Beast
July 20-26: King Arthur’s Quest
While this program is free, a donation to help keep MCT on the map would be appreciated.
