Monday (Group Audition Day):

7:40-8 a.m. Please arrive anytime between 7:40-8 a.m. to have your child check-in. Parents of youth in elementary grade levels physically must accompany their child through check-in. Parents of older students, it’s not required to accompany your student through check-in, but encouraged. This is also a good time for students to use the rest room and place their water bottle (or snack from home) on the table.

8-9:45 a.m. Group Audition: *Parents are not required to stay for the auditions; however, sometimes we have had children feel nervous and not want to participate in the group audition without a parent present. We will not force anyone to participate in the group audition. Please know that the only way cast roles are handed out is through participating in the group audition.

9:45-10 a.m.: Cast roles and schedules for the week are handed out. Important information will be announced to cast members and parents. All parents are encouraged to be here for this portion so they know whether their child needs a ride home or not, unless their child has a way of communicating with them directly. If your child does not have rehearsal at 10:15 a.m., your child will need a ride home. Supervision is not provided for youth outside of rehearsal or snack times.

10-10:15 a.m. Snack

10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Rehearsal #1 – Stage or Commons

Tuesday:

8-10 a.m.: Rehearsal #1

10-10:15 a.m.: Snack

10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. : Rehearsal #2: Auditorium & Commons

Wednesday:

8-10 a.m.: Rehearsal #1: Auditorium & Commons

10-10:15 a.m.: Snack

10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Rehearsal #2: Auditorium & Commons

Thursday:

BRING A BROWN PAPER BAG TO REHEARSAL BY TODAY – THURSDAY! Each student MUST BRING A BAG (a brown paper bag or large gift bag works best!) that is labeled with their (1) FULL NAME and (2) CHARACTER ROLE. Costumes will be placed into each bag on Thursday.

8-10 a.m.: Rehearsal #1: Auditorium & Commons

10-10:15 a.m.: Snack

10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Rehearsal #2: Auditorium & Commons

Friday:

8-11 a.m.: Dress Rehearsal (If there is a parent or two who can help with costumes from 8-9 a.m. – that would be appreciated!)

11-11:30 a.m.: Ice Cream Social

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Rehearsal #2: Stage or Commons

Saturday:

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Performance Preparations

1-2 p.m. Performance (Lakeside Center Theater – Nicolet Area Technical College)

2-3 p.m. On-stage photos; Costume Returns; Turn in Evaluation; Set take-down help needed – Thank you!

Allergic reactions are unpredictable, and can cause an array of medical issues for the allergic student, including a severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis.

To protect all students, it’s best to send allergen-free snacks. Because anyone can be allergic to any food, it can be difficult to know what’s appropriate for your student attending a public program. When in doubt, play it safe. Most whole fruits and vegetables are safe for most people, while many processed snacks, like chips, cookies, and snack cakes, contain one or more common food allergens. If you have time, make snacks yourself so you can control the ingredients.

Whole fruit: Clementine’s, small apples, or bananas couldn’t be easier.

Applesauce, fruit cups, and canned fruit: These have a long shelf life and are low-cost, easy, and healthy if canned in juice or light syrup. One example of unsweetened applesauce is Mott’s Unsweetened Apple. Dole and Del Monte offer a variety of single-serve fruit bowls.

Dried fruit: Try raisins, apricots, apples, mango, pineapple, papaya, and others with little or no added sugars.

Frozen fruit: Try freezing grapes or buy frozen blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and mangoes.

Veggies and dip: Fill small containers with an array of vegetables, or arrange them in the shape of a rainbow if you’re in class during serving time. A fun presentation wins kids over, and offering multiple choices increases the likelihood that each student will find something to enjoy for snack time. For a packaged dip option, Daiya Homestyle Ranch Dairy-Free Dressing is free of tree nuts, dairy, soy, and all other allergen ingredients.

Rice cakes: Everyone loves a crispy snack, whether savory or sweet. Look for rice cakes made from brown (whole grain) rice. They come in many flavors, and can be served with or without toppings. (A bit of sunflower seed butter and some banana slices are a big hit in most classrooms.)

Popcorn: Look for bagged pre-popped popcorn (like Boomchickapop Sea Salt or SkinnyPop) or air pop the popcorn and season it, e.g., by spraying it with vegetable oil spray and adding garlic powder or other non-salt spices. SkinnyPop Mini Popcorn Cakes are Big Nine-f -free Sharp Cheddar flavor) and the Cinnamon & Sugar flavor has more fiber (4g) than added sugars (3g) all without major allergens, and available in most grocery stores.

Oneida County 4-H DOES NOT provide supervision outside of audition, snack time, and rehearsal times. Youth who only have rehearsals throughout the week will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian (or approved pick-up person) immediately following their last rehearsal of the day. Please review your child’s rehearsal schedule when they receive it on Monday to see when they have rehearsals and when they will need to be picked up.

It is understandable that youth may become ill during the week of the show, and the MCT team do their very best to accommodate a missed rehearsal due to illness. Unfortunately, due to the short time frame the cast has to prepare for the performance, if youth miss more than one day of rehearsals it may not be possible for them to participate in the role they were cast.

How many children can be in the cast?

This production was written to incorporate between 50-60 school-age children.

What are the ages that can participate?

The youngest participants must be entering 1st grade to be eligible to participate. This production is written for youth entering grades 1-12.

Who is the Presenting Organization?

Oneida County 4-H is the Presenting Organization. Additional sponsors and community partners include the Rhinelander Community Foundation, Culver’s in Rhinelander, and Nicolet College.

Where will the program be held?

The Youth Summer Theater Program will be held in the theater at the Lakeside Center on the Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander.

Why can’t the program be held at James Williams Middle School or Rhinelander High School after summer school ends like in previous years?

In the summer of 2025, Rhinelander High School and James Williams Middle School will undergo renovations and will be under construction. Additionally, Crescent Elementary, which will be facilitating the summer school program, lacks the necessary space and storage for the show, preventing us from using their facilities for the Youth Summer Theater Program this year.

To accommodate the program, we have partnered with Nicolet and have been granted the opportunity to use their theater. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to resuming the program at Rhinelander High School in 2026.

How much does it cost to participate?

Sliding fee scale of $40-$80 per youth participant. Payments can be made online or by cash or check. Checks can be made payable to: “Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association”. If your child is not cast in the musical, stop by the registration table after the group audition and we will return your cash or check, (or if you paid online, we would issue a refund by cash). Please note that if you choose to pay online, there will be an additional fee for processing that is non-refundable.

The true cost of this program is $80 per youth. Oneida County 4-H is committed to making the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. To support this goal, we offer a sliding fee scale based on a family’s ability to pay. If your family would be in need of additional financial assistance, please email Anne at apwilliams@wisc.edu or call 715-365-2750. 

Option 1: $40

Option 2: $60

Option 3: $80

Families will choose which level they can pay for the program.

If your family is in need of financial assistance in order for youth to participate, please email Anne Williams at apwilliams@wisc.edu or call 715-365-2750.

Why is there a fee to participate in this program?

There are several expenses associated with putting this program on. The fee for an MCT actor/director team/set/costumes is $3,800. In addition, there are fees for a piano accompanist, show recording and licensure, and facilities. Thanks to financial support from the Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association and the Rhinelander Community Foundation, we are able to keep participant fees lower than the actual participant cost.

When should I arrive to the group audition?

The group audition will be held from 8-10 a.m. Monday, July 21, at the Lakeside Center on Nicolet College campus. If you have already pre-registered online, please arrive at least 10 minutes before the group audition begins. If you have not pre-registered, you will want to arrive at least 20 minutes before the group audition begins. This will give you enough time to get checked in and create a nametag.

How long is the group audition?

The group audition lasts two full hours. Each child who attends the audition will need to be present for the entire two hours.

Should the students prepare anything for the group audition?

The group audition is a 2-hour process at which all children who are interested in being cast must attend for the entire time. No advance preparation is necessary, but a SMILE ☺ never hurts at an audition. They should be ready to come and have a good time!

The Missoula Children’s Theatre’s team of actor/directors will guide the children through the audition process with easy-to-follow instructions on basic movement, lines and song. There is no limit to the number of children who may audition and every child at the audition has an equal chance of being cast. If more than 50 children audition, it is possible that not all of the children auditioning will receive a part. The actor/directors try to make sure that no one is singled out while doing their best to ensure that everyone leaves with a positive feeling.

At the end of the two-hour audition, the cast will be announced, and each cast member will receive a rehearsal schedule for the week.

We rehearse a total of 4 ¼ hours each day, two-2 hour sessions with a short snack break in-between. Although not all cast members are 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. The schedule will be handed to cast members after the group audition on MONDAY, and will then be posted online.

My child can’t make the auditions – can they still be in the show?

If a child is not able to audition, unfortunately, they will not be able to participate in the show. The 2-hour audition is the time when the team is able to assess the abilities of the children auditioning, which in turn helps them to cast the child in the role that is just right for them.

My child doesn’t want to act on stage. Is there anything else he or she can do?

During the audition, up to 4 Assistant Directors (ADs) ages 10 and older are selected to help teach and direct the show early in the week and take on technical responsibilities at performance time. Their logistical help and creative ideas are a vital part of our process and the experience of the ADs can be just as valuable as that of any cast member. Anyone wishing to be an Assistant Director must take part in the audition session. It is a common misconception that junior high and high school students can only be involved in an AD capacity. Please note that there are roles in the show designed for older students as well. If your child wants to be an AD, please let the check-in table know right away and they will inform the actor/directors.

What if my child is not cast in the show?

The quality of experience that the Missoula Children’s Theatre wants each child to receive is one of its main reasons for limiting the number of children that can be in the show. While some towns may have 15 children audition, others will have as many as 300 or more. With only one week and two directors there just isn’t enough time and manpower to accommodate such a situation. Over the last 37 years of touring, the Missoula Children’s Theatre has found there are a maximum number of children that two directors can teach well in one week. If more kids are added, at any age level, the directors become spread too thin and therefore are unable to give the appropriate amount of individual attention to the children to make each child’s personal experience safe, positive and successful.

Auditions are a subjective process and do not always seem fair. With many students auditioning for a limited number of roles, the decisions of the Tour Actor/Directors are not easy. This is admittedly the most difficult aspect of their job. How one reacts to disappointment is a tremendous test of character. Children will look to parents and guardians as an example of how to react. Compliment them for their efforts and for taking a risk auditioning for the show! All youth who audition will receive a certificate and a treat!

When are rehearsals conducted?

Rehearsals are 4 ¼ hours each day and consist of two 2-hour blocks of time with a 15-minute snack break between the two sessions for those cast members involved in both sessions. It’s important to note that not all cast members are involved in every rehearsal session. Each child’s schedule for the week is dependent on the role in which they’re cast. Schedules will be handed out to cast members after the group audition on MONDAY, and then a schedule will also be posted online.

Are snacks provided?

Thanks to the generous support from the Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association, we will now be able to provide each child with a snack throughout the week. Families are welcome to send a snack with their child if they would prefer.

Who are the actor/directors?

A team of two adult professional Actor/Directors with the Missoula Children’s Theatre will be visiting Rhinelander for the week. These individuals are typically college graduates with training in either education, theatre, musical theatre or a combination. During their week-long residencies throughout the continent and beyond, MCT Tour Actor/Directors serve as ambassadors for the arts; especially the performing arts. They have the joy of directing and performing as well as the adventure of travel. Simply put, they have the opportunity and the privilege to change the lives of thousands of young people by carrying out MCT’s Mission.

Do the Actor/Directors have background checks?

Yes. The Missoula Children’s Theatre takes their hiring practices very seriously. Each individual on our touring staff goes through interviews, reference checks, criminal background checks and fingerprinting – both background checks and fingerprinting are completed by a nationally recognized company. In addition, Oneida County Extension/4-H staff and volunteers have also received background screening through UW-Madison and Oneida County.

How long is the show?

The show is approximately 60-70 minutes in length – there is no intermission.

How much are tickets to the show?

There is no cost to view the show! Please consider donating to Oneida County 4-H to help fund positive youth development programs like this one in Oneida County. The true cost of the summer theater program is more than $5,000, but thanks to donations and support, we are able to lower the cost per child to participate. Your donations to 4-H stay local and help local youth and teens.  Donations can be made via cash or check. Checks may be written out to “Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association.”

What happens if my child gets sick during the week?

We understand that illness may occur during the week and the Tour Team will try their best to accommodate a missed rehearsal due to an illness. However, due to the short timeframe the cast has to prepare for the performance, if your child is out for more than one day it may be not be possible for them to still participate in the role that they were cast.

Supervision

• During Designated Rehearsal Times and Snack Time: Participants will be under the supervision of the Missoula Children’s Theatre Inc. Actor/Directors.
• Before or After Designated Rehearsal Times: Parents and guardians will be responsible for supervision of their child.

Oneida County 4-H DOES NOT provide supervision outside of audition, rehearsal times, and designated snack times. Youth who only have rehearsals from 8-10 a.m. throughout the week will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian (or approved pick-up person) by 10:15 a.m. Please review your child’s rehearsal schedule when they receive it on Monday, July 21 to see when they have rehearsals and when they will need to be picked up.

Can parents/guardians/siblings watch rehearsals?

All of the rehearsals are open to participants, parents, and family members. Be aware, however, that it may be fun for the students to surprise their parents at the end of the week by showing what they have accomplished! Please understand that we cannot allow guests to disrupt the rehearsals. Productive rehearsals depend on the focused work of the cast members involved.

How much are show T-shirts?

The Missoula Children’s Theatre tour team will be selling show T-shirts during the week and the team will let parents know how much they will cost.

Can I purchase a DVD/Flash Drive of the performance?

During performances, flash photography and video recording is not allowed. 4-H is contracting with Nate Sheppard Media to professionally record the performance. The Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association will be selling DVDs, Flash Drives (USBs), or digital links before and after the performance on Saturday. Cash/check accepted. When the DVDs/flash drives are ready for pick-up, they will be shipped. Checks may be written out to “Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association.”

Can I take photos during the performances?

Flash photography is not allowed during the performances, HOWEVER there will be a time for photos immediately following the show! The actor/directors will arrange the cast members for photos after each show!

How will my child benefit from this experience?

• An opportunity to try something new or to challenge yourself!
• An opportunity to gain life skills like creativity, communication, decision-making, problem solving, caring for others, and making healthy choices!
• A way to build self-esteem, confidence, and resiliency!
• A chance to meet two professional actor/directors!
• A chance to meet new friends!
• To be with other people who might share your interests!

Oneida County 4-H is partnering with the Missoula Children’s Theatre to expand access through diversity, equity and inclusion, nurturing developmental relationships among young people and through youth-adult partnerships, and offering opportunities for civic engagement and leadership. The primary goal of the Missoula Children’s Theatre is the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts. 4-H’s mission is to empower youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

• This program may require some waiting…not every participant can be on the stage practicing all the time. There will be times during the week when youth will have to practice their skills in waiting. MCT actors/directors will do their best to keep youth engaged as much as possible, but there will be times when participants will need to wait quietly, especially back stage, or while watching other youth or groups onstage.
• There is a maximum cast size for this program. While we truly believe every youth brings a special talent with them to auditions, casting is limited to the amount of roles available. Please discuss this with your child(ren) ahead of time so they are prepared.
• There are many talented children with interest in the performing arts here in our community; there may not be a role for everyone who auditions. If your child is not cast in the show, remember that auditions do not always seem fair. With many students auditioning for a limited number of roles the decisions of the MCT Tour Actor/Directors are always very difficult.
  • Should your child not receive a role this time, we encourage you to consider the following:
    • Give your child some time.
    • Talk about it – what was their favorite part of auditioning?
    • Discuss what they could do even better next time.
      • They may choose to work on their singing and acting skills so that the next time they audition they will be even better prepared.
      • Or, maybe they will decide that even though they enjoy going to the theater, they don’t have a driving desire to be on stage themselves.
      • Talk about all of the activities they enjoy and feel success doing, and go do one of these activities!

How one responds to disappointment is a tremendous test of character. Children will look to parents/guardians as an example of how to react. Compliment them for their efforts and for taking a risk by auditioning for the show!