An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ARTICLE SEARCH

Missoula Children’s Theater visits Team Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Two members from the Missoula Children's Theater visited Team Fairchild April 7 to 11 to produce the play "Pinocchio," and the children performed the play April 11 at Michael Andersen Elementary School.

The Missoula Children's Theater members travel in pairs around the world visiting military bases, schools, summer camps and more, spending a week at each location to cast, practice and perform various plays.

This year 42 children, ages 5 to 16, participated in the play, either as part of the cast or as an assistant director backstage.

"Our goal is not to build the next generation of performers, this could be the first and last play they do," said Ted Drury, Missoula Children's Theater tour actor director. "We are teaching them to perform because performing builds life skills, a sense of confidence and a sense of team work."

Drury along with his counterpart, Morgan Maul-Smith, said it was their first visit to Fairchild, but others from the theater have been visiting Fairchild for years. Maul-Smith said the week with the Fairchild group was great, and the children were very talented and easy to work with.

"These kids are amazing," said Maul-Smith. "One of our goals is to stretch or expand what the kids think they are capable of. The program is also a good way to teach them discipline and control."

Jennifer Foland, school-aged program coordinator, acted as the point of contact for the theater this year and said the five-day program was a success.

"It's great to let the kids get different aspects of getting on stage, learning the roles and act as directors," Foland said. "It helps with confidence and brings out their creative side along with their ability to express themselves and show their talents."