Auditions for The Frog Prince will be held as an open audition, led by the two professional Tour Actor/Directors (TADs) from Missoula Children’s Theatre.
Who can audition: All students in grades K–5 are eligible.
How it works: Every child who wishes to participate attends the full two-hour audition on Monday, Feb. 22 immediately after school. No advance preparation is needed—students will be guided through fun, group-style activities like speaking, singing, and movement exercises.
Casting: At the end of the audition, the directors will announce the cast of 50–60 roles, plus up to 4 Assistant Directors (for older students). Roles range from lead characters like the Frog Prince and Princess Prim to Swamp Things, Ducks, Flamingos, Venus Fly Traps, an Alligator, a wise old Aspen tree, and more.
Important: Parents must register their student in advance using the Winter Production Google Registration Form (available starting January 2027). The form will also serve as the student’s permission slip to participate in the production if they are cast.
Supervision begins at 2:45 p.m. No supervision will be provided before this time, including for Kindergarteners who may dismiss significantly earlier. Parents are responsible for arranging care until audition check-in begins.
Please note: If more than 60 students audition, not everyone will receive a part. Casting is at the sole discretion of the MCT directors.
Duration: The audition lasts a full two hours on Monday, Feb. 22 and starts immediately after school. Students must stay the entire time to be considered.
Environment: The directors aim to create a supportive and positive atmosphere where no one is singled out. The process is designed to be fun, even for those new to theater.
Results: Casting decisions are announced immediately after the audition. Students who are cast will be required to stay for their first two-hour rehearsal immediately following the audition and a short break.
If your child is cast in The Frog Prince:
They MUST be available for every rehearsal and both performances throughout the week
No conflicts will be accepted (including sports practices, games, lessons, or appointments)
Students need to clear their schedules for the entire week to be eligible for casting
This residency is a fast-paced, one-week process—missing even one rehearsal makes it very difficult to keep the show on track.
Please review the Rehearsals Page to understand the schedule and time commitment before your child auditions, and make sure your student’s schedule is clear.
To make auditions run smoothly, we need two parent volunteers to assist during the two-hour audition.
Volunteer Role: Audition Helper
Each helper will assist with both student check-in at the start and supervision while students are auditioning. Helpers help keep the process organized, safe, and positive so the directors can focus fully on auditions.
Your support is essential in creating a welcoming environment and helping our kids feel comfortable throughout the process.
We know auditions can be exciting—and sometimes disappointing. With many talented students and limited roles, not everyone will be cast.
If your child is not selected:
Remind them that trying out was a brave step in itself.
Ask what they enjoyed most about the audition.
Encourage them to keep exploring theater—or other activities they love.
Emphasize that how they respond to disappointment is part of building resilience and character.
Your support and encouragement mean everything. Whether on stage or in the audience, every child is part of this wonderful experience. For additional tips on supporting your child through the audition process, MCT offers this guidance for parents.
Audition Date: Monday, Feb. 22, 2:45-4:45 p.m.
Location: Strandwood M.U.R.
Who Should Attend: All interested students, grades K–5
Preparation Needed: None—just enthusiasm and a willingness to try!
Register your student to audition (starting in January 2027)
Mark your calendars and bring your child to auditions
Yes. Parents must register their child in advance using the Winter Production Audition Form (available starting January 2027). This form also serves as the child’s permission slip to participate in the production if they are cast.
That’s okay! The audition is done in groups, so students aren’t asked to perform solo in front of everyone. Many children who are nervous at first warm up quickly and have a great time.
No. To keep the process fair and distraction-free, parents may not sit in on auditions. However, we do need four parent volunteers to assist with check-in and supervision. If you’d like to help in this way, please sign up!
The directors from Missoula Children's Theater will select 50–60 student roles plus up to 4 Assistant Directors. If more than 60 children audition, not everyone will receive a part.
Not getting a part can be disappointing, but it’s part of the learning experience. Encourage your child to reflect on what they enjoyed most about auditioning and remind them that being brave enough to try out is an achievement in itself. Many children who don’t get cast one year come back stronger the next. For additional tips on supporting your child through the audition process, MCT offers this guidance for parents.
Casting decisions are announced immediately after the audition. Students who are cast are required to stay for their first two-hour rehearsal immediately following the audition and a short break.
Supervision begins at 2:45 p.m. Please do not drop your child off earlier, as no supervision will be provided before that time. Parents of Kindergarteners with early dismissal must arrange care until audition check-in.
Rehearsals take place Monday, Feb. 22–Friday, Feb. 26 after school for about 4.5 hours each day. The schedule depends on your child’s role and a detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided on Monday after auditions. Performers are required to attend all rehearsals as well as both performances on Sat., Feb. 27 (1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.). No exceptions.
If your child is cast, they must be available for every rehearsal and both performances during the week. No conflicts will be accepted. Because the show is built in just one week, missing even a single rehearsal puts the entire production at risk.
Please check the Rehearsals Page in advance to make sure your student’s schedule is clear before auditioning.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) model, does not include traditional backstage or stage crew roles. Instead, MCT offers a small number of Assistant Director (AD) positions for older students, including 5th graders. ADs assist the MCT directors with technical and production needs (such as props and scene transitions) and participate throughout the full rehearsal week.
Assistant Directors are selected by MCT through the same audition process as cast roles. Parents of 5th grade students can indicate on the audition form (available starting January 2027) if they would like their child to be considered for an Assistant Director role.