Local Youth to Appear in Performances of 'Treasure Island' at Heritage Center
Dec 20, 2017 | University Relations staff
DUBUQUE, Iowa – Local youth can audition for the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) production of Treasure Island on Monday, Jan. 15, from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at University of Dubuque’s Heritage Center, John and Alice Butler Hall. Those auditioning should arrive between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.
WHAT: Auditions – Treasure Island produced by Missoula Children’s Theatre
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 15 – 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
WHERE: John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque
REGISTRATION: Although there is no fee to audition, those cast in the production will be subject to a $50.00 registration/participation fee (includes two tickets to a performance). Children of UD alumni are subject to a reduced $25.00 registration/participation fee.
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are encouraged to audition. This is a group audition, and no advance preparation is necessary. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play. Approximately 50 local students will be cast to appear in the show alongside a MCT professional actor who portrays Long John Silver. Among the roles to be cast are Jim Hawkins, Jim’s mother and six sisters, a rollicking pirate crew, Jim’s ruffian friends, seacoast villagers, and cuddly gulls. Assistant directors may also be cast to aid in rehearsals and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.
MCT touring productions come complete with costumes, scenery, props, and makeup. MCT tour actor and directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the entire week from 4:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. The experience culminates with two final performances on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in Heritage Center, John and Alice Butler Hall.
WHAT: Live at Heritage Center Family Series - Treasure Island produced by Missoula Children’s Theatre
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20 – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque
TICKETS: $15 adult, $13 alumni/military, $9 student/child, $4 lap seat children 3 and under ($4 lap seat ticket available with purchase of an adult ticket)
SPECIAL NOTE: Heritage Center Farber Box Office will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Jan. 1. During this time, Treasure Island full-price adult tickets will be discounted by $5.00 and online convenience fees waived. Normal box office hours resume Tuesday, Jan. 2.
Follow young Jim Hawkins and his friends as they sail a dangerous sea of adventure with Long John Silver and his pirate band at the helm when MCT and over 50 local students present an original musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s epic novel, Treasure Island.
Jim, a mischievous lad, lives with his mother and six sisters in a seaside village on the coast of Maine. The year is 1782 and the American War for Independence is waning. Longing for adventure, Jim comes under the hypnotic spell of the legendary pirate, Long John Silver. With a treasure map in hand and Silver as his seeming mentor, Jim sails uncharted seas with a flock of gulls as guides. Always up for adventure, Jim’s ruffian friends say farewell to their village parents and serve as cabin boys for Silver and his band of hilarious (although unsavory) pirate types. Once on the island, nights are sleepless as true colors are revealed in our hero’s quest. Then – at last – the treasure is found and we’re homeward bound.
The Carnegie-Stout Public Library and Dubuque County Library District will host hands-on Treasure Island themed activities prior to the auditions and performances. Please check with the libraries on activity scheduling and locations. Library activity participants will receive a voucher for a free child’s admission to Treasure Island with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket.
Treasure Island was originally developed by MCT, a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana, in partnership with NorthWestern Energy. In 2018, more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors, and teachers.
Tickets for Treasure Island can be purchased Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by phone at 563.585.SHOW; or online at www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter. The Farber Box Office will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 1. During this time, Treasure Island full-price adult tickets will be discounted by $5.00 and online convenience fees waived. Normal box office hours resume Jan. 2.
