HUMBOLDT — An annual event that sees local children try out for and perform in musical theatre has been cancelled.
Trevor Ross, Arts Humboldt’s president, said they’ve canceled the Missoula Children’s Theatre because of uncertainties connected with the pandemic. The plan is for the event to return next year.
“The biggest [factor] is the company that organizes the Missoula Children's Theatre is based out of the U.S.,” he said. “With travel restrictions and the border closing, we're not sure what's going to happen come September, if people are even going to be able to travel back and forth across the border.”
Another major concern is the venue. Usually the event takes place at Humboldt Collegiate, but there’s no telling at this point what kind of restrictions there will be when schools reopen in the fall.
“We want to make sure that the company that produces the Missoula Children's Theatre has enough heads up and notice of cancellation rather than putting plans in place now and then cancelling on them at the last minute,” Ross said.
The president said Arts Humboldt is disappointed they have to cancel.
“The Missoula Children's Theater is one of the flagship programs that we run every year. We think it's a great opportunity for school-aged kids to experience a live theater production and being involved in a live theater production of that scale.”
Not only do the children perform, they are also involved with building the set, putting together the costumes and other similar backstage duties, Ross said.
“It's a really, really fantastic program and one that we really support.”
Ross said he wants people to know that Arts Humboldt is still active despite the pandemic.
“As soon as we get through this whole COVID-19 situation, we'll be looking forward to putting on more shows, productions, concerts, what have you. As soon as the field is ready for us, we'll be ready to go.”
