The Missoula Children’s Theatre’s twist on Aesop’s classic is a hare-raising, ab-shell-lute whirlwind of fun! Taylor Tortoise and Curly Hare’s competitive antics are getting out of control, and all the other animals in their little town outside of Cape Canaveral, Florida, get roped into the shenanigans. When a group of astronauts comes through town, Curly Hare comes up with their kookiest stunt ever – to be the first animals on the moon! Well, talking animals, anyway. Taylor Tortoise and Curly Hare race to build a rocket and beat the other to space, but will their rivalry drive away their friends in the process? Who will make it to the moon first? And once they get to the moon…then what? The Tortoise and the Hare learn that maybe winning ISN’T everything; they can accomplish so much more by working together!
We are excited to bring back Missoula Children’s Theatre with The Tortoise and the Hare!
LWES students (grades 1st-5th) will have the chance to audition on Monday (3/9), be cast in a part, rehearse after school, and put on a play for the community on Saturday (3/14). It's truly amazing to see the kids learn so quickly, have fun, and try something new!
We have spots for up to 60 children to be in the play and 4 spots for Assistant Directors. All LWES students grades 1st-5th are welcome to audition.
Dates: March 9th-March 14th, 2026
Auditions: Monday, March 9th after school at 3:30PM
Rehearsals: Monday - Friday, March 9th-13th (after school but times vary depending on role)
Performances: Saturday, March 14th at 3PM and 5:30PM
Look for a link to signup for auditions on February 23rd.
Signing up does not guarantee you will be cast but will help us prepare for how many students to expect.
TORTOISE AND THE HARE Auditions
An audition will be held for the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) production of THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE on March 9th at LWES from 3:30PM to 5:30PM. Those auditioning should arrive after school ends at 3:10 and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.
Among the roles to be cast are Curly Hare and Taylor Tortoise, the Professors, the Everglade Animals, Tourists, Astronauts, Manatees, and Moon Manx. Students, grades 1st-5th, are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.
The Missoula Children's Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, and props. MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week from 3:30PM to 7:45 each day Monday - Thursday and 2:00-6:15PM on Friday.
Missoula Frequently asked Questions
Audition Questions
1. How many students will be cast? Approximately 50-60 students will be cast in the show. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast. Students in grades 1st-5th can audition and we encourage kindergarteners to come to a performance so they can be ready to audition next year.
Here are the estimated numbers of students cast:
● Ages 6-7 - 16 cast
● Ages 8-12 - 44 cast
● Assistant Directors (typically ages 10-12) - 4 cast
● Total 60 Cast Members plus 4 Assistant
2. Should the students prepare anything for the audition? No advance preparation is necessary, but a SMILE ☺ never hurts at an audition. They should be ready to come and have a good time! Please remember that everyone must stay the entire two hours of the audition.
3. Does it cost $25 to audition? No. once the cast has been chosen you will need to pay $25 participation fee (a link to pay online will be sent to families) by March 10th. If you have any questions please contact missoula@lwptsa.org.
4. What time will the audition begin? The Audition will happen on Monday, March 9th after school, 3:30pm.
5. Can parents watch the auditions? No. The audition is closed and parents should arrive 10-15 min before the end of the audition when they announce the cast.
Rehearsal Questions
1. What if my child has another activity during the week, can they miss a day of practice? No. All cast members need to attend all week of practices and both shows on March 14th.
2. Can parents and teachers watch rehearsals? All our rehearsals are open to parents and teachers. 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.
3. Where do rehearsals take place? At Lake Wilderness in the cafeteria/stage. A schedule will be provided during casting.
Please contact Lauren and Allison at Missoula@lwptsa.org if you have any questions after looking through this page!