The group of fourth- and fifth-graders stood in a huddle center stage at the Stissing Center in Pine Plains. They had 10 seconds to create and communicate a story through silent, expressive poses — an acting exercise that encouraged concentration and imagination.
Students ranging in age from 5 to 13 were rehearsing on Tuesday, April 15, for their weekend performance of “Hercules,” an original children’s musical produced by Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT). Remarkably, this production — from auditions to curtain call — is being put together in just one week.
“This is something new that we’ve never tried before,” said Patrick Trettenero, executive director of Stissing Center. “We’re always looking for opportunities to engage young people, and this was perfect.”
Through its Red Truck Tour, MCT sends pairs of actors equipped with costumes and props to communities nationwide. Children audition for their roles and each participant receives a part, ensuring everyone gets stage experience.
The musical humorously tells the story of Hercules, the legendary hero who arrives late to a whimsical tournament that pits the Cyclops against the Olympic Titans. The colorful cast includes ancient Greek philosophers, mythical creatures, and an ensemble of modern-day “savvy influencers.”
Most cast members are students in the Pine Plains Central School District, which is on spring break this week. Others are homeschooled; Liwa Tempey O’Neill, 6, attends public school in Brooklyn — her mother, Grainne O’Neill, grew up locally and heard about the show from family in Pine Plains.
Erin Haab of Ancram enrolled her daughters, Emily, 10, and Charlotte, 6, in the show. “They’ve never done anything like this before,” she said. “I thought a brand new experience would be a great fit for them.”
Addysen Toombs, 10, of Pine Plains earned the starring role of Hercules, much to her own surprise. “I’ve never acted before,” she said. “When they picked me to play Hercules, I was shocked. I thought I was just going to be a bush!” Her twin sister, Alivia, plays the philosopher Aristotle.
Based in Montana, the Missoula Children’s Theatre is the world’s largest touring children’s theater company, reaching nearly 1,100 communities annually. Each production is directed by two theater experts — typically college students or recent graduates — who drive distinctive red pickup trucks from town to town. Their housing is provided by the local host organization. There are currently more than 25 teams taking “Hercules” on tour — from Oregon to New York.
“We’ve been on tour since January, visiting a town a week — that’s 14 towns so far,” said Audra Tibbit, 25, who is co-directing the Pine Plains production. “We’ve been to Illinois, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and arrived in New York last month. Pine Plains is our last New York stop — then we’re off to West Virginia.”
Co-director Austin Plunkett, 24, said that after the Monday morning auditions, work began in earnest: “The kids have a week of four-hour rehearsals, then we put on the show. We lead optional workshops in acting, stage movement, and improv. It’s amazing when you think about it — the kids learn a show and put it on after only one week.”
The children’s experience goes beyond their weekend performances. “One of MCT’s main goals is to teach life skills through theater,” Tibbit said. “The kids not only gain acting skills, they also learn about teamwork and responsibility — like taking care of their scripts and showing up on time. The children also learn how to interact with different age groups, and think on their feet.”
Plunkett is consistently amazed by the rapid progress made by his young actors. “Some kids are super shy at first,” he said. “But by the end of the week, they often become the biggest characters on stage. They really come out of their shells.”
The co-directors return to Missoula for a few weeks once the tour ends in May. “Then we’re taking the show to military families stationed in South Korea, Guam, and Singapore,” Plunkett said. “They’ll love it!”
The Missoula Children’s Theater production of “Hercules” will be performed at Stissing Center, 7 p.m. on Friday, April 18, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. Tickets, $10, may be purchased here. Admission is free for students.