Imagination key in children’s theater ‘Imagine Nation’

• Imagine Nation

Children rehearse a scene from the 2011 children’s theater production “Snow White.” Dakota Players, formerly the Children’s Theatre Company of South Dakota, will bring the show “Imagine Nation” to Mitchell next week. Auditions are at 4 p.m. Monday at the Pepsi-Cola Theatre for the Performing Arts. The show dates are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the theater. (Republic File Photo)

Talk about it

It’s time to let imagination take its course.

Dakota Players, formerly the Children’s Theatre Company of South Dakota, will hold auditions Monday for “Imagine Nation,” a show for just children.

Auditions are at 4 p.m. at the Pepsi-Cola Theatre for the Performing Arts. Students in kindergarten through the eighth grade can participate. Show dates are 7:30 p.m. March 16 and 17.

“Imagine Nation” tells the story of three siblings on their way to a family reunion to meet cousins they’ve never met.

“They’re just sure they’re going to be bored,” said Erin Conlon of Dakota Players. “They get there and it’s not boring at all.”

Aliens suddenly attack at the reunion and kidnap the big sister. The rest of the kids seek the help of pirates and plan the ultimate rescue mission.

“It’s all about using your imagination and changing things with your imagination,” Conlon said.

The show casts up to 54 children, including assistant directors.

All the children will audition together Monday, which Conlon said provides a more laid back experience.

The group atmosphere is perfect for children who haven’t had a lot of theater experience, Conlon said.

“It’s not intimidating,” Conlon added.

Four-hour rehearsals will be held through Thursday, March 15, with breaks for snacks and meals. By Wednesday, Conlon said the entire play and accompanying music will be learned by the young actors and actresses.

“Then it’s about polishing and being ready for the show,” Conlon said. “It’s just incredible how quickly (it’s put together). Their minds just suck it all up like a sponge.”

Participating in “Imagine Nation” and other Dakota Players or children’s theater programs is a great learning tool, Conlon said.

“So many different aspects of learning go into theater — public speaking, language, teamwork. If you let up on your end, you might be letting down the rest of the team,” Conlon said. “Each part is important.”

In addition, it’s a confidence booster.

“They get to show off all their hard work at the end of the week.”

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