Rankin Inlet (Sep 20/06) - Hundreds of people jammed the Maani Ulujuk high school gym on Sept. 14 for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of Robin Hood.

A total of 60 students from Rankin's three schools performed in the play, which was filmed for possible inclusion in a documentary on Missoula due for theatrical release in 2007.

Actor-directors Alanna Reeves and John Huddleston said Rankin Inlet is a popular destination for members of the Missoula Children's Theatre. The two were in Rankin this past week to oversee the production of Robin Hood. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

John Huddleston, from Georgia and Iowa's Alanna Reeves were the two American actor-directors sent to Rankin for this year's show.

Huddleston said Rankin is a coveted destination among Missoula members.

He said many of the actor-directors hope to get the Arctic assignment every year.

"We were really fortunate to get this assignment and thoroughly enjoyed our time here," said Huddleston.

"I enjoy working with kids and being able to show them the passion of theatre.

"It's wonderful to be part of an organization that comes into communities to give kids the chance to express themselves in ways they don't often get to experience.

"I simply fell in love with the Missoula project."

Reeves shares Huddleston's love for the job.

She said joining Missoula was an easy decision, once she realized what the organization was all about.

"This is a great opportunity to, hopefully, make a difference in a much bigger way than simply being on-stage myself," said Reeves.

"It's really turned out to be my dream job so far."

Reeves and Huddleston turned to Google Earth to get an idea of where Rankin was located and learn a little about the community.

They were, however, disappointed to be met with rain instead of snow.

"I really thought there would be snow and dog teams around by now," said Huddleston.

"The -50 C in the winter I'm not sure about, but I'd love to ride a dog sled."

Reeves said the Rankin show went well considering their baggage was misplaced, leaving them without scripts for the kids for their first three days in town.

"The kids really only had one day to memorize all their lines once the scripts finally arrived," said Reeves.

"Most of them knew all their lines the next day, which shows they went home and worked on it and that, sometimes, can be hard to get kids to do.

"Rankin was the toughest audition we've had, with 193 kids auditioning for 60 parts.

"But, in the end, we picked a really solid cast."