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RANKIN INLET - The Missoula Children's Theatre will pull into town next week for its annual whirlwind production.

Students from kindergarten to Grade 12 can strut their stuff on Monday for a chance at a part in the play Robinson Crusoe.

Melody Jones plays the mayor and Ashley Petryshen, right, plays Sarah in the Missoula Children's Theatre production of The Pied Piper in Rankin Inlet in September 2007. - NNSL file photo

"The kids love it and they really look forward to it. It boosts self-esteem and teaches co-operation and it's good for kids who maybe normally wouldn't have a chance to do something like this," said Julie Millen, a Leo Ussak teacher who books the event every year.

Auditions for the musical will take place the afternoon of Sept. 15 at the community hall.

Missoula's version of the tale of the shipwrecked sailor includes roles ranging from Crusoe himself to goats and chameleons.

"It makes me nervous but I usually don't get too nervous," said Grade 9 student Tera Yarema, who hopes to snag a spot for the fifth year in a row. "I want another mid-sized part. It's less pressure and I tend to do those parts better. Not too big but just big enough to get noticed."

She and her sister Stephanie plan to go to the auditions together.

"We usually all go together and go in as a group full of friends. It takes the pressure off and it's a lot more comfortable than going by yourself. Much better with people supporting you," she explained.

Missoula has travelled to Rankin Inlet with its unique brand of theatre arts every year since 2001. Each play features up to 60 kids and takes only a week to prepare from start to finish.

To put it on, the Montana-based company sends two of its touring members up with more than 200 kg of materials including costumes and sets.

After hours of rehearsals, the young thespians will put on two performances. The play will be shown to schools the afternoon of Sept. 22, with a performance for the community in the evening.

Everything will take place at the community hall.

"We really hope to get the community out to see it. We'd like even more people to come," Millen said.

Rankin Inlet will make an appearance of its own on big screens down south in a documentary about the Missoula Children's Theatre, according to tour marketing director Jonna Michelson.

The community is one of five featured in the The Little Red Truck, a film by a couple of Missoula filmmakers.

It will likely make its way to Nunavut sometime later this year.