Scores of local students will have an opportunity to perform with the Missoula Children’s Theater next week when the Covington Arts Council presents “Blackbeard the Pirate.”

Based in Missoula, Mont., the MCT sends professional actor/directors to communities to audition and cast 50 to 60 local school children in a full-length, original musical production.

CAC executive director Paula Harr said auditions for students in first through 12th grades will be held beginning at 3:15 p.m. Mon., Oct. 8. There is no need to prepare for the audition, Harr said.

“Students should come with a smile on their faces and the ability to speak loudly and clearly and to follow directions,” she said.

They also need to be available for rehearsal all week.

“Blackbeard the Pirate” will take the audience on a family-friendly journey to meet some of the most colorful buccaneers of the 17th century. Writer Michael McGill’s script is described as “very character driven and will re-enforce the values of living a healthy and happy life.”

The Andalusia Junior Woman’s Club will sponsor a performance for fourth graders during the school day on Fri., Oct.12. The public performance is set for 6 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 13, in the Dixon Center of LBWCC. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

The production is made possible in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Covington Electric Cooperative is the corporate sponsor, and Southeast Alabama Gas District and Sunbelt Rentals are corporate donors.