The Covington Arts Council is partnering with Missoula Children’s Theatre for a production of “The Wiz of the West” later this month.

The play is a spin-off of the classic “The Wizard of Oz,” but follows Dotty and her dog Mooch as they meet Tinhorn, Scared Crow and Lionel in a saga of Western adventure and personal discovery.

CAC Executive Director Paula Harr said the production will include parts for approximately 60 students, and auditions are open to students in first through 12th grades. Based in Missoula, Mont., the MCT sends professional actor/directors to communities to audition and casts local school children in a full-length, original musical production.

Harr said auditions for students in first through 12th grades will be held beginning at 3:30 sharp on Mon., Aug. 14, at the Dixon Center on the Andalusia campus of LBW. Rehearsals will be scheduled each afternoon, and the public performance is set for 6 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 18.

There also will be a school performance on Friday morning for fourth graders.

Harr said there is no need to prepare anything before auditions.

“You just need to be able to speak loudly, clearly and follow directions,” she said. “But a smile is always good.”

The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors and teachers.

The Opp Cultural Arts Center also will do a Missoula production in the 2017-18 school year. They will present “Gulliver’s Travels” in February.