No need to go under the sea because auditions for Missoula Children’s Theatre’s rendition of “The Little Mermaid” are coming to the Palouse.

Missoula Children’s Theatre has come to the area several times in the past. Its last production was “Hansel and Gretel,” which took place in October. 

“The Little Mermaid” auditions will be held at the Moscow High School auditorium, Monday, Feb. 2. They will run from 4-6 p.m. Students must arrive by 4 p.m. and should expect to stay for the entire session.

The traveling theatre company is casting the shows the same night as auditions, which leads into a weeklong rehearsal process that culminates the following weekend with the production.

“They do both classical and new adaptions (of shows),” said Abby Glanville, executive director for Festival Dance and Performing Arts Association. “They do things that people will recognize (and) to garner interest from local youth.”

The auditions are a little more general, open to children from kindergarten to 12th grade, Glanville said. Two directors from Missoula will come looking for those interested in an opportunity to perform, learn and work as a group.

Although the rehearsal process will be short and intensive, it gives children the chance to work with professional actors to put together a show, Glanville said.

“They work on things in groups (to) see how people work together, rather than kids coming in with a monologue prepared,” she said.

Glanville recommends those interested be enthusiastic, and a smile never hurts. It won’t help to get too nervous about it, she said.

The cast will be chosen that same night and the first rehearsal will take place 15 to 30 minutes after auditions. Auditions are open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and approximately 50 to 60 students will be cast to appear in the show.

Reporting by Catherine Kruse