Children learn life skills, have fun at Missoula Children’s Theater Published July 31, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard had a host of fantastical visitors for one week when a roguish outlaw, a spoiled prince and a number of friendless skunks lived out their adventures for Team Sheppard's entertainment. The Missoula Children's Theater was responsible for letting loose this cast of characters, as well as a few others, as part of their production of Robin Hood July 27 at the Community Activities Center. Missoula Children's Theater tours all fifty states, as well 16 other countries, bringing the performing arts with them wherever they go. Currently, Missoula has 43 teams visiting these locations, including numerous Air Force bases, where they spend a week teaching children ages 5-17 all they need to know to perform a musical at the end of the week. Allison Epperson, Missoula instructor and the actor behind Sherwood of the forest, said Missoula brings a sense of familiarity to military children who move around a lot. Ms. Epperson, who's been instructing Missoula Children's Theater groups alongside her husband Brian for five years, said Missoula helps kids learn to work well together, helps with their public speaking skills and helps to build confidence. "We promote life skills in children with the performing arts," she said. She said if they can learn a play and memorize a script in one week, it may inspire them to do well in other areas. She said they'll learn "maybe that math test isn't so hard after all." In addition, she said for some of the children they teach, this may be the only access to performing arts they have. For one Team Sheppard family member, that's the exact reason she came out for Missoula - and why she's come out for the last six years. Laura Gilman, 16-year-old daughter of Tech Sgt. Paul Gilman, is home schooled and Missoula has been an outlet for her love of the performing arts. "I absolutely loved (this week)" she said. "It's nice to take a break and enjoy the summer. I love acting." Team Sheppard's cast of forest miscreants and knights of the realm began their week by auditioning, where each future cast member was sorted by their strengths and weaknesses. Ms. Epperson said they look for three things at the auditions, the performer's ability to speak loudly and clearly, whether the performers have expressive faces and bodies and their ability to listen and follow directions. After a week of rehearsal the cast put on two plays for their friends and family members, to lots of laughs and a chorus of applause. For more information on Missoula Children's Theater, including its tour schedule, please visit www.mctinc.org.