Every spring, the Missoula Children's Theater sends several teams of two actor/directors to school districts around the world to perform musicals using local kids. In 1998, the musical was "The Wizard of Oz." I tried out and was cast as the Tin Man, a role I had previously played in elementary school.

I had never peformed with MCT before, so I learned a lot about putting together a musical in a week. The after- school hours were hectic, but it all came together nicely and I really enjoyed it.