To keep theater arts alive and growing in Arlington and north Snohomish County, the Arlington High School Drama Club will be hosting the Missoula Children’s Theater in February, when students ages 6 to 14 will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long workshop conducted by the internationally celebrated children’s theater.

Working with drama teacher Scott Moberly, students in the AHS Drama Club decided they wanted to find a way to introduce younger children to the thrills of acting and theater production. With this goal in mind, they are bringing the talented acting troupe to Arlington for a second annual event.

The Missoula Children’s Theater has been working with children in theater for more than 10 years, according to Moberly.

“Their mission, which is to help children develop life skills through participation in the performing arts, is so similar to my own, that I knew they were right for our school,” Moberly said.

Students who attend the workshop can look forward to five days of quality theater instruction as they rehearse for the production of “Red Riding Hood,” which they will perform at Arlington’s Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 10 a.m., Feb. 14.

The workshop will be held from 4 – 8 p.m., Feb. 9 – 13 at Arlington High School. The cost is $75 per participant, with enrollment limited to 60 students.

Moberly said participants do not need to be students in the Arlington School District.

“We are seeking widespread participation from around the county,” he said.

Parents can learn more about the Missoula Children’s Theater at their Web site at www.mctinc.org or contact Moberly at scott_moberly@asd.wednet.edu or call 360-618-6300 ext. 3117.