THE MIDLAND THEATRE INVITES EVERY KID IN LICKING COUNTY TO AUDITION FOR ALADDIN THIS JUNE

Resident company Missoula Children’s Theatre returns with its celebrated Red Truck Tour; auditions are free and open to all students in grades 1–12; no experience required, and every child who auditions gets a role; public performance June 19

NEWARK, Ohio (April 17, 2026) —— The Midland Theatre is proud to announce the return

of its resident company, Missoula Children’s Theatre, for its annual summer residency — one of the most beloved and anticipated family programs The Midland offers all year. This June, Missoula Children’s Theatre’s famed Red Truck Tour brings Aladdin to The Midland’s historic stage, with auditions open to every student in grades 1 through 12, completely free, no experience required, and a guaranteed role for every child who walks through the door.

Auditions will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at The Midland Theatre, 36 North Park Place, Newark. Doors open at 3:00 PM; students must register on-site before 4:00 PM to audition. There is no cost to participate, and no prior experience is necessary. Every student who auditions receives a role in the production. The public performance of Aladdin takes place on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for students. Full details and program information are available at midlandtheatre.org/missoula-childrens-theatre-midland.

This year’s production is Aladdin, adapted by Michael McGill with original music and lyrics. The show whisks audiences through a swirling sandstorm of Arabian legend — from Ali Baba to Sinbad the Sailor — as one determined young hero navigates a Cave of (not-so-great) Wonders, seeks wisdom from wise Genies and his own Mother, and discovers that even the most powerful wish can’t replace being genuinely yourself. Packed with unforgettable characters — including lost Penguins and talking Palm Trees — it is a laugh-out-loud family adventure worthy of 1,001 nights.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre Red Truck Tour has brought professional theatrical experiences to communities across the country for more than 50 years. Professional touring directors arrive at The Midland fully equipped — costumes, sets, and an inclusive, energetic rehearsal process designed from the ground up to welcome students of every background and confidence level. In five days of rehearsal, local children audition, develop their characters, learn the show, and perform a fully staged production on one of Ohio’s most historic stages. Children who have never set foot on a stage leave as performers. Nervous first-timers leave as stars. Families fill the house on Friday night to cheer on someone they love doing something they didn’t know they could do.

“Every year, this week reminds us exactly why we do what we do,” said Maryann Crist, Executive Director of The Midland Theatre. “Missoula Children’s Theatre is family here — they are part of the Midland community, and their Red Truck Tour is one of the most genuinely joyful programs we are privileged to be part of. There is something extraordinary about watching a child step onto this stage for the very first time and realize what they are capable of. That is arts for all. That is what this building is for.”

The Midland’s Missoula Children’s Theatre summer residency is made possible through the generous support of partners who share a deep commitment to accessible arts programming for every family in Licking County. This year’s residency is proudly presented by the Constance C. Baldwin Fund of the Licking County Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, the Licking County Foundation, and Mortellaro McDonald’s. Their investment ensures that the cost of this transformative week is never a barrier for any child or family in our community.

The Midland Theatre’s “Arts for All” philosophy drives everything the organization does, and programs like the Red Truck Tour are its most vivid expression: professional-quality, fully inclusive arts experiences, free and open to every child in the community. As The Midland looks to grow and sustain programming like this for future generations, the organization warmly welcomes community members, local businesses, and foundations who share that vision. Those interested in supporting the residency or future Midland programming are invited to visit midlandtheatre.org/donate or contact The Midland at 740.345.5483.

Auditions for Aladdin are open now. Families are encouraged to register early. Full program details, audition information, and performance tickets are available at midlandtheatre.org/missoula-childrens-theatre-midland.

Audition & Performance Details:

• Auditions: Monday, June 15, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM | Doors open at 3:00 PM

• Location: The Midland Theatre | 36 North Park Place, Newark, OH 43055

• Who Can Audition: Students in grades 1–12

• Cost to Participate: FREE

• Experience Required: None

• Rehearsals: June 15–19 | 10:00 AM–2:15 PM daily

• Performance: Friday, June 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM

• Tickets: $8 general admission | $5 students

About Missoula Children’s Theatre

Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) is one of the largest touring children’s theatre companies in the United States, and a proud resident company of The Midland Theatre. For more than 50 years, MCT’s Red Truck Tour has traveled to communities nationwide, transforming local students into stage-ready performers in just one week. MCT’s residency model is inclusive by design: no experience required, no cost to participate, and a guaranteed role for every child who auditions.

About The Midland Theatre

The Midland Theatre, Newark’s cultural cornerstone since 1928, stands as a testament to the enduring power of live performance and community connection. Located at 36 North Park Place in Newark, Ohio, this historic Spanish Revival theatre has been enriching the lives of audiences for nearly a century. Originally opening its doors on December 20, 1928, The Midland served as Newark’s premier entertainment destination for 50 years before closing in 1978. Following an $8.5 million restoration by The Longaberger Company completed in 2000, The Midland reopened as a vibrant performing arts venue operated by the Newark Midland Theatre Association, a local volunteer non-profit organization. Today, The Midland continues its mission of making high-quality live performance accessible to the entire community through its “Arts for All” philosophy.

The Midland Theatre is supported by the Ohio Arts Council with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Midland Theatre

36 North Park Place | Newark, OH 43055

740.345.5483 | yourfriends@midlandtheatre.org | midlandtheatre.org

Facebook: @TheMidlandTheatre | Instagram: @midlandtheatre

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