VALENTINE, Neb. - In many small towns, kids don’t get a lot of opportunities to step into the spotlight on stage. Theater programs can be scarce—especially for younger students—but a traveling production is giving rural children the chance to act, create, and build confidence, all in just five days.

This week, students in Valentine are preparing to perform “The Wizard of Oz,” thanks to Missoula Children’s Theatre, the country’s largest touring children’s theater company. The Montana-based program brings everything needed for a full-scale production—costumes, scripts, directors—straight to small towns like Valentine.

And the benefits go far beyond applause.

“They learn how to collaborate with other people. They learn how to work towards a goal and commit to it,” said Missoula Children’s Theatre Touring Actor-Director Emma Bryant. “We don’t know how we get a show up in five days, but we do it every week. They’re as surprised as we are to do it.”

Eighth grader Will Ohde has been part of the production for several years—but this is the first time she’s playing the Wizard.

“This is my favorite year so far,” said Ohde.

In Valentine, the local arts council helps bring Missoula to town. Tami Danielski, director of the Valentine Area Arts Council, says opportunities like this are crucial in rural communities.

“It gives kids the option to get the theatre experience because a lot of times you don’t get theatre experience until you’re in high school, and you’re missing out on all of those elementary experiences,” said Danielski.

This year’s production includes students from first grade all the way through eleventh—some who have never auditioned or acted before.

“It’s a really good opportunity for little kids who want to do big things,” said Ohde.

With just a handful of rehearsals, lines are memorized, costumes fitted, and cues practiced. Soon, the curtain will rise on a performance that proves talent can bloom anywhere—even in the middle of the Sandhills.

The “Wizard of Oz” performance will take place Friday at the Valentine High School at 7:00 p.m.