For the first time since 2020, students from Pacific Beach Middle School (PBMS) and five other Mission Bay Cluster schools showcased their singing and acting talents on one stage for Missoula Children’s Theatre’s production of “King Arthur’s Quest.”

The event, which took place on Jan. 14, brought together more than 50 students from Crown Point Junior Music Academy, Pacific Beach Elementary School, Kate Sessions Elementary, Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary School, PBMS, and Mission Bay High to perform a light-hearted interpretation of King Arthur’s misadventures through a musical wonderland.

Staging a show of this size and caliber can be a challenge within the production’s time frame. Auditions took place on Monday; rehearsals were held throughout the week; and the show was performed twice for the public on Saturday.

But the cast and crew managed to make it look easy. Missoula Children’s Theatre is a touring theater company that brings all the elements of a blockbuster show to schools throughout the country. This includes two directors, a truckload of sets and costumes, and more. Their week-long residence was sponsored by the Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools (FOPBSS) and has quickly become a favorite annual tradition at PBMS.

“I love Missoula Children’s Theatre because it helps me develop my acting skills,” said seventh-grade student Alarycia C, who was cast as the Lady in the Lake in the show. “Acting allows me to get out of my shell and express myself differently. It opens a window to another world.”

After the audience gave its ovations and the curtain was closed, PBMS continued its mission to develop knowledgeable, confident, inquiring, and caring individuals through its International Baccalaureate program. But theater fever has hit the campus hard. Audition buzz has already infiltrated the hallways for next spring when the bright red Missoula Children’s Theatre pickup truck will make its way back to the school.

For information on Pacific Beach Middle School, or to find out about the District’s School Choice program, visit sandiegounified.org/schools/pacific-beach-middle.