What better way to celebrate Spring than by participating with your friends and neighbors on-stage at the Grange!

This year marks the 7th Anniversary of the Actors Theater of Orcas Island 10 Minute PlayFest. Co-founders Doug Bechtel and Sandy Thompson’s vision for local writing and acting talents to be displayed for the enjoyment of Island families and friends began with the first PlayFest in 2006.

As in the past, this year’s festival has seven wonderful, locally-written plays. Themes are varied, ranging from drama, to romance, to comedy. The PlayFest provides a unique opportunity to participate in the premier performance of a play, and to bring the playwright’s vision to life in a warm supportive environment.

Ron Herman, the PlayFest Coordinator and local writer and actor, says “The 10 Minute Play format is perfect for the first time actor as well as the veteran. The scripts are lively and varied with generally a single theme giving way to highly creative energy between the writer, director, actor and ultimately to the audience.”

There are roles for 20 actors, of both genders and a variety of ages (20-70). Rehearsals will be during the month of April.

Auditions will be held at the Grange on both Sunday, March 18, 6-8PM and on Wednesday, March 21, 7-9PM (you need only attend one audition). Please show up in loose fitting clothing and be prepared for some fun stage work and readings from the plays. Please contact Ron Herman at 831-234-4960 or by e-mail at orcasmanwithdog@gmail.com.

Performances will be at 7:30PM on April 27 and 28 and the following two weekends May 4, 5 and May 11, 12 and 13 at the Grange. This is the first time the PlayFest will be presented over three weekends.

Acting experience is not necessary! The plays are available for review at the Orcas Island Library at the Front Desk.