Olympic Theatre Arts offers eight new mini-shows this November for its latest New Works Showcase.
All original, the roughly 10-minute shows highlight local writers’ newest efforts from November 15-24, in OTA’s Gathering Hall, 414 N. Sequim Ave.
Tickets are $15-20 and available online at olympictheatrearts.org, or by calling 360-683-7326 from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Cathy Dodd, one of the selected writers for the show, said OTA’s programming committee selected the works anonymously out of 16 submissions.
There are a few first time writers, with most from the Sequim/Port Angeles areas.
“The goal (of the showcase) is to encourage new writers, directors and actors to try out,” Dodd said.
This is also the first year OTA organizers invited the authors to be part of their show’s development process, with a few participating, she said.
Stage manager Melissa Herbelin said each show is staged similarly to a black box theater setup with actors wearing mostly black, with simple sets, lighting and sound. Plays have no more than five actors.
Shows (in order of appearance)
• “Artificial Emotions”
Written by John Painter; directed by Bill Stone
Summary: Friendless? If all else fails, buy yourself a friend. A robotic friend. Then sit back and watch as the fun unfolds.
• “No Home for Heroes”
Written by Cathy Dodd
Summary: The year is 1973 and soldiers are returning to the United States from Vietnam. Most did not receive a hero’s welcome. This play reminds us of the sacrifices made, and the toll war takes.
• “Haunts for Hire”
Written by Susan Noyes; directed by John Painter
Summary: What if in the afterlife, you still have to work? And what if it’s not at all what you expected? This play gives us a look at the beleaguered manager of the hiring office and the delightful ghouls he employs.
• “Mixed Troubles”
Written by Richard Grant; directed by Matt Forrest
Summary: “Mixed Troubles” follows two couples who’ve found themselves the perfect partners across the net. However, when a backhanded compliment goes over the line, swings are taken, insults are served, and a volley of pent-up frustrations is unleashed. Upset and down a set, can these double deuces rally their relationship back to baseline? As in all things, they’ll have to start at love.
• “Sessions Up”
Written by Steven Jay Fisher; Directed by Kyle LeMaire
Summary: What happens when, through therapy, you learn you are attracted to anyone who shows you any sort of kindness, and then you fall in love with the therapist?
• “Lead Us Not”
Written by Jim Lord; directed by Morgan Bartholic
Summary: Cynthia asks Tom the age-old question: “If you could have yourself any kind of sin in the whole world — and get away with it — what kind of sin would you have?” The answer may surprise you.
• “The Pact”
Written by Jordan Huzarevich; directed by Ellen Butchart
Summary: Written by first-time playwright Jordan Huzarevich, “The Pact” is the timeless story of war and its aftermath, and the consequences it wreaks on the bonds of brotherhood and country.
• “Denouement Denied”
Written by Leslayann Schecterson; directed by Julie Borden
Summary: A spicy, romantic, medieval novel comes to life when fans and the novel’s characters take over the story. Two young women readers and the knights in this medieval tale are dissatisfied with the ending to this novel and they decide it needs a rewrite.
OTA’s next production “The Rented Christmas” starts Dec. 6 on the main stage, featuring the OTA Singers. For more, visit olympictheatrearts.org.
New Works Showcase
Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave.
Showtimes: 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 15-24
Tickets: $15-20 online or by calling 360-683-7326 from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
More info: olympictheatrearts.org
