SEQUIM — Olympic Theatre Arts will offer eight new mini shows this month for its latest New Works Showcase.
All original, the roughly 10-minute shows highlight local writers’ efforts through Sunday in OTA’s Gathering Hall, 414 N. Sequim Ave.
Tickets are $15 to $20 and available at olympictheatrearts.org or by calling 360-683-7326 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Cathy Dodd, one of the writers for the show, said OTA’s programming committee selected the works anonymously out of 16 submissions.
There are a few first-time writers, most of whom are from the Port Angeles and Sequim areas.
“The goal (of the showcase) is to encourage new writers, directors and actors to try out,” Dodd said.
This also is 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.
The shows include, 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 information, visit olympic theatrearts.org.
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Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach him by email at matthew.nash@sequimgazette.com.
