The 100 Mile Performing Arts Society will host Four Short Threesomes.
Four short comedic plays each involving three characters, that is.
The first round of auditions were held on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church. A second round of auditions will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20.
Gordon Smith, a long-time member of the arts society who has stepped up to direct the plays, said he already likes what he’s seen.
“So far I’m impressed by all of them. I think they’re all capable of being on stage and presenting themselves,” he said.
“It’ll just be a matter of finding people that will match them in the different plays.”
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The four plays that have been chosen are Apres Opera, by Michael Bigelow Dixon and Valerie Smith, Chocolate, by Frederick Stroppel, Wanda’s Visit, by Christopher Durang, and Make Believe, by Gordon Smith, himself.
Smith said all four plays are family-oriented comedies based around three-person triangle relationships.
The trick, he said, will be finding 12 characters in relatively similar age groups. If they don’t find enough people, Smith said some actors or actresses may end up playing multiple characters.
“I know there’s a lot of talented people in the community,” he said. “I’ve seen them in plays when they were in school and I’m sure there’s people who’ve moved in from other areas that have been in high school plays and would like to get involved in theatre again.”
Smith said this is the perfect opportunity to dabble in theatre because they are small roles that don’t require a huge commitment.
“We’re an open, receptive group and we love to see new people, new talent.”
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Courtney Driver, who is helping judge auditions, said plays are a great way to unite a community.
“Even if they’re not involved, there’s still intrigue to go out and watch and support, whether it’s family or friends or whether they don’t know anybody in the play. Just to get out and come and see a play and be entertained,” she said.
“There’s something different about being on stage and seeing people act and seeing like a real body move versus a screen…”
Karen Smith, the treasurer for the Performing Arts Society, said she was particularly keen on playing Mrs. Colby in Chocolate.
“I like watching police shows and, yeah, that’s an interesting part.”
She is also helping to judge other auditions and said she’ll play whatever role(s) they decide she is right for.
“We’re very lucky to have such a great venue. We’ve been in many other communities where they don’t have anything as nice as Martin Exeter Hall,” she added.
Smith, Driver and Smith are all hoping to see more people come out to audition.
Audition packages can be downloaded at perf-arts.100milearts.com.
beth.audet@100milefreepress.net
