It’s that time of year when everyone is tired of the long winter and folks are coming out of hibernation with great anticipation for spring activities.

What better way to celebrate spring than by participating with your friends and neighbors on center stage at the Grange?

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the 10-Minute Play Fest, and organizers are calling out to anyone and everyone who has dreamed of being on stage.

It was in May of 2006 that the Actors Theater of Orcas Island presented the first Ten-Minute Play Festival. Co-founders Doug Bechtel and Sandy Thompson brought alive their vision for local writing and acting talents to be displayed for the enjoyment of island families and friends.

“I have been totally blown away by the community’s reception to the plays presented,” Bechtel said. “The Play Fest is clearly one of the favorite productions we do each year.”

Ron Herman, the Play Fest 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.”

This year’s festival has seven plays that vary from drama to romance to comedy. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 29 and 30, May 1 and 2 at the Grange. They are looking for 17 actors, of both genders and a variety of ages (10 to 80). Rehearsals will be during the month of April.

Auditions will be held at the Grange on Saturday March 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. and on Tuesday, March 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. (interested actors needs to attend only one audition). Show up in loose-fitting clothing and be prepared for some fun stage work and readings from the plays. Contact Ron Herman at 831-234-4960 or by e-mail at santabearkitkat@hotmail.com for more information. Acting experience is not necessary.

The plays are available for review at the Orcas Island Library at the Front Desk.