The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces the fifth annual festival of locally written short plays.

What started as a great idea of two Actors Theater Board Members has emerged to be one of the most anticipated events of spring. For four years local actors, writers, directors and stage crews have produced a remarkable slate of original stage plays at the Grange. This small but intimate theater has an ever-growing following when the 10-Minute Play Fest takes the stage during the first two weekends in May.

“I have been totally blown away by the community’s reception of the plays presented,” Co-founder Doug Bechtel said. “The Play Fest is clearly one of the favorite productions we do each year. The first year our schedule conflicted with the Choral Society’s spring concert. We moved our performances to the first weekend in May and our attendance really took off.”

It was five years ago that he and Sandy Thompson produced seven original plays with a call to all who had any interest in putting the production together. This past year saw seven plays produced, all written, directed and acted by local Orcas Island talent. In addition to giving many actors their initial stage experience, Thompson sees the event as an “opportunity for Orcas writers.”

This year’s play fest is being coordinated by local writer and actor Ron Herman. He definitely has his work cut out for him guiding the selection of seven plays, working with the playwrights to polish their work, finding directors for each play and lining up the very necessary support crews.

“Although we are now calling for scripts from Orcas Island writers, we also encourage any potential actor, director, stage hand or tech person to contact us. No experience required,” Herman said.

Thompson adds, “We offer the prospect to work with supportive theater veterans and learn how a play goes from page to stage.”

All submitted scripts will be reviewed by a panel of experienced local playwrights. Early submission is desirable so writers can receive feedback and make revisions. Submission deadline is Feb. 28. Rehearsals typically begin in early April. Guidelines and samples of quality plays can be obtained by contacting Ron Herman at santabearkitkat@hotmail.com or 831-234-4960.