The Actors Theater of Orcas Island will be offering a four-week (seven session) play writing class on Tuesday and Sunday evenings beginning Dec. 2 at the Grange.

The class, which is suitable for all experience levels, will introduce the basic building blocks of play writing.

There will be different writing assignments for students based on previous theater and/or writing experience.

The first part of each session will focus on a different facet of the craft and creativity of writing plays with in-class discussion and writing exercises.

Students will then work on a writing assignment, and by the completion of the course will have written a 10-minute play for submission to the 2009 Playfest.

The instructor is Orcas director, actor and playwright Doug Bechtel.

The cost is $50 (some scholarship funds are available).

To register, contact doug@oracsactors.com or call 317-5601.

Sinfonia seeks musicians

The Island Sinfonia, the San Juan archipelago’s only symphony orchestra, is looking for new musicians from all the islands as they start their 25th concert season.

“We perform exciting baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary music,” says Sinfonia member Karen Blinn.

Concerts are performed on each of the ferry-served islands. Rehearsals are Saturdays on Orcas.

Call Blinn on Orcas at 376-6579.

Meditation series here

Meditation offers one an opportunity for self-observation and awareness.

In this beginning meditation series the class will focus on the concepts of Niyama, inner discipline and responsibility. They will use simple asana, or postures and pranayamas, or breath awareness and exercises to deepen and bring stability to our inner sense of calm.

Class days and times: Saturday mornings 9-10 am. Nov. 22, and Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Drop ins $15, class series $50. Class size is limited to six. Sign up by calling 360.376.5900 or emailing Stacy@AmaTaraCenter.com.