Big things are coming to the Orcas Center. Under the leadership of interim Executive Director Jim Bredouw, many performers in the community have begun returning to center stage of the island’s largest theater. As a preview to the upcoming events set to take place at the Orcas Center, theater staff presents the 2018-2019 season “Role-out” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. Free tickets for the event are available on the Orcas Center’s website.
“It’s a great opportunity for both potential performers to join, audition or do tech work on the productions as well as finding potential sponsors for the shows,” said Bredouw. “And to just get the community invested and excited.”
Scheduled musicals such as “La Cage aux Folles” and “Mamma Mia” are on the season calendar as well as more serious plays like Mamet’s “Oleanna” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
“Last year was extremely musical heavy. … This year we’re not going quite that heavy because they’re very athletic endeavors,” Bredouw said.
Everyone’s invited, though tickets are limited, as Orcas Center seeks volunteers, actors and sponsors for the approaching theatrical events. There will be sneak peeks for planned shows, information about new classes and a chance to meet directors. Also included in the evening’s agenda is information about new volunteer incentives, membership benefits and surprise announcements.
“In my mind, it’s not just announcing what we’re going to do this year but it’s a call to arms to volunteers, donors and sponsors,” said Orcas Center technical director Jake Perrine. “The success of this place can only occur with absolutely everybody involved. There’s no room for divisions or political factions or divisions between groups. It’s all hands on deck or we don’t survive.”
Deborah Sparks, who split from the center early last year, will be directing a play this season, and musician Bruce Harvie, who hadn’t entered the building in nearly 30 years, appeared with his band The Burned in August.
“Which was a great feeling. We’re trying to draw everyone that’s made this place great,” Bredouw said.
The “Role-out” is the third or fourth season preview event the center has hosted over the years, said Bredouw. He and Perrine said they hope that future role-outs can be more expansive but agreed that they’re excited about this year’s event.
“The reason the people are involved is for a sense of community and a sense of a vehicle for expression,” Perrine said. “I think this is a service job. I tell everyone when I’m asked I’m in the service industry to give the community a way to express itself. I’m here to help make that happen.”
