Local actors perform in one-act plays

Playwrights, directors and actors from Sisters and beyond will entertain audiences again this spring during the fifth annual “Now You’re Talking…” One Acts 2020 presented by Silent Echo Theater Company (SETC) March 12-15 at The Belfry.

Producer Marla Manning says this year’s event will feature international plays for the first time, featuring two by Australian playwright Adam Szudrich, as well as Oregon and California playwrights.

“The evening will be filled with eight funny and heartwarming plays ranging from 10 to 20 minutes long,” says Manning. All eight one acts are Oregon premieres. Part of SETC’s mission is to provide an opportunity for playwrights to showcase their work. Manning, also SETC artistic director and president, invites local playwrights to submit their creations for future theater events.

“Slow Dating,” by Australian playwright Szudrich stars Jess Walton James, a longtime Sisters resident who has played Jill Abbott on the “The Young and The Restless” for over 30 years.

“The Lottery,” written by Pat Kruis (Redmond) is the third NYT production directed by Sisters resident Rhonda Townsend Schantz. Rhonda has been involved with SETC since its inception and currently serves as vice president.

Central Oregon residents provide all the creative talent in “I Know Who You Are.” Written by Beverly Allen and directed by Randy James, both from Bend, the cast includes Persephone Vandegrift (Bend), Doug Kaufman (Sisters) and Katie Cavanaugh (Sisters).

Patricia Del Ruth, longtime Bend resident now residing in La Quinta, California, wrote “Ice, Ice, Baby.” This one-act has been extended into a full-length production that will premiere soon in Southern California.

Performances are March 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday March 15. All performances will be at The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave. in Sisters. Tickets are available at bendticket.com ($18 for adults and $15 for seniors [65+] and students) or at the door for cash only ($20 for adults and $17 for seniors [65+] and students). Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show.

For more information email [email protected] or call 541-719-8819. Visit the SETC website at Silent Echo Theater Company.