A new breed of theatre productions will be taking shape in Oceanside this fall, as Karalena Walsh, of DREAMGIRL Productions prepares to hold auditions for two, one-act plays to be presented in Errington.
Walsh founded DREAMGIRL Productions in 1998 in Vancouver and has written, acted, directed, produced and promoted 11 theatrical productions with the company, including performances in the Victoria and Vancouver Fringe Festivals in 2002. Monday Magazine called her production in the Victoria Festival one of their “Fringest Favs” that year.
Since moving to Coombs, Walsh has taken a break from putting on productions, besides a one-woman show she put on by invitation only in 2004. But she has continued to write and said she feels it’s time to get back into the swing of the theatre world.
“I just decided I’m going to bite the bullet and try it again and see how it goes,” she said, adding she hasn’t lost her adoration for theatre. “I’m passionate about it and there’s nothing like watching your writing being performed, it’s exhilarating.”
Walsh is a big fan of comedies and after putting on a number of comedy skits she settled on her first love, the one-act-play. She said she likes the speed and length of these shorter productions and finds her writing always ends up favoring this type of play.
For her production this fall, Walsh will put on a show called Scenes from a Lounge, showcasing two one-act plays The Sanction of Marriage and Happy Hour. Both are comedies and take place in lounges in Vancouver. The Sanction of Marriage surrounds the trials of friendships and relationships of 30-somethings. Happy Hour is a quirky play about two strangers, also in their thirties, meeting for the first time. Walsh describes the plays as over-the-top and animated and her humor a bit racy. She said the play is not recommended for those under 15 years of age, due to mature content and language, but her 90 year-old-grandmother wouldn't want to miss them, she said.
Walsh will be holding auditions for both plays July 31 at the McMillan Arts Centre from 6 to 9 p.m. She is also looking for a stage manager. The shows will be performed Oct. 7 and 8 at the Errington Hall. Walsh is looking for five to 10 actors, both male and female ages 30 to 45. Previous acting experience is an asset but not necessary.
Those interested are encouraged to bring a photo and resume to the auditions July 31.For more information, call Karalena at 250-752-2408.
Ticket information will be coming up in The News this fall as well as on the Errington Hall website closer to the date.