LIHU‘E — This has been a busy year so far for Women in Theatre, one of the handful of long-standing theatrical companies of on Kaua‘i. “We’ve been around for a good 10 years,” said WIT Vice President Romey Curtis, adding
LIHU‘E — This has been a busy year so far for Women in Theatre, one of the handful of long-standing theatrical companies of on Kaua‘i.
“We’ve been around for a good 10 years,” said WIT Vice President Romey Curtis, adding that only this year they found a permanent home: WIT’s End at Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli.
After two productions so far this year — one still ongoing — in its new home, WIT is now auditioning for “Kaua‘i Briefs,” a production of three short works by Kaua‘i playwrights, plus a published play by a non-local author.
“We have always promoted local people,” said Curtis, who is also a producer for the plays.
Anne Welsh’s play “What Goes Around” is a farce about family dysfunction. Welsh’s play has four male roles — a father and son, a college roommate and a facilitator — plus a mother and a sister.
Mark Tjarks’ play, “No Fault,” is wry and gentle comedy on the effect of divorce on a family. Tjarks’ play has roles for four young people — two boys and two girls between eight and 14 years old — and a man and woman who play several roles.
“Committed” , from Frank Reilly, will round out the evening. For this play WIT is looking for two men and two women.
The second part of the evening, after the intermission, will offer a a fourth play. This show will be from a published play, but Curtis said she is still looking for it.
WIT began its 2012 schedule by bringing A. R. Gurney’s Broadway hit “Sylvia” to Kaua‘i.
wThe play, directed by Sandi O’Shaughnessy, ran in February and March.
April and May followed with “Improv Nite,” an ongoing chance for local comedic talent to shine on Thursdays.
The launching pad for this active programming slate is WIT’s End, the company’s performance space. The compact theater provides seating for up to 50 spectators. It’s a place to rehearse and perform, and is also available for other groups as a rehearsal area, meeting hall, lecture space and more, according to WIT’s website.
WIT’s activity in 2012 is a direct extension of the guiding philosophy behind the group: They are “dedicated to creating quality theatrical experiences for the Kaua‘i community that are thought-provoking, inspiring and that share the joy of live theater with audiences and performers alike.”
Curtis came to Kaua‘i in 1998. Although originally from England — the lively accent and a passion for tea prove and reinforce it — she first came to the United States in 1976. Throughout the years that she and her husband have been globetrotting, she said she has always looked for theater groups.
And it was no different on Kaua‘i. The first play she did here was “Ancestral Voices,” also from A. R. Gurney.
“After that play was over, we decided to do our own little company,” Curtis said.
Their productions invite all community members to participate, but WIT places a special emphasis on creating positive role models and artistic opportunities for women.
By engaging all aspects of theatrical production — from writing to staging to lighting, and set and sound design to acting and directing — WIT provides a creative outlet to local residents of all ages and gender.
WIT will be holding auditions for “Kaua‘i Briefs” today from 3 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the WIT’s End Performance Space at the Coconut Marketplace. Actors will be asked to read from scripts, but do not need to prepare in advance.
“Kaua‘i Briefs” performances will run in July. Tentative dates are July 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15.
Visit www.womenintheatre.org or call Romey Curtis at 826-9755 for more information.
