By Dave Haviland
The Daily World
A new outlet for the Harbor’s theatrically inclined just launched and they’re looking for actors, artists, and a theater. Co-founder Julayne Fleury explains that Plank Island Theatre Company started officially last February.
Fleury listed the company’s three main goals, “Create original work and put it on stage. Provide more creative outlets for the children and adults of Grays Harbor through no cost workshops and theatrical projects.”
The third goal, she said, is more long term and will require community support. “That goal is to purchase our own venue either downtown Aberdeen or downtown Hoquiam where we can put on fully realized theatrical productions in a true repertory style.”
Their first and current project is called Writing Wrongs. It is a series of original monologues written, workshopped and performed by a wide variety of local and global artists.
“We have 30 writers and since this project has been virtual we have had the opportunity to work with many people from all over the country and we even have a writer from England on our crew,” explained Fleury. She said they started the project from the belief that anyone who has experienced anything can write a powerful monologue. “A sentiment Alex Eddy and I learned from our playwriting professor at Grays Harbor College, Lynne Lerych, who recently passed away. We are dedicating this project to her.”
Alex and Julayne have been holding virtual monologue writing workshops every Wednesday since February. Since then the writers have developed over 50 original monologues that are currently being shaped into three 60-minute shows. One of the three shows will be family friendly and will include quite a few monologues that were designed to be performed by children under 13.
Next week they plan to cast 25-50 people. To audition sign up on their website plankislandtheatre.com
Auditions will be held virtually on Monday, May 24 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, May 25 at 5 p.m.
Rehearsal time commitment will be light and flexible. However, memorization is expected on your own time.
A free virtual performance of the show will be on their Facebook and YouTube pages.
• June 24 at 8 p.m.
• June 25 at 8 p.m.
• June 26 at 3 & 8 p.m.
• June 27 at 3 & 8 p.m.
Fleury said their next big project will begin when schools resume in the fall. “We are offering a two- and four-week theater program to all schools in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. They’ll also be available for school or group bookings. For more information email them at plankislandtheatre@gmail.com.
