Step away from intermission with a commercial break

Every live theater experience offers a chance to interact in a way that can't be done unless in person. Audience reactions are felt by the actors and may enhance the performance experience.

From May 26-30, Western Oregon University hosts a unconventional take of the Shakespeare play "Taming of the Shrew."

The set will take on a modern manifestation as a television studio circa 1959. No sitcom laugh track necessary.

"Taming of the Shrew," tells the story Petruchio who set out to tame Kate and make her his bride after being seduced by her dowry.

In this adaptation, the performance is made complete by a three camera set-up and commercial that aptly fit the 1950's era.

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The May 30 matinee show is scheduled at for 2:30 p.m.

Theatre seeks volunteers

Non-profit businesses generally cannot run without the assistance of volunteers. Creative endeavors, such as theater, perhaps seek greater reliance on people passionate about their work because grand money-making is not as likely.

Pentacle Theatre's Volunteer Committee is looking for friendly people to be the face of their program.

All costumes stored and props shelved, they need people to work behind the scenes planning events as well as administrative types who are interested in program development and management.

Whether already committed to a full schedule or not, the company is looking for a commitment of one work day from each volunteer.

For those interested in helping eight hours per month for the duration of 2009 or wish for more information, contact Claire Diehl at 503-551-2094.

Pentacle Theatre Volunteer Committee is looking for fun,

friendly people to be the face of Pentacle's volunteer program. 

Recite a letter

In an age of instant electronic communication, the art of a hand-written letter is made more obscure.

Corvallis Community Theatre holds auditions for a two-person play entitled "Love Letters" May 18-20.

The privacy of writing lends a bit of the seclusion to the audition process. Unlike the process for many production, there is no monologue needed to prepare. Actors need only to read some of the letter, also requiring no interaction with other actors.

Directed by Jack Wirz, "Love Letters," traces the lifelong correspondence of lawyer Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and lively artist Melissa Gardner.

Interwoven in their penned words in the story of their bittersweet relationship, with many of their unwritten feelings layered in the sub-text.

The Broadway hit comes to the Majestic on July 24. Auditions are held on May 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and 6:30 p.m on May 20.