Theatre 33 summer season features three plays by NW playwrights

Theatre 33 launches the fourth season of its 3 X 33 summer play series in June with plays by Northwest playwrights.

Theatre 33 works in collaboration with Willamette University Theatre to promote professional theater while bridging a connection between the school and the greater Salem community.

Thomas Nabhan, Theatre 33's executive director, said the theater provides regional playwrights professional help in developing new plays.

In its first three years, the company produced fully staged readings of 11 new scripts by eight Oregon playwrights, as well as premiering a full production of a new adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.”

The company, Nabhan said, really benefits Oregon/Northwest playwrights as well as students.

“We had 10 paid internships last year," he said. "Students learn about acting, stage management, technical and sound. We give these students opportunity to build professional resumes, to use what they are learning and gain more broad experience.”

MORE things to do this summer

Outdoor movies begin in July in Salem, Silverton, Independence

Slapstick, cross-dressing comedy 'Leading Ladies' takes to stage May 26

Blues Traveler among acts coming to Riverfront in July

Here’s what you can see during their summer season:

“36 Perfectly Appropriate Mealtime Conversations,” asks the question, ‘How do we navigate gender roles in this modern age?’ while exploring relationships, infidelity, STDs, making babies, meeting parents and propositioning strangers.  To illustrate the gender-neutral theme of this comedy, actors will switch roles at intermission, so the cheating boyfriend becomes the cheating girlfriend, the befuddled husband becomes the befuddled wife, and what results is an intriguing look at gender, sexuality and our own assumptions about relationship dynamics. ​ Play by Brianna Barrett; directed by Stephanie Mulligan. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18.

“Shorn” is a tale of secrets, half-truths and hidden motives about two women vying for the soul of a young man. Play by Nora Douglas and directed by Susan Coromel. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 29, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 30.

“Tenders of the Feet” is a “play with music” by Ciji Guerin about an adult fairytale world where one’s place in society is determined by the beauty of a person’s feet and the glamour of their shoes. The production features live music and choral singers. Music is by Hal Logan; directed by Michelle Seaton. 7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 17-19 and 2 p.m. Aug. 20.

Shows takes place in the Putnam Studio Theatre on the second floor of the M. Lee Pelton Playhouse on the Willamette University Campus, 900 State St. The shows are free with a $10 suggested donation. Seating is general admission.

For information, call 971-599-1029 or go to theatre33.org.