Placer Rep performs one-act comedies 'From the Mind of Scott Charles'

Join Placer Repertory Theater for a stage reading of local playwright Scott Charles' two new one-act comedies at Old St. Mary's Chapel in Rocklin on Sept. 18. "From the Mind of Scott Charles" features actors Matt Heyer, Will Mueller, Katie Halls and Spencer T Gayden, who bring these new comedies to life as part of the development process of Scott Charles' plays for their world premieres in 2022. The first play of the night, "Death of a Bailsman," can be described as a Chekhovian comedy, as humor is found in even the most fatalistic of circumstances, although it is also a comedic love story. "Radio Free Scotland" is a comedic mystery, as radio talk jock, Milo Keefe. and his producer, Brittany, serve up laughs while teasing audiences in the mystery of what might be happening beyond the immediate and the obvious. They peel away story and character layers toward a surprising reveal and an opportunity for redemption. Placer Repertory Theater first discovered Scott Charles' works through EMH Production's group, The Writer's Room. "Listening to early versions of these plays over Zoom introduced me to Scott Charles' quirky mind, replete with eccentric characters and unique situations, which make for a very engaging evening of theater," said producing artistic director Teresa Stirling Forsyth. Charles is a local playwright whose most notable theatrical work to date is the play "Dinners With Augie," with productions at The Geary and the Jean Runyon Theaters in Sacramento, the Antiquite Maison Winery and The Temple of Music and Arts Cabaret Theater in Tucson, Arizona. He recently released a novel, "The Illustrated Hen," which is a Wishing Shelf Awards finalist. Placer Repertory Theater is the professional theater company that recently produced "New Beginnings," the Placer County railroad history play. To bring this stage-reading event to fruition, Placer Repertory Theater is grateful to have partnered with Rockstar Music Academy, who donated rehearsal space, and the Rocklin Historical Society, who provided the Old St. Mary's Chapel venue in Rocklin at a reduced rate. The "From the Mind of Scott Charles" stage reading will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Old St. Mary's Chapel, 5251 Front St., Rocklin. Audiences are invited to provide feedback at the post-show Q&A, where they can meet the actors and the author. Tickets can be bought online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/169207055859. Placer Repertory Theater is a nonprofit organization in Rocklin with the mission to offer educational and enriching professional performing arts and cultural programs relevant to Placer County residents, while supporting local organizations and acting as an area economic engine. Follow Placer Repertory Theater on Facebook and Instagram: @PlacerRep. Rocklin Historical Society can be found at RocklinHistorical.org and Rockstar Music Academy's website is TheRockstarMusicAcademy.com. Email Kevin Foster, outreach director, at Outreach@PlacerRep.org, or Teresa Stirling Forsyth, producing artistic director, at ArtisticDirector@PlacerRep.org for more information.