Ventura College students can look forward to an exciting line up of plays and performances with great opportunities for students who wish to participate both onstage and backstage.

There will be the student One-Act play festival that includes three student directed one-act plays. The three plays are called “The Interrogation”, “The Astonishing Mrs. O’Shaugnessy, and “An Inspector Answers.”

“The Interrogation” directed by Hilary Brady, is about two ex-lovers who meet in a bar and want each other back. “The Astonishing Mrs. O’ Shaugnessy” directed by Sarah Swilley, is about two thieves who are interrupted by the cleaning woman while attempting a robbery. “An Inspector Answers” directed by Jennifer Carnahan, has a twisted plot of the disappearance of Lady Fitzbuttress.

Judy Garey is directing this semester’s main stage production at Ventura College. The most exciting piece this semester is called “Night of January 16th” by Ayn Rand. This play is a murder trial and is presented as an actual court case. The characters in the play include a judge, the prosecuting attorney, the defense attorney, defendant, witnesses, bailiff and clerks.

“The studio theatre has an intimate atmosphere which is only enhanced by the audience playing a part,” said Ventura College Professor of Acting and Directing, Jay Varela.

“Night of January 16th” will run from Nov. 11-20.

The One-Acts auditions have already been completed but students interested in the main stage production can audition Tuesday, Sept. 26 and 27 from 2 – 5 p.m. in the greenroom at the Ventura College Theatre.

Everyone is welcome to attend the One-Acts Festival at the VC Theatre on Friday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 2 at 3 p.m.

The One-Act play “An Inspector Answers” will feature, from left, Sabastien Montgomery, Cherie Baker, Philip Powers, Abbey Collins, and Michael Stockdill starting on Sept. 23 at Ventura College. (Jay Varela)