By Jeanni Ritchie
Spectral Sisters, Central Louisiana’s own developmental theatre troupe, held their first reading for their Fall Showcase, The Apartments, July 12 at the Rapides Foundation Building.
Spectral Sisters is a grassroots theatre company that seeks to represent a variety of voices and produce original works of local playwrights. Founded in 2003, they cultivate theater left untouched by educational or typical community theater groups, focusing on original plays written by local writers or provocative, cutting edge productions.
Including their annual Ten Minute Play Festival, held in June each year. This year their fall production will also be a Ten-Minute Festival, yet with a twist.
Local playwrights were given a list of ten characters and descriptions, including a “wild card” character of their own creation. They had to choose up to 5 tenants and create a play of approximately ten minutes (1800 words) for consideration. The play could be a drama or comedy.
Having heard the announcement at their “What Had Happened Was…” 10-Minute Summer Play Festival, I often created scripts in my head at night when I had trouble sleeping.
Some count sheep; I write stories! Besides, I miss my Family Playhouse days of creating scripts for Arts in Education and summer camps. I’d also create scripts for my classroom students, turning reading into a full-scale production. Playwriting is exciting!
Most of the Spectral Sisters play readings I heard were comedies, including the one where I got to read the part of a middle-aged divorcee with OCD tendencies.
Had I been typecast or what?!
It was a lot of fun! Another play reading was held later in July and winners will be announced early August. There’s a great deal of talent in Louisiana! I look forward to seeing the show on the Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre September 25-28.
For more information on Spectral Sisters Productions, visit
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
