A new concept in promoting the arts for this community is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.

The event has been in the planning stage by a special ad hoc New Play Committee of the Barn Swallow Theatre to encourage and help promote the evolving amateur playwrights and authors in our area, for a future in  the entertainment world.

The committee has been accepting and perusing manuscripts submitted for consideration and are now inviting the community to a preview of the four top plays that were selected.

The Barn Swallow Theatre Board of Governors are inviting everyone in the Michiana area community who believe in this endeavor to attend this preview of new plays. Fifteen minute segments of the four plays will be shown, after which voting will be held to choose the one to be showcased as a full length play during our 2014 season.

Plays to be previewed are “Talk About God, Five Cents,” written by Tom Noe an editor and writer for Ave Maria Press. Noe says “I like to focus on characters with sincere religious convictions who get into conflict situations.”

“The Guitar Teacher,” by Scott Cummins has offered a musical as “not just a bunch of songs strung together, but a meaningful story that might make people look at their lives in a different way.”

Angie Ransdell offers interesting, humorous, thought provoking concepts by those passers by who either encourage or try to dissuade the jumper on “The Bridge” from his ultimate decision to end it all.

“Reference” by Bob Kronemyer, an Elkhart resident offers viewers a trip into the surreal world, which will keep the viewer wondering what will happen next.

Following the presentations and voting, there will be a question and answer session at which time the audience may address the playwrights. During this time the votes will be counted and ultimately, the winner announced during this reception.

The evening is being presented free to the public but donations will be gratefully accepted to continue to promote all phases of the arts to our community.

The Barn Swallow Theatre is located at 22334 U.S. 12 East of Edwardsburg. Call 445-2511 for information or visit www.barnswallowtheatre.com.