DANVILLE - In theaters across the country, summer is the time to showcase fresh talent. The Red Mask Players join this tradition when they present four one-act plays Friday and Saturday.

The original works were selected from entries submitted by local writers earlier this year. All four plays will be performed both nights.

The plays will be at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre, 601 N. Vermilion St. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door the nights of the performances.

The list includes "And Baby Makes Four" by Debbie Rousseau of Danville; "Running Down the Road Not Taken" by Davis Edwards, a Vermilion County native; "The Witless Protection Program" by Brian K. Morris of Champaign; and "When the Light Was On" by Greg Williams of Danville.

The directors for the plays are new as well. Their enthusiasm for these scripts was obvious as they rehearsed for this year's summer season.

"We have something for everyone," said Stephanie Keller, a Danville Light Opera veteran but Red Mask newcomer. "The plays were written by local people with local concerns. The authors portray real people in situations that audiences will identify with. There are no pretensions."

The plays, presented in chronological order for the performances, include a history of the Red Mask Players, a ghost story, a nostalgic romance and a contemporary comedy.

The sets for the one-acts won't be elaborate to allow for quick transitions between the plays. Cast members have developed their own costumes because none of the scripts called for elaborate designs.

The focus will be on the words and the actors, many of whom are making their Red Mask debut.

"The veterans take the summer off," said director Jena Hester. "We saw a lot of new talent during the auditions, and we're excited to be working with these people."

Although a few cast members have appeared in previous Red Mask productions and some have worked with Danville Light Opera, many will be on a stage in Danville for the very first time.

Jason Greene last acted in high school in LaGrange, Ind. He was persuaded to audition by Jami Wright, his boss at Illiana PC Magic and one of the one-acts' directors. Cast as the lead in "The Witless Protection Program," he's glad that he listened to her.

"Everyone is so great," Greene said. "I've had lots of fun onstage and offstage with the people involved in these plays."

Julia Davis, also appearing in "The Witless Protection Program," agreed with Greene.

"People said this would be a great stress reliever," said Davis, the Vermilion County assistant public defender. "They were right. I've really enjoyed working with these people."

Davis performed with community theater groups in Bloomington before moving to Danville.

According to producer/stage manager Malynda Winters, these productions will begin an ongoing relationship between the actors and local performance companies.

"Danville is such an artsy area," said the former Cayuga, Ind., resident who moved to Danville five years ago. "Theater gets in your blood and you love it."

Winters' local experience includes working as stage manager for DLO's "Pippin."

"I like the backstage part of theater," she said. "For these plays, we have good writers, actors and directors. It's been an absolute blast."