New directors - Robert Buck from Bega, Donna Cotter from Candelo, Kerry Hynes and Dianne Johnson from Merimbula, Anna Auer from Lochiel and Zach Hooker from Millingandi - have spent the last two weeks doing a workshop, selecting a play. researching their projects and having individual feedback sessions with Footprint Theatre Director Lis Shelley.

On Saturday, February 4, directors and actors came together to cast for a rehearsed reading at 5pm in front of an audience at the Bega Valley Regional Learning Centre in Merimbula.

The plays included comedy and drama with social and environmental themes. "Cate Blanchett Wants To Be My Friend on Facebook" by Alex Broun and directed by Robert Buck explored the dilemma of social media and 'celebrity' when a construction worker receives not only a Friend request but an actual site visit from the famous actress.

"Exiting" by Alex Broun plays out in a lift where two workers try to get to the bottom of rumours of sackings in the building.

"Un-Australian Day" by Alex Broun was a topical play which looks at how two different people view January 26.

"Waiting for Go" by Elspeth Tilleyis a philosophical take by two roadworkers on how to stop a world seemingly bent on self-destruction.

"The First Fireworks" by Alex Broun takes a poignant look at memories and the last fireworks to be shared by a mother and daughter.

"George Brown Steps Out" is a comedy by Gerry Greenland which turns a botched kidnapping into hope for a new future.

Footprint Theatre is looking to bring several of the short plays to the next stage as part of a full production at the end of March in Merimbula and would be happy to hear from directors, actors and crew who would like to get involved.

For more details see www.footprint.org.au or call 6495 7160.