Star City Playhouse has announced exciting news for the community— it will be presenting a lunchtime performance every month when it is not having a full production. Last winter, audiences were delighted with lunch hour performances over the holiday season.

The first Munchtime Theater is scheduled for Thursday, July 26, at 12:05. Owners Marlow and Karon Semones Ferguson say that these will be script-in-hand performances, featuring mostly comedies, and about 30 to 45 minutes in length.

There is no set charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Their next full-length, full-fledged production is “Cactus Flower” by Abe Burrows, coming up on Friday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday matinees from August 10 through August 26.

Karon Ferguson is busy organizing upcoming theatre classes. One section will be playwriting for teen girls, generally juniors and seniors in age. This will be a pre-college course, “Shakespeare’s Daughters,” using her textbook “Observation Points.”

The class will run for four weekends at a cost of $50 including the textbook. There will be assignments, but no grades given. Depending upon demand, each class will be limited to six students. If there are boys interested, she will consider a secondary class— they will just need a notebook.

The other class which will be offered, with Marlow Ferguson’s assistance, will be a theater appreciation-type class using Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

“It will involve how to set up a production from top to bottom, so people can understand the process of theater,” said Karon.

This class will be limited to 20 people. Again, if there’s more demand they will set up a second class. The cost for this class will be $20 over two weekends. Participants only need a copy of the play and a notebook.

Those who are interested can contact Karon at @tortu2@cox.net.. Dates for classes will be announced once demand is determined.

In other news, Star City hopes to host several courtesy bluegrass concerts. The Fergusons are also planning fundraisers to help retire their construction debt.

“We want to become a destination in Vinton,” said Karon. “We are on a great corner with great neighbors who we love to support. We encourage visitors to combine a visit to the Farmers’ Market with catching a performance at Star City. Or come for a matinee and stay for a Mingle at the Market concert that evening. Come to Star City and then pay a visit to Twin Creeks Brewing– almost next door– or another downtown restaurant.”

The Fergusons are excited about the upcoming opening of the William Byrd apartments and the economic development plans at the former Vinton Motors— just across the street— and the new residents and visitors they will bring to downtown Vinton.