A UNIQUE business venture is offering a range of opportunities to talented residents interested in boosting their portfolios and getting paid for their work.

JARGAN Theatre Enterprises began operating this spring. Its main purpose is to help actors find employment here on the island but its services extend to all related disciplines ? a short list includes writers, choreographers, backstage technicians and costume makers.

Three entrepreneurs are behind the venture. Shelly McKinnon-Burgess is the artistic director, her husband Jamal does all necessary computer work, and librarian Ellen Hollis compiles all information relevant to a particular project.

"JARGAN is a theatre company grounded in educational theatre concepts and foundations for its youth programme, professional dinner theatre troupe and a professional experimental theatre troupe utilising the global skills and unique talents of Bermudians," Mrs. McKinnon Burgess said.

"So much is tied to a name and, like any other company, JARGAN has special meaning. The misspelling of JARGAN is in honour of (my two children), who have their own language which brings confusion, joy and surprise.

"It is the same with the language of theatre for the first time or novice student. There is a whole world of jargon associated with the theatre and this company aims to give meaning to it all."

As the drama teacher at CedarBridge Academy and someone frequently involved in local theatre, she understood the obstacles faced by actors interested in professional work here.

"When you're just starting out as a performer it's tough," she explained. "Unfortunately in Bermuda, it's a lifestyle choice. It's not a nine-to-five job here. It's difficult trying to put together things and make a good living doing it full- or even part-time. There are so many people who, for that reason or another, put aside that goal as a dream that can never be."

The trio established the company in April. With JARGAN dependent on product supply as well as consumer demand, they realised their challenges would differ from those faced by typical entrepreneurs. However, they were also aware their potential for success was driven by two factors well within their control ? their artistic director's "energetic confidence" and "initiative".

"We felt it was a niche we could fill and so the three of us formed the company," said Mrs. McKinnon-Burgess.

"It is a daring venture that involves risk but it's something that I believe in. When you're doing something you love, it's not work. I have such a love and a passion ?it feeds the loop. As a country, theatre is that looking glass. It's a wonderful tool to have within a society."

The partnership works because their strengths complement each other, she added.

"Ellen works as a dramaturge. If we are doing a period piece, she is the one who would research the music and the political theme of the time and so on. I'm the creative brain that comes up with all the ideas.

"I take her information, dissect it, and give it to the actors so we come through with a true representation of that time. Jamal provides the technical support. He maintains our web site and takes care of our computers and so on. I have so much respect for single entrepreneurs, I couldn't do it. The three of us balance all the tasks that need to get done."

JARGAN has been busy since its creation six months ago, hired by Government for a special Heritage Day project and a local movie company ? Reel Big Entertainment ? to assist in the development of a short film. It also held a series of acting classes over the summer and was involved with a local improv troupe.

Most recently, it partnered with the Bermuda National Trust, producing a series of performances which were then acted at various museums.

The project came about through Mrs. McKinnon-Burgess' involvement with another theatre company, the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society (BMDS).

"I'm also a costume designer," she explained. "I worked as a volunteer for BMDS and put out the information there that I would be starting this company. (Veteran actor) Connie Dey forwarded the information to the Bermuda National Trust. It wanted to bring new life to its museums in a different way to try and get the public in there."

Each event demanded audience participation. One, a mystery, had the audience trying to determine the person behind the plot. Another saw audience members handed cue cards and become part of the show itself. Although the collaboration wasn't as well attended as they had hoped, the teacher said she found the concept extremely appealing.

"I'm a history buff and Ellen is a librarian. She works with the Bermuda Library and is in charge of the Bermudiana Collection. I would take hours, days, months to collect the information ? she can do it faster than you can blink.

"We were a really good fit with the BNT. I love the story behind the history and have always loved being involved with historical re-enactments. Our idea is that eventually, we would be able to foster that in Bermuda ? it's a long-term goal but this year marked a step in that direction.

"I'm really proud of the work that went into making the shows. I'm hoping to do the same next season, but promote it differently to get more of a response from locals and tourists."

She believes there is an incredible amount of opportunity for those who are serious about acting and that Harbour Nights, Destination Dockyard and St. George's Market Night offer great potential.

"Tourists are looking for entertainment. Those events cater to cruise ship passengers looking for talent. We're hoping to provide performances for those areas."

BERMUDA once boasted a huge range of entertainment, there is no reason why the same could not be offered today, she insisted. "We wanted people who had a strong basis in educational theatre to be able to work in the field ? that's our goal. Educational theatre can be used to explore the depths and heights of the human condition.

"This does not necessarily mean that fun is precluded. To the contrary, to love what you do while you're learning it makes lifelong learners and devotees. As such the slogan of JARGAN Theatre ? creating dramatic opportunities is meant for both the student of drama and the professional alike.

We have trained actors who are willing to do commercial work. Shows like breed an environment to have a professional theatre.

"In the '60s and '70s, theatre here exploded. Companies were doing amazing things, but then it started to die down. We're hoping to bring it back. It's an opportunity for people to take what they've learned and use it. This is a business. We are out to make it a legitimate field in Bermuda. We've just reintroduced something that has kind of slipped by the wayside."

According to Mrs. McKinnon-Burgess, the aim is to nurture a pool of talent ? thus far, a difficult task.

"We are constantly looking for talent. This year, we had more jobs than than talent. The only thing restricting us (from growing) is talent. We need people who are interested in acting and directing and costumes ? every area of acting. Not just performers but the technical side too."