reading with last week's performance of "Wyrd Sisters''.

The amateur productions, which first-time BMDS producer Jeane Butterfield called `the bunny slope of theatre', gives new actors and aspiring directors the opportunity to test-drive their talent.

First-time actors pair up with theatre veterans and read directly from the script as a way of becoming more comfortable with being on stage.

"It's a very safe forum for new actors, because this is about as `workshop' as it gets,'' said Mrs. Butterfield.

"These performances are not about learning lines, fabulous sets, or pulling off a polished product -- it's about character exploration and movement on stage.

"It's the easiest way to get your feet wet because it's so low-risk,'' she added.

Mrs. Butterfield said more Bermuda College students, including Nicole Harrison, were becoming involved with the play reading.

And she noted that BMDS would be having a membership drive in mid-March, and hoped to capture the interest of more Bermudians and Bermuda College students.

"We're striving for new membership to broaden our base of appeal. We have a somewhat clique-y image, and it's not that way at all,'' she added.

"Cabin Fever'' and "The Universal Wolf'' will play on March 4 and 5, "Dead White Males'' will play on March 11 and 12, and "The Lesson'' will play on March 18 and 19.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. at Daylesford. Although the production is free, there will be a donation box at the show.