Bird’s trio of plays included in Sauk Shorts

Trinity Bird has been doing theater since high school. He has acted, directed and designed productions throughout the state. Now, at age 42, he is experiencing something new.

Bird, the executive director at The Sauk, Hillsdale County’s community theater, has added playwright to his resume. Two of his short plays are included in the 2022 edition of the Sauk Shorts, being performed this weekend at Sauk Theatre in Jonesville.

“Arts reminds us that we are not alone,” Bird said. “I was sitting alone in my apartment during quarantine and I needed to create something. I sat down at my computer and let the ideas come naturally.”

Sidekick came first. A story about two teenage friends who come to a crossroads in their friendship. Then, a second story emerged, lightly inspired by his late grandmother, a short play called “The Room at the End of the Hall.”

Each year, The Sauk receives 300 to 400 scripts to consider for Sauk Shorts, the annual presentation of short plays. A committee of seven review the scripts and choose the final 8-12 to be produced. This year’s selections include world premieres from Grand Rapids-based playwright G.M. (Bud) Thompson, a play by Jonesville resident Sarah Gray and both of Bird’s scripts.

“It is such an honor that the committee felt my work was production ready,” Bird said. “It has been surreal watching the plays come to life in rehearsals. I don’t get nervous much as an actor or director, but the thought of an audience watching something I wrote is terrifying.”

Performances of Sauk Shorts are April 21-23 at 8 p.m. A 3 p.m. matinee will be performed April 24. All tickets are $10. The April 21 performance is a Pay What You Can preview performance. Preview tickets are not sold in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100. The Sauk is located at 240 E. Chicago St. in Jonesville.

This year’s production includes:

• All The Answers by Mark Cornell, Directed by Josh Hall
• Beach Street by G.M. (Bud) Thompson, Directed by Trinity Bird
• Boyfriend Boot Camp by Keith Whalen, Directed by Andy Anderson
•  Gown by Robert Weibezahl, Directed by Angela Forant
• In Mrs. Baker’s Room by Stephen Kaplan, Directed by Mari Nuñez
• Moments Like These by Dan Goodrum, Directed by Bruce Crews
• NUTS! by T. James Belich, Directed by Sandi Miller
• Sidekick by Trinity Bird, Directed by Ron Boyle
• Single Malt Exchange by Sarah Gray, Directed by Tim Ambrose
• The Room at the End of the Hall by Trinity Bird, Directed by Sarah Gray

The cast consists of Andy Anderson, Noah Bryant, Erin Brzozowski, Shannon Chen, Allison Cleveland, Anne Conners, Tyler Crawford, Tim Favreau, Noah Honeywell, Mandee Leigh Howard, Megan Gollnick, Ellie Gray, Gianna Green, Aaron Guest, Elizabeth Guest, John Kasper, Jamie Lightner, Josh Lightner, Denise McCosh, Kaylee McCoy, Sandi Miller, Olivia Pike, Levi Socha, Brady Thatcher and Tiffany Thatcher. The evening is stage managed by Joella Hendrickson. Lilly Macie will design lighting. MJ Dulmage will design sound.

A talkback with the three local playwrights will be held immediately following the Saturday night performance.

“I hope audiences will come out and enjoy this diverse night of theater,” Bird added. “It is a great showcase of what art can do.”

This production is sponsored by Sandi Miller. The 2022 Sauk season is sponsored by Joyous Journey Photography. The 2022 media sponsor is WCSR Radio Hillsdale and 99.5 The Dale.