After wrapping up its first production in nearly a year with “Present Laughter” in late May and early June, Masquers Theater is gearing up for its next production with auditions set for 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the theater, 322 Main Ave. E., Soap Lake.

The next production will be a one-act play, “Shakespeare Ate My Brain,” originally written by Jeffery Goodson and Barry Shay. The play will be directed by longtime Masquers performer and Ephrata High School drama club adviser Marla Allsopp. Opening night is currently scheduled for Aug. 11.

Cheri Barbre, artistic director for Masquers Theater, was able to perform with “Present Laughter.” Barbre talked about the atmosphere in the theater with actors and patrons returning after a long absence.

“The energy was great between the audience and the actors, people enjoyed the play,” Barbre said. “I got a lot of good comments on it and I think people just enjoyed being out and having something to do, I think that was a lot of it.”

Barbre said the theater plans on hosting “Moon Over Buffalo” in October before its Christmas-themed performance in December. She summed up the excitement of the actors, directors and organization members with a simple, excited two words.

“We’re back,” she said.

“We are trying to get more of what the pandemic had taken away for a while, maybe not taken away, but restricted,” Hogge said.

She added the theater group is excited to get back to welcoming in the community and bringing people together.