Theatre director Patricia Pogson's dream of a professional Bermudian theatre comes a step nearer with the formation of Two Islands Productions.

The non-profit organisation, in process of being set up, will have two bases -- one in New York and one in Bermuda.

"I am very excited about this,'' she says, "and it's thanks to Iva Peele, who is the director of the new company, that all this is happening. The goal of the new company is to create new works that will bring professional actors from New York and local actors, who are looking for a professional challenge together.'' With the eventual aim of staging a show in an off-Broadway location, the local half of the group is already planning a programme of fund-raising. "Our first event will be a `picnic/theatre' production, which will be held in the Victualling Yard at Dockyard on October 21. It's a wonderful setting, and the entertainment that night will be a show called `Broadway in Bermuda'.'' Ms Pogson says she would like all people who are interested in taking part, to attend auditions, which will be held next weekend. "My other dream is to see the various music and drama groups come together in Bermuda,'' she says, "and this will be a wonderful chance for this to happen. We need anyone and everyone who can sing, dance and act! We've now created a vehicle whereby the many, many talented people here will get the opportunity to perform with Broadway professionals and to take part in a show that has originated in Bermuda.'' To that end, a playwright will be brought in from New York next summer to conduct a workshop/retreat, and out of that, create and perform the show which will initially be produced here and then, hopefully, in New York.

Iva Peele, who will be remembered by local theatre-goers for her performance in `Vanities' during the Jabulani Repertory Company's first season at the Princess Hotel, came up with the idea of this combined theatrical effort.

"I had talked to her about my dream of professional theatre here, and right out of the blue, she has come with this idea. She has the contacts in New York and we think it could be a big success,'' says Ms Pogson.

For Bermuda's well-known theatre director, this latest project is a natural progression.

Patricia Pogson began with her Black Box Productions and, two years ago, established, with Mr. Dusty Hind, the highly successful Jabulani Repertory Company, which offered semi-professional theatre throughout the winter in a hotel setting.

Auditions for `Broadway in Bermuda' will take place at the Dunbarton School of Music on Friday, August 25, from 5.30 to 10 p.m. and on Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Applicants should have an 8 x 10 inch black and white photograph and resume.

The audition and casting will be by American director, Sheryl Zeretsky.

Applicants will be asked to perform one `Broadway' piece of their own choosing, and can either bring sheet music or recorded music for accompaniment.

THE AMERICAN CONNECTION -- Theatre director Patricia Pogson.