Rivers’ Edge Theatre’s new brown bag series is about more than theatre, says Jane Bradley, one of the organizers. It’s about “building community,” she says.

“We want to help make Grand Forks a good place to live through accessible theatre in the community,” she says.

The idea is this: short 20 to 30 minute plays that can be shown over a lunch break with plenty of time for people to arrive, be entertained and then be on their way in time to return to work. The location is the Grand Forks Art Gallery and the tickets are affordable at $5.

“The benefit is to the whole community,” says Bradley.

Not only will local residents have an opportunity to enjoy arts and culture in an accessible format, but more people will have an opportunity to get involved with the theatre.

The new program is meant to enhance what Rivers’ Edge already offers, not replace it, says Lori Lum, another organizer.

Lum has been organizing play readings twice a month for several months now and sees a great desire from people in the community to act and learn more about the theatre. However, with only one or two productions a year, there hasn’t much opportunity to get involved.

The new series will allow more people to act, learn about props, set design, directing or producing. However, the time commitment won’t be as great in as in a large production.

The plays are short 20 to 30 minutes and the sets will be minimalist. However, Bradley said the audience would still enjoy a stimulating experience.

“It’s engaging the imagination in a way its not used everyday,” she said.

The organizers hope to be able to produce one play a month with the first, “Dinner for One,” taking place on Feb. 11, 12, and 13 in the Reid Gallery of the Grand Forks Art Gallery. The production stars Eleanore Martens and Gary Smith.

Lum says the group chose experienced actors for the first production because they were eager to get the program started, but there will be more opportunities in the future for people who haven’t acted with Rivers’ Edge before.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Grand Forks Art Gallery. The show starts at 12:15 pm.