{{tncms-asset app=”editorial” id=”f6e112e6-e9d4-11e6-985a-73942614b6b2″}}

As it  expanded over the years, the Pullman Civic Theatre (PCT) has provided more opportunities for its regular patrons. The performing arts theater has provided acting classes, and open auditions for anyone to try out for its productions.

For more than a century, the group that would become PCT has worked to provide live entertainment for those on the Palouse, as well as creative outlets and educational opportunities for participants of any age. In 2000, the theater group expanded and eventually began performing at the Nye Street Theatre, where it can present the more intimate performances it is now known for.

Now, they are offering another opportunity for more experienced patrons. This weekend, the PCT will unveil the first of their “Shows on the Side” (SotS) series. This series will offer more adult themes, “which may give our audiences an excuse to hire a babysitter for the night and treat yourselves to an all-new theatrical experience,” according to the PCT website.

Kristin Williams, secretary of the PCT board and actor in the first show of the series, said these shows will be more artistic rather than being the big names that the public would recognize.

“These shows give the more experienced actors a little taste of what professional theater is like,” Williams said.

The first show of the 2017 SotS series is entitled “Brilliant Traces,” written by Cindy Lou Johnson. It tells the story of two characters, Rosannah and Henry. Rosannah flees from her wedding and finds herself snowed-in at Henry’s cabin in the middle-of-nowhere in Alaska. Both Rosannah and Henry suffered a great deal in life by losing loved ones, and both have fled from the rest of society because of this.

“It’s a beautiful story about two people discovering themselves and each other and developing a relationship as they’re both figuring out each other’s lives and problems,” Williams said.

Williams and Travis Gray, who will portray Henry, both knew they wanted to act in this play. Gray had discovered “Brilliant Traces” while attending University of Idaho and suggested it to Williams, assuming she would want to direct it, Williams said. But Williams couldn’t imagine herself not playing Rosannah.

“I read it and immediately Rosannah spoke to me,” Williams said. “She is so complex and deep and a kindred spirit to me. The moment I read this script, I knew our journeys had been similar.”

While Gray considered the possibility of the play, he knew that he needed to play Henry. The pair then worked to find a director, who they found in Jeri Harris, PCT board president and good friend to both Gray and Williams.

“I’m doing this play with people I really love. Travis and Jeri are some of my best friends,” Williams said. “I love that I get to do what I love with people that I adore.”

Not only do the actors themselves relate to the characters, but Williams believes the audience will be able to as well.

“There’s something for everyone to connect to. It’s a very emotional story,” Williams said. “I think the audience members will come away thinking about people in their own lives and their own relationships with their friends and families.”

Williams and Gray will take the stage for the production of “Brilliant Traces” at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night at the Nye Street Theatre. General admission is $10, and tickets are available at the door.