Edgy Sherwood-based Theatre Stories to show “Be Careful What You Wish For”
The collection of short classics is coming to the historic Rebekah Lodge on October 2 and 3.
SHERWOOD, Ore. — A local theatre company is hoping to give Sherwood audiences more opportunities to experience contemporary and unconventional theatre.
Theatre Stories, founded by Lennon Smith, is launching its 2026-27 season with “Be Careful What You Wish For,” a collection of five classic short stories presented as staged readings.
Smith said the idea for Theatre Stories grew out of her desire to produce theatre that was different from what local companies were typically willing to take on.
“After theatre companies continued to decline my ideas for edgier theatre, I decided it was time for me to do it myself,” Smith said.
Smith said she loves theatre because it is an evolving art form and wanted to create opportunities for audiences and performers to encounter new work.
“I love theatre and I love that it is an ever evolving art form,” she said. “To do the same stuff over and over defeats seeing new works and evolving myself and audiences as newer theatre is written and created.”
Theatre Stories’ mission is to bring thought-provoking, contemporary theatre to Sherwood while introducing audiences to stories and works they may not otherwise encounter.
“We want the audience to leave saying, ‘Oh! I can enjoy plays I've never heard of and be inspired!’” Smith said. “‘We want more!’”
The company’s season will kick off with “Be Careful What You Wish For,” featuring five short stories centered around questionable traditions, curses, and situations in which the tables are turned.
Although the stories are older works, Smith said they fit Theatre Stories’ mission of bringing unusual stories to Sherwood.
The production will be presented as a readers theatre, with actors bringing the literary works to life through staged readings. Theatre Stories plans to use the historic Sherwood Rebekah Lodge as its performance space while it works toward securing a permanent location for full productions.
“Be Careful What You Wish For” is slated to be performed Oct. 2 and 3 at the Rebekah Lodge, 22366 S.W. Washington St. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Admissions are pay what you want, with donations accepted at the door.
Smith said Theatre Stories is intended to complement Sherwood’s existing arts community by giving residents another option for live performance.
“There is an arts and theatre company already in Sherwood, which also has events,” Smith said. “Theatre Stories can add to the growing interest in performance art by offering more options and enhancing Sherwood’s choices of entertainment.”
The company is also looking for community members who want to get involved. Volunteers are needed to help during performances, and Theatre Stories plans to hold auditions for its next production in February.
Theatre Stories is also scheduled to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Oct. 2 at the Rebekah Lodge with the Sherwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
More information about upcoming productions, auditions, and volunteer opportunities is available at theatrestories.carrd.com.
