To inaugurate their Dorothy S. Bullitt Cabaret space, Seattle's A Contemporary Theatre will offer readings of four new plays, starting Nov. 1, commissioned especially for their new FirstACT play development workshop. The readings come at the conclusion of a two week workshop period.

First out of the gate is Parole, by Suzy Schneider, which explores the complexities of a romantic relationship when one-half of that relationship is in prison. Parole will be read tonight, Nov. 1, at 7pm.

KC Davis' The Emperor Of The Moon will be read at 2pm, Saturday, Nov. 2. This new work fantasizes about a utopian civilization on the moon in the 17th century.

Later, at 7pm, Dan Owen's Aunt Lou And Miss Sarah will be read. Owens uses the music of Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald to tell the story of a white heiress who wills her fortune to an African-American musician living in France.

Concluding the FirstACT serise will be Kissing Evelyn, Jamie Baker's musical with songs by Sid Robin. Robin wrote such 1940's standards as "Flying Home" and "Harlem Nocture," and the musical incorporates his classics as well as other undiscovered treasures into a World War II-era romp. Directors for the workshop are Leslie Swackhamer, Victor Pappas (of Seattle's Intiman Theatre) and Ellen Graham. Discussion and audience q&a will follow each reading.

For tickets ($5) and information on the readings, call ACT at (206) 292 7676.

-- By David Lefkowitz