Though many theaters begin their new seasons as children return to school, Silverton's Brush Creek Playhouse starts fresh in the new year. The board of directors has recently announced their handful of upcoming shows.

Brush Creek, which produces original works from local playwrights, opens with its first of five plays, "What About Me(n)?" on Feb. 12.

Director Andrew Getz presents local writer Sonya Heard's sequel to her 2009 effort "In My Defense."

"This is an over the edge look at how a man's role has changed since the days of 'Leave it to Beaver.' I wrote 'In My Defense' two years ago, and decided that after looking at how a woman's role has changed through time, it was only fair I showed the other side of the coin," Heard said.

Role reversal complete, this edition gives the audience a much closer look at Martha's husband, Joe Moneveton. Accused of assault, the audience plays jury to his trial.

"[They] decide if Joe is innocent or guilty," Heard said. "Joe's a man too afraid to open the door for a woman, yet no one told him that those pizza boxes had such sharp corners."

Heard admits she had to 'force' the guilty verdict for Martha just so she could see that ending, though she can't venture a guess as to how the odds will weigh for Mr. Moneveton.

"Men will love the show, and women will think I'm awful, but it's still going to be fun to see the outcome" Heard said. "Joe is such a pig that all you can do is laugh at him, but he does have his moments."

For those who would rather sit back and enjoy the fantasy, Brush Creek follows its opener with Michael Wood's adaptation of "The Brothers Grimm Tale of Snow White." Director Linda Zeller wrapped up auditions on January 23 and 24 for the all youth play which opens on April 16.

Likewise, celebrate the return of sunshine with Richard Aria, Jr.'s "Over Broken Rainbows" which is set for a June 10-27 run. Following later in the summer is M.S. Andrews' "Visitations" from Aug. 13-29. Brush Creek plans to wrap up their schedule with another of Arias, Jr.'s works "Mr. Giggle Bear" from Oct. 22 through Nov.7.

The theater,11535 Silverton Road, begins its productions at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students, and $7 for senior and children. For more information, visit www.brushcreekplayhouse.org