First ‘Skits Under the Stars’ on May 25

'It's like the world's best summer camp talent show.'

That's how actor-singer Stephen Stubbins, of Transcendence Theater Company, describes the nonprofit performing arts organization's monthly Skits Under the Stars series.

Free to the public, the Skits series kicks off three weeks before the company's better-known Broadway Under the Stars season begins. And where those are lavish productions featuring professional entertainers from Broadway and L.A., the stars of Skits Under the Stars are a mix of Transcendence members and regular folks from the Sonoma Valley area. On the average night, the casual mid-week show might have a local winery working reading a poem or telling a story, followed by a Valley of the Moon singing teacher performing a folk tune while backed up by a Broadway pianist. The performers sign up ahead of time, and are called up to the stage in order. If a would-be singer needs an accompanist, a professional from the Transcendence company will be on hand to comply.

Not only is Skits Under the Stars a great way to experience the hidden talents of friends and neighbors, it give the Transcendence players – and any visiting performers from out of town – a chance to get playful, and stretch their skills.

Past shows have seen members telling jokes, performing improvised comedy bots, testing out just-composed songs, and even trying out the occasional juggling routine.

The first Skits Under the Stars show takes place Wednesday, May 25, at Chateau St. Jean Winery, 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood. Doors open at 6 p.m., and a 30-minute sign-up period begins at 6:15 and ends at 6:45. Skits Under the Stars begins at 7 p.m.

All Skits events are free. Wine and food are available for purchase on site

Here's the rest of the Transcendence 2016 Skits Under the Stars schedule.

Tuesday, June 21, Paradise Ridge Winery, 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive in Santa Rosa

Monday, July 18, Little Vineyards Family Winery, 15188 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen

Wednesday, Aug. 10, Muscardini Cellars, 9380 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood