For local playwrights and artists looking for an opportunity to give their new works a test run, Riverwalk Theatre is accepting submissions for staged readings for next year’s performance season.

Riverwalk opened its staged reading series with Jacqueline Simon’s “Sisters” earlier this month in its new black box performance space.

The community theater company is looking to fill four slots of single night performances for next year. The readings can be involved stage readings with props and costumes, or a simple play reading with a cast in street clothes reciting straight from script. The performances, which are more informal than full theatrical productions, are open to feedback and questions from the audience afterward. The only requirement is that the works are original.

Deadline for submissions for next year’s season is Jan. 5, 2010. Those interested in submitting their work for consideration can e-mail riverwalk@acd.net, attn: Mike for more information, general guidelines and the required forms for submission.

The next performance of this season’s staged-reading series is “Liars,” by Dave Bailey, 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, Lansing. Admission is free. (517) 482-5700.