Joe Turner Cantu arrived in Bangor Sept. 12 and began his work as the new artistic director of the Penobscot Theater. His first line of business is establishing an associate company, a group of local actors who are interested in performing in shows during the upcoming season.

The auditions/interviews will be held 4-9 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19 at 183 Main St. in Bangor. There will be a 3:30 sign-in for participants. Cantu requested that auditioners prepare a one-minute monologue or be prepared for cold readings. Resumes are required. Anyone interested in volunteer work at the theater should also attend the audition session.

This season’s lineup includes both contemporary and classical pieces. The opener, “Cocktail Hour” by A.R. Gurney (Oct. 26-Nov. 10), is a warm and humorous comedy about a playwright who seeks his family’s permission to produce a play about their lives.

“Reckless” by Craig Lucas (Nov. 16-Dec. 1) is about Rachel and her response to the news that her husband has hired a hitman to kill her. Filled with bizarre characters and events, the play reflects the interpersonal tensions of our time.

Renowned director Vasek Simik will guest direct “Little Murders” by Jules Feiffer (Jan.11-26). This satirical comedy looks into the lives of a modern metropolitan family and the problems they encounter living in the Big Apple.

A portrait of the depression era, Erskine Caldwell’s “Tobacco Road” (Feb. 1-16) is a humorous and shocking account of a dark time in American history.

“Steiglitz Loves O’Keefe,” by Lannie Robertson (Feb. 22-March 9) recounts the volatile relationship between painter Georgia O`Keefe and photographer William Steiglitz.

This year’s dinner show, “Sunday in New York” by Norman Krasna (March 15-17), is about two out-of-towners who meet on a bus and just can’t seem to get away from each other on their day trip to New York City. The show will be presented at the Best Western Black Bear Inn and Conference Center.

The Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, “A Christmas Carol,” (Dec. 7-23) will be the holiday show, and James Thurber’s “Thirteen Clocks” (adapted for children by Tina Young) will be presented four times throughout the season.

The Penobscot Theater will also continue its Creative Arts Program with Saturday morning classes for children 7-12 beginning Sept. 22 and Tuesday evening classes for older students and adults beginning Sept. 25.

For information about auditions, tickets or the Creative Arts Program, call 942-3333.