BATH — A group of local thespians will stage a fundraising production this weekend benefiting Bath High School Preservation.

Pamlico Playhouse, Inc. will present “Women on Fire” Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Bath Elementary School’s multipurpose room. General admission tickets are $12 and may be purchased in advance at the Bath Community Library or at the door.

Proceeds will help fund the restoration of the former Bath High School auditorium/performing arts center, according to Pamlico Playhouse president Marti Buchanan.

“We have produced many fundraisers for different organizations and Bath High School has been on our list since 2007,” said Buchanan, who also serves as the director of the play. “Our women are truly on fire and looking forward to contributing to a much-needed restored auditorium. The oldest town in North Carolina needs a facility of this size in order to accommodate large groups.”

Auditions were held earlier in the spring and eight local actresses were chosen to be part of the cast. “Women on Fire” is a series of portraits performed by different women from varying walks of life, according to Buchanan. Silvana Scali portrays Trude, a tough photographer, and Pam Anderson is cast as Eileen, described as a woman of great endurance. Theresa Lowery plays the role of Clover, an advertising executive; Kim Rogers is Lydia, a dying, manipulative mother. Rita, a musician of great honesty, is played by Genevieve Belote, while Diani Teixeira takes on the role of Zatz, an edgy city kid and unpublished writer. Rounding out the cast are C. Conoley Blake as Kalisha, a powerful construction worker, and Aimee Piper as Jordy, a deeply delighted dancer.

Joining Buchanan in backstage roles are production consultant/coordinator Becky Rogers and music director Nannette Garrett.

Buchanan said the actresses are eager to share their love of the arts with their audience.

“Interestingly enough, most of them shared the desire to be on stage at different stages in their lives,” she noted. “What fun as well as a wonderful challenge for me to be able to help someone fulfill a desire and a lifetime dream.”

Members of Pamlico Playhouse, Inc. hope that “Women on Fire” is just the first of several projects designed to again shine the spotlight on community theater in Beaufort County, according to Buchanan.

“Our ultimate mission is to continue to bring the community together to study, produce and promote all avenues of technical and performing theater through its members and affiliates, including everyone and giving equal opportunity to anyone interested in their chosen field,” she said.

For more information about Pamlico Playhouse and “Women on Fire,” contact Buchanan at 252-923-7501 or Rogers at 252-946-6298.

“Women on Fire” was written by Irene O’Garden and was originally developed and produced by Cherry Lane Theatre with artistic director Angelina Fiordellisi.