Great Bend Community Theatre kicks off its 2011-12 season this week with a comedy about the crew of a Broadway-bound play.

"Don’t Talk to the Actors," by Tom Dudzick, is about a first-time playwright and the play’s cast and crew, set in present-day New York. Behind the curtain, in a theatrical rehearsal studio, the characters display plenty of "manipulation, diva-like behavior and chaotic abandon," according to the producers.

Tickets go on sale Monday for shows at 8 p.m. this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 9.

Director Ken Harton said this is the third Dudzick script to get the GBCT treatment. Harton acted in the production of "Greetings," and directed "Over the Tavern," both by the same playwright.

"It’s a really funny show," Harton said. "It is an adult comedy — there’s some language and suggestive things."

There are some familiar faces for those who attend GBCT productions regularly, but there are also some newcomers in the ensemble. Among them are Josh Greer, in the role of playwright Jerry; and Jennifer King as his fiancee Arlene. Teresa Frieb, also on the Crest Theater stage for the first time, plays a diva named Beatrice.

Chris Orlando, a teacher at Great Bend Middle School, is also new to the community and to GBCT. He is Harton’s assistant director.

Other cast members are Chris Curtright as Mike, playing the director; K.B. Bell as veteran actor Curt; and Ruth Van Pelt as stage manager Lucinda.