Zack Roundy and A’riel Kastovich in ‘Seminar.’ Photo by Chris Kridler, ChrisKridler.com

By PAM HARBAUGH

Despite my years with Florida Today, my college degree is not in journalism, it’s in theater. But not that many people know that. So, yeah, I was surprised when Hank Rion, the artistic director of the Henegar Center, approached me about directing a show. After peeling me off the ceiling, he handed me a copy of the Theresa Rebeck play, “Seminar.”

The play is called a “smart new comedy.” And that it is. Set in an Upper West Side apartment, it concerns four young writers trying to break into New York City’s tight writers’ world. They each cough up $5,000 and hand it to a notorious author/editor to hold a writing seminar for them. They end up getting a lot more than they expected — egos clash, tempers flare, and, yes, sex erupts.

Within all that are some very witty lines. And if you’re of the sort who gets a giggle from the cartoons in The New Yorker, then you’ll love this. However, be aware, there is language both of the literati and street variety. But if you let that scare you away, then you’ll miss engrossing work by five fine actors breathing life into these roles

They are among the best you’ll see in area theater:

A’riel Kastovich is “Kate,” an uptight, privileged young lady living in a very large Upper West Side apartment which is her family’s New York City “pied-a-terre.”

Zack Roundy is Kate’s childhood friend, “Martin,” a struggling young writer living in a shabby apartment in Queens.

Corey Beattie is “Izzy,” the girl who Martin met at a party and the girl who determined to do whatever she needs to get published.

Omar Montes (an Orlando actor) is “Douglas,” a rising name in New York literary circles primarily because of his well-known uncle.

Steven Wolf is “Leonard,” the notorious author who comes to Kate’s apartment to school the young writers in their craft as well as life.

SIDE O’ MY OWN GRITS: “Seminar” opens Nov. 6 and runs through Nov. 15 at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. It performs 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. If you come on opening night, get there early because parking will be tight. Tickets are $16 to $26 (adult language and themes, so leave kiddies at home). Call 321-723-8698 or visit Henegar.org.