LOS ANGELES -- MET Theatre has announced its upcoming season of plays and workshops. The company, one of Hollywood's longest continuously operating non-profit cultural institutions, is presently producing Paul Shyre and John Dos Passos' U.S.A., directed by John James Hickey, through April 2.

Opening in April and running through May 28 will be Gary Bisig's Stamped, starring James Gannon, Lee Purcell and M. Daniel Suttles, with Paul Koslo directing. Koslo and Gammon are original members of the 26-year-old MET Theatre. The latter directed the MET's first show, Picnic, starring Nick Nolte.

David Mandel's Xenamenofrito will open April 7 in the MET'S downstairs black box. "Mondays With MAC Reading Series," a monthly series of play readings performed by the MET Acting Company (MAC), will be up and running shortly, said artistic director Randell Rapstine. In addition two acting workshops will be offered: "The Actor's Playground," taught by Joe Reynolds (call 323-860-3211); and "On Camera/On Stage Acting Workshop/Showcase," taught by Steve Whittaker (213-205-1246).

MET Theatre is located at 1089 N. Oxford Ave. For tickets and information call (323) 957-1152 or visit www.theMETtheatre.com

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent