Reviving its tradition of producing plays by local authors, Lawrence Community Theatre will present staged readings of two original plays this month.

“In Good Faith,” by Penny Weiner, chronicles a cruise to Masada by the older members of a Jewish synagogue. When enough people don’t sign up to get the group discount, though, they invite their neighbors from the Greek Orthodox Church. Despite differences of faith, the pilgrims rediscover a joy for life.

“A Natural Order,” by Malcolm Garcia, is the story of one day in the life of a dysfunctional family. Richie Edwards has been trying (and failing) his entire life to connect with his father. But when the government tries to take their home through eminent domain, Richie takes action, irrevocably altering the family.

Weiner’s and Garcia’s plays were chosen from among nine finalists. This is the second year of the theater’s program to foster local playwrights.

“In Good Faith” will be read at 8 p.m. Aug. 18 and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 19. “A Natural Order” will be read 8 p.m. Aug. 25 and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 26. Tickets are $6 at the door.