Following a successful run of "Hedda Gabler" last year, the new and upcoming theater group Midcoast Actor's Studio is putting its final touches on its sophomore production. Written by Swedish playwright August Strindberg in 1880, "Miss Julie" is described as a naturalistic play that deals with class, love, the battle of the sexes, and the power struggles that arise among them.

The cast includes Jason Bannister and Jen Oldham, and stars Marie Merrifield as the title character. All three actors have starred in numerous productions with other local companies, such as Camden Civic Theater and Belfast Maskers. Merrifield played the title role in MCAS's rendition of "Hedda Gabler." For a change of pace, Bannister is not only acting in the performance, but also directing.

"For our second production, I wanted to produce another classic work of theater; yet one that was smaller, more intimate, and easier to tour around the midcoast with," said Bannister in a press release. "This fresh, new adaptation of Strindberg's powerful play, about the count's daughter having an affair with her father's servant, was just the thing MCAS was looking for."

Banister chose a modernistic adaptation of "Miss Julie" by Penny Penniston, a playwrighting professor at Northwestern University. This production will be the New England premiere of Penniston's adaptation.

The Midcoast Actor's Studio is already preparing its next production, George Bernard Shaw's play, "Pygmalion," scheduled for June 2013 in Belfast. Many people might be more familiar with the play's popular musical adaptation, "My Fair Lady."

Performances of "Miss Julie" will be Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas Church in Camden; and Dec. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 16 at 3: p.m. at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast.

Tickets will be sold at the door one hour before show time. This play is suitable for mature high school ages and older.