PrepArts briefs for Monday, Oct. 27

By North County Times | Monday, October 27, 2008 12:14 AM PDT ∞

'The Little Mermaid' onstage at Avo

VISTA ---- Premiere For Kids' production of the musical "The Little Mermaid" opened Oct. 22 and continues with performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, and 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St.

The family-oriented show brings to life the characters of the familiar story in an original musical review. It features brightly colored costumes combined with animated dance and upbeat music. More than 50 youths ages 7 to 17 perform in the show.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $7 for children. Call (760) 806-7905.

ECHS student to perform play

OCEANSIDE ---- El Camino High School's drama department will present "The Good Times Are Killing Me" at 7 p.m. Oct. 30; and Nov. 1, 6 and 8 and the Truax Theatre on campus, 400 Rancho del Oro Drive. A matinee for senior citizens, with free dessert, will be offered at 2 p.m. Nov. 2.

Created by cartoonist Lynda Barry, the off-Broadway hit is a coming-of-age tale about friendship, music and societal pressures.

Tickets cost $7; $5 for students and $4 for senior citizens.

Holiday show auditions set

CARLSBAD ---- Classic Youth Theatre will hold auditions for its annual Holiday Variety Show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1 at Magee Park, at Beech Avenue and Garfield Street.

Young performers ages 10 to 18 are welcome to participate. Auditions will last about 20 minutes. Experience is not required, and appointments are not necessary. Call (760) 730-9447.

Youth concert to honor music teachers

ESCONDIDO ---- The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory will honor the area's finest music teachers and music education at its 13th annual Celebration of Music Education Concert at 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.

The concert will celebrate the work of music educators for their dedicated work to keep music education a priority in the lives of local youths. The concert will feature performances by ensembles in the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory, followed by a reception for county music teachers.

This year, Dean Hickman will be awarded the Profiles in Music Education Award. Hickman has been a San Diego Unified School District teacher for 33 years. He has directed a number of orchestras and bands throughout his career, and has touched the lives of thousands of music students in San Diego County. He is the founding conductor of the Pomerado Community Band and performs in several brass ensembles.

Tickets cost $5 for students; $20 and $25 senior citizens and military personnel; and $25 and $30 for other adults. Call (619) 233-3232.

Youth theater to stage 'Hamlet'

ENCINITAS — Classic Youth Theatre will present William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8, and 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at San Dieguito Academy, 800 Santa Fe Drive. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door; $10 for Sunday matinee. Group rates available. Information: (760) 730-9447; www.classicyouth theatre.com.

Drawing classes offered

CARLSBAD ---- Local artist Therese Bushen will teach beginning drawing classes and workshops in November in the La Costa area.

Classes include "Anyone Can Learn to Draw by Accessing the Right Side of the Brain," to be offered separately to children, teens and adults; and "Colored Pencil Basics" for adults.

Class sizes are limited. Information: (760) 213 4605; cardiffcardssacredart@roadrunner.com; www.ArtbyTherese.com.

Students invited to enter contests

NORTH COUNTY ---- Students throughout North County are invited to compete in the annual online Studica Skills competitions, to run through April 30.

The national competitions are geared toward opening the creative minds of students by using software products that stress knowledge in the areas of animation, CAD, graphic design, scriptwriting, digital sketching, digital video, music and many other categories. The competitions are primarily software competitions, but also include hardware, home recording, video and robotics.

With more than 20 different competitions, Studica Skills is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their creativity, talent and skills. To optimize their chances of winning cash and prizes, students are permitted up to three unique entries per competition, as well as being allowed to enter as many competitions as they choose.

Visit www.StudicaSkills.com.

Youths invited to concert

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The Church at Rancho Bernardo will present CRB Underground, a live concert, from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 7 at the church, 11740 Bernardo Plaza Court.

Middle and high school students are invited to the show, which will feature live music from three bands: Dirty Birds, Soundescape and A Shattered Hope.

Free pizza will be served. Admission is $10 at the door. Information: crb.worshipmusic@gmail.com; www.thechurchatrb.org.

VHS field tournament set

VISTA ---- The 27th annual Vista High School Invitational Field Tournament will be held Nov. 15 in Dick Haines Memorial Stadium on campus, 1 Panther Way.

Hosted by the VHS Regimental Band and Pageantry Corps, the event is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the school's music program. An estimated 35 high school bands and auxiliary units from throughout Southern California will perform. Two shows are planned, from 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m., and from 5-9:15 p.m. The day will end with an awards ceremony.

Tickets can be purchased at the door and cost $9 for adults, $7 for students and people older than 55. Information: (760) 310-9468, www.vistaband.org.

Abrakadoodle art classes offered

FALLBROOK ---- New Abrakadoodle Art classes for toddlers and preschoolers will begin Nov. 3 at the Fallbrook School of the Arts. Six-week sessions will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays.

"My First Art Class" is for children ages 20 months to 3 years, and "Lil' Art Explorers" is for 3- to 5-year-olds. Children will learn about art and artists and develop their skills, exploring different media in lessons that encourage creativity.

Cost is $78 per session. Information and registration: (760) 731-0555; www.abrakadoodle.com/ca07.html.

PHS to stage 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

POWAY ---- Poway High School's drama department will present Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at 7 p.m. Nov. 6-8, and 2 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road.

More than 60 students will appear in the comedy, set in the hippie era of the 1960s. Student officers in the school's Theatre Guild are producing all elements of the show.

Tickets are $7. Call (858) 748-0245.

Voice Performance Workshop offered

ENCINITAS ---- Youths ages 10 to 17 interested in vocal production and performance are invited to attend a Voice Performance Workshop from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Encinitas School of Music, 775 Orpheus Ave. Voice teacher Ron Ebel will review the fundamentals of singing and will coach students through individual and group songs.

Cost is $10 per student. Information: (760) 757-3096; www.ESOM.org.

Youths can enter calendar art contest

NORTH COUNTY ---- Forward Movement Youth Outreach is holding its annual Calendar Graffiti Art Contest with the theme, "I Have a Dream." The contest is open to North County youths ages 12-18. Judges will select 13 winners based on the theme, creativity and originality, to receive prizes. Winners' art will be featured in Forward Movement's 2009 Calendar. Entries must be received or postmarked by Nov. 21.

Information and entry forms: (760) 809-1373; www.4wardmovement.org.