Preview calendar: Theater and auditions for Jan. 8-14

By NORTH COUNTY TIMES | Wednesday, January 7, 2009 12:09 PM PST ∞

Press releases for arts and entertainment events and programs should be typed, double-spaced, with basic information about the event, performance dates and times, location, ticket prices and a public telephone number. Send notices two to three weeks before the event to Preview, 207 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, 92025, or via e-mail to preview@nctimes.com. Or fax items to (760) 745-3769.

THEATER

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" ---- San Diego Junior Theatre presents a youth-cast production of this musical based on the Mark Twain children's novel; 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Jan. 18; Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; call for tickets; (619) 239-8355.

"American Buffalo" ---- Compass Theatre presents David Mamet's edgy 1977 drama about three small-time crooks planning a heist; previews, Jan. 8 and Jan. 9; opens Jan. 10 and runs through Feb. 11; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 4 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Compass Theatre, Sixth Avenue at Pennsylvania Street, San Diego; call for ticket prices; contains strong language; (619) 688-9210.

"Annie" ---- Broadway/San Diego presents the national touring production of this musical based on the "Little Orphan Annie" comic strip; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 and Jan. 10; 2 p.m. Jan. 10; 1 and 6 p.m. Jan. 11; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; $20-$61; (619) 220-8497.

"As Much As You Can" ---- Diversionary Theatre presents Paul Oakley Stovall's comedy about a gay black man who shows up at a family wedding with his white Swedish lover; opens Jan. 8 and runs through Jan. 25; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Jan. 11; Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $29-$33; (619) 220-0097.

"At the Hop With the Alley Cats" ---- A cappella doo-wop harmony quartet mixes music with comedy and audience interaction in a 1-hour, 45-minute family-friendly show; 7 p.m. Fridays; Welk Resort Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children ages 3 to 15; (888) 802-7469.

"Blockbuster Hits From the Oscars and Tonys" ---- OnStage Cabaret Orchestra with Debbie Prutsman and John Bisom; 2 p.m. Jan. 18; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $30-$36; (866) 653-8696.

"Boomers: The Musical Revue of a Generation: The Holiday Edition" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre has extended its run of this on this baby boomers' musical trip through the sights and sounds of the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s at its new resident theater in the Gaslamp Quarter; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 4 and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; runs through Feb. 22; Horton Grand Theatre, 444 Fourth Ave., San Diego; $36-$56; (619) 437-0600.

"Bulrusher" ---- New Village Arts Theatre presents the regional premiere of Eisa Davis' Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama about a young black woman's journey of self-discovery in 1960s California; opens Feb. 7 and runs through March 21; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 B State St., Carlsbad; $30, general; $25, seniors, students and military; (760) 433-3245.

"Cinderella" --- Patio Playhouse Youtheatre presents a student production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical fairy tale; opens Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 1; showtimes, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; plus 2 p.m. Jan. 24; Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido; $10, general; $7, youth under 16; (760) 746-6669.

"Comedy & Magic" ---- Family-friendly evening of stand-up comedy and magic tricks featuring Scott "Mr. Punchline" Wood and "Anthony the Magic"; 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Welk Resort Theatre, Lawrence Welk Resort, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children; (760) 749-3448.

"Daddy Diaries" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre and actor Rick Najera will present a workshop performance of Najera's new Latino-style comedy based on his life as a new father; 7 p.m. Jan. 27; Lyceum Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $15; (619) 544-1000.

"The Dresser" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents award-winning actor Jonathan McMurtry in Ronald Harwood's drama about an aging English stage actor and his faithful wardrobe assistant in a down-and-out theatrical touring company during World War II; previews, Jan. 14 through Jan. 16; opens Jan. 17 and runs through Feb. 8; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $28-$45; (858) 481-1055.

"Doubt: A Parable" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play about a strong-willed nun who suspects a priest at their Catholic school of an improper relationship with a boy student; previews, Jan. 10 through Jan. 15; opens Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 8; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $25-$53; (619) 544-1000.

"Hats! The Musical" ---- Sibling Theatricals launches the 20-city national tour for this new musical about a woman turning 50 with the support and sympathy of her six best girlfriends; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and 29; Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego; $34.50-$42.50; (619) 235-9500.

Hypnotism with James Kellogg Jr. ---- The Vista-based hypnotist will present a fund-raising performance featuring volunteers from the audience performing fun, comic bits through hypnotic suggestion; all proceeds will benefit the Vista Girls Soccer Boosters Club; 6 p.m. Jan. 11; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $15; (760) 724-2110.

"Love Song" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents the Southern California premiere of John Kolvenbach's offbeat comedy about an oddball loner who's trying to find love in his life; opens Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 22; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; Cygnet Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego; $22-$38; (619) 337-1525.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre ---- The Balboa Park Puppet Guild presents puppet performances for audiences ages 3 and up; showtimes, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; plus special free performances during December Nights, 6 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6; Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, Balboa Park, San Diego; $5, adults; $4, seniors; $3, children 12 and under; (619) 544-9203.

"The Misanthrope" ---- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents Moliere's classic satire on social behavior; preview, 7 p.m. Jan. 29; regular performances, 8 p.m. Jan. 30-31, Feb. 5-7; 2 p.m. Jan. 31; Mandell Weiss Forum, UC San Diego, La Jolla; call for ticket prices; (858) 534-4574.

"The Mortified Guide to ... Epic Romance" ---- California Center for the Arts, Escondido, presents this stage comedy based on the real-life (and often mortifying) joys, heartaches and angst of its authors; 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 21; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $27 (for mature audiences); (800) 988-4253.

"Moscow Cats Theater" ---- California Center for the Arts, Escondido, presents this touring Russian stage show featuring trained felines doing amazing tricks; 2 and 5 p.m. Feb. 15; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $10; (800) 988-4253.

"Movin' Out" ---- California Center for the Arts, Escondido, presents the national touring production of this Twyla Tharp dance musical that dramatizes the experiences of the '60s and '70s Vietnam War generation through the music of Billy Joel; 8 p.m. Jan. 29; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $52-$65; (800) 988-4253.

"Musical of Musicals (the musical)!" ---- San Diego State University's theater department presents Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart's musical that spoofs the musical theater genre; 8 p.m. Feb. 20-21, 24-28; 2 p.m. Feb. 22 and 28 and March 1; Experimental Theater, SDSU, 52-- Campanile Drive, San Diego; (619) 594-6884.

"Music and Memories" ---- Welk Resort Theatre brings back, by popular demand, Wayland Pickard in his one-man tribute to the music, memories, costumes and showmanship of Liberace; 1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; through Feb. 8; Welk Resort Theatre, Lawrence Welk Resort, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $58-$63, includes buffet lunch or dinner; $44-$47, show only; (760) 749-3448.

"Plays by Young Writers" ---- The San Diego Playwrights Project presents its festival of award-winning scripts from the 24th annual California Young Playwrights Contest; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 23, 24; 2 p.m. Jan. 24-25; Cygnet's Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego; $20, general; $15, seniors, students; (619) 239-8222.

"Pump Boys and Dinettes" ---- Moonlight Stage Productions' winter season continues with this country music revue featuring singing waitresses at an old-fashioned diner on rural Highway 57; opens Jan. 29 and runs through Feb. 22; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $18-$26; (760) 724-2110.

"The Queen of Bingo" ---- California Center for the Arts, Escondido, presents the national touring production of this stage comedy about two sisters (played by men in drag) doggedly competing for the coveted prize of bingo queen at the local church hall; 8 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $27; (800) 988-4253.

"Relatively Speaking" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre, presents Alan Ayckbourn's British farce about marital mixups in 1960s London; opens Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 8; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; PowPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; $15, general; $13, students, seniors and active military; (858) 679-8085.

"Room Service" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre presents this classic 1930s screwball comedy about a broke producer rehearsing a Broadway play in a jam-packed hotel; opens Feb. 6 and runs through March 22; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $24-$58; (619) 437-0600.

"Seussical Jr." ---- Carlsbad Community Theatre presents a youth-cast version of this musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss' best-loved books; 7 p.m. Jan. 29-31; 2 p.m. Jan. 31; Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, 3557 Monroe St., Carlsbad; $15, general; (760) 931-8709.

"The Shadow Box" ---- Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Michael Cristofer's Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning play about three families facing the loss of a loved one; opens Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 8; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Scripps Ranch Theatre, Alliant University, 10455 Pomerado Road, San Diego; $19, general; $17 students, seniors, active military; $9, children 12 and under; for audiences 13 and over; (858) 578-7728.

"Six Degrees of Separation" ---- The Old Globe presents John Guare's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a charming con artist who convinces a wealthy Upper East Side couple that he's the son of a famous film star opens Jan. 10 and runs through Feb. 15; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; $29-$66; (619) 234-5623.

The Smothers Brothers ---- California Center for the Arts, Escondido, presents Tom and Dick Smothers offering their humor, music and insight on their 40 years in show business; 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 11; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $40-$55; (800) 988-4253.

"The Star-Spangled Girl" ---- Newly formed The Real Theater presents Neil Simon's love triangle comedy about two '60s radicals in San Francisco who both fall for their conservative new neighbor; opens Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 14; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Washington Street Arts Space, 116 W. Washington St., San Diego; $15; (619) 297-7309.

"Theater on the Water" ---- Oceanside Sailing presents a murder mystery theater cruise where passengers will take part in an interactive mystery theater program while enjoying a cruise of Oceanside's harbor aboard a 36-foot catamaran. Light snacks and refreshments will be served at various stops; 6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; Oceanside Sailing, Dolphin Dock, Oceanside Harbor; $79 (includes 2 1/2- to 3-hour cruise, show and snacks); (760) 804-5788.

"The Trojan Women" ---- Ion Theatre presents Marianne McDonald's adaptation of Euripedes classic Greek drama about the suffering of the women and children of Troy after the Trojan War; previews, 8 p.m. Jan. 15-16; opens Jan. 17 and runs through Feb. 1; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; Ion Theatre at the Lab at the Academy of Performing Arts, 4580-B Alvarado Canyon Road, San Diego; $10-$23.50; (619) 374-6894.

"Wedding to Die For" ---- Fallbrook Players presents an audience-interactive murder-mystery dinner theater program set at a wedding; 7 p.m. Jan. 8 and the third Thursdays of each month; Hukilau Restaurant, Fallbrook Golf Club, 2757 Gird Road, Fallbrook; $30 (includes dinner); (760) 728-0998.

"What We Talk About When We Talk About Love and Other Modern Dilemmas" ---- Laterthanever Productions presents the world premiere of Federico Moramarco's adaptation of three short stories by Raymond Carver; opens Jan. 8 and runs through Feb. 1; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; Tenth Avenue Theater, 930 Tenth Ave., San Diego;$25; (619) 235-8353.

"Where There's a Will ... There's a Wake" ---- Mystery Cafe Dinner Theatre presents a fast-paced mystery-comedy about a series of murders that take place in a 1920s speakeasy; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; runs indefinitely; Imperial House Restaurant, 505 Kalmia St., San Diego; $56.50-$59.50, price includes four-course dinner; (619) 544-1600.

"Wicked" ---- Stephen Schwartz's epic musical, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, tells the story about what happened in Oz before Dorothy dropped in; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Jan. 10; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11; Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; $35-$98, general seating; $177.50-$202.50, VIP seating (orchestra, front and center); (213) 365-3500 or pantages-theatre.com.

"You, Nero" ---- South Coast Repertory presents the world premiere of Amy Freed's comedy that imagines a meeting between the vain Roman ruler Nero and a troubled playwright; 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Jan. 25; Argyros Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $20-$64; (714) 708-5555.

AUDITIONS

Editor's note: Many events require that sheet music, cued CDs, resumes or head shots be brought to the audition. It's suggested those interested in auditioning call for specific information and appointment.

"Abie's Irish Rose" ---- Classic Youth Theater will hold auditions for actors ages 8 to 18 for this classic vaudeville ethnic comedy; auditions, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 10; Magee Park, Carlsbad; (760) 730-9447.

"Aladdin's Magic Lamp" --- Off Broadway Theater will hold auditions for ages 7 to 17 for a youth-cast musical; 4 to 10 p.m. Jan. 12; Off Broadway Theater, 131 Main St., Vista; show runs Feb. 5-March 1; (760) 806-7905.

"The Composers" --- The Broadway Theater will hold auditions for ages 21 to 50 for this musical comedy revue; 4 to 10 p.m. Jan. 12; Off Broadway Theater, 131 Main St., Vista; show runs Feb. 9-March 22; (760) 806-7905.

"The Selfish Giant" ---- Village Church Community Theatre in Rancho Santa Fe will hold auditions for children from 4th=6th grade, teens and adults for Oscar Wilde's classic fairy tale; auditions, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 13 through Jan. 15; show dates are March 13-15; for appointment and directions, e-mail larwd1@aol.com or call Margie Wood at (760) 315-8015.

"Robin Hood" ---- Theatre West, San Marcos' youth theater, will hold auditions for actors ages 7 to 18 for a musical production of the story; 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19; San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos; $2 auditoin fee; show runs Feb. 27-March 7; (760) 744-9000.

SeaWorld performers ---- SeaWorld San Diego will hold auditions for costume characters, show hosts, singers and guitarists and comedic actors for its spring/summer season. Auditioners must be 18 (16 for costume characters); auditions by appointment, Jan. 17 and Feb. 28; technical crew auditions will be held April 18; register at seaworldsandiegoauditions.com.

San Diego North Coast Singers ---- The 120-member youth chorus will hold auditions for new singers; auditions by appointment on Jan. 17; for location, call (760) 944-1866.

"Betrayal" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre will hold auditions for Harold Pinter's drama; auditions, 7 p.m. Jan. 19-20; PowPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; show runs March 6-29; (858) 486-3612.

"The Sound of Music" ---- The Church at Rancho Bernardo will hold auditions for actors ranging from 6 to 18 for a student production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic; auditions, 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23; The Church at Ranch Bernardo, 11740 Bernardo Plaza Court, San Diego; show runs May 14-22; (858) 592-2434, Ext. 323.

"Aladdin to Oz II" ---- Patio Playhouse Youtheatre will hold auditions for actors ages 5 to 12 for this fairy-tale musical revue; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 31; Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido; show runs April 3-5; (760) 746-6669.

"The Princess and the Pea" ---- Poway Center for the Performing Arts will hold auditions for Missoula Children's Theatre's 10th annual musical featuring 50 Poway youth; children in grades K-12 will audition, rehearse and perform a show all in one week; auditions, 4 p.m. March 16 (show date, March 21); Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; (858) 748-0505.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS/CAMPS

Bridging the Performing Arts Gap Vocal Seminar ---- Big City Broadway's Gina DeLuca and Eric Kunze, who have both appeared on Broadway and in national tours, will present a workshop for singers ages 12 to 18 on sight reading, music theory, ear training and vocal skills needed to be a success soloist or ensemble vocalist; workshop runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 13 to Feb. 17; Tri-City Christian School, Vista; $120; (760) 510-8472 or visit bitcitybroadway.com.

Kids Act! Youth Theater Workshop ---- Six- and 10-week workshops in self-expression, role-playing and acting are being presented for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 11 and teens by this company operated by Aleta Barthell, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Television and Radio Artists Guild and Writers Guild of America; call for locations and registration; (760) 635-3340 or aletabarthell.com.

Positive Action Community Theater free acting classes ---- New Encinitas theater group offers free acting classes for preschool, elementary and teen/adults, from 4:15-6:15 p.m. Saturdays; Dance North County, 535 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas; free; (760) 436-4869.

Christian Youth Theatre's Theater for Kids ---- Drama classes for ages 4 to 18 will be presented by CYT in seven locations countywide. Class enrollment allows youth to audition for CYT musicals; (800) 696-1929.

Premiere for Kids youth acting classes ---- Premiere for Kids Youth Theatre, run by Randall Hickman and Douglas Davis, presents ongoing acting classes for youth actors ages 8 to 17; Broadway Theater, 340B E. Broadway, Vista; www.premiereforkids.com.

New Village Arts acting classes ---- Ongoing acting program features techniques taught at the Actors Studio Drama School, including relaxation and sensory exercises as well as scene study; 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in Carlsbad; call for fees; (760) 439-3784 or www.newvillagearts.org.

Triple Threat Academy ---- This Temecula theater school, founded by Paul Kehler and Joseph J. Arreola, offers classes in acting, musical theater, vocal training, music theory, dance, stage management, stagecraft and more; 27574 Commerce Center Drive #137, Temecula; (951) 693-1017.

Center Stage Senior Theater ---- New nonprofit North County performing arts group for seniors is auditioning for members to entertain for special occasions and organizations; seniors who can dance, sing, do comedy or have other specialty talents are invited to contact co-founders Lynnell Nelson and Margaret Olson, who are longtime dance teachers and experienced performers; (760) 941-9211 or (760) 754-4866.

Teen film/TV acting workshops ---- Acting coach Al Valletta offers a 12-week acting workshop for actors ages 10 to 17 who want to pursue a career in film and television. Ongoing classes meet from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Star Theatre in Oceanside, and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Rising Stars Studio in Solana Beach. A separate class for older teens meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in Solana Beach. Cost is $275 for 12 weeks; (760) 941-3208.

Cinema Arts acting workshop ---- Acting coach Patricia West-Del Ruth and Del Mar TV Studios hosts 10-week workshops featuring top American cinematographers teaching actors, writers and independent filmmakers how to enter the world of filmmaking; 7-10 p.m. Thursdays; call for new dates, registration and fees; (760) 736-1990.

Actors Workshop Studios ---- San Diego acting and auditions workshop for film and TV; on-camera training, audition techniques, industry knowledge; weekly in-house auditions with producers, casting directors, agents; www.actorsworkshopstudios.com.

Christian Youth Theatre acting classes ---- CYT holds 10-week acting classes for children ages 6 to 18; activities include education in acting, singing, dancing and general theater skills; classes beginning in Rancho Bernardo, Solana Beach and Carlsbad; the two-hour classes are held weekly on Tuesdays; call for prices; (800) 588-0206.

Choirs/orchestras:

San Diego Chorus ---- The 100-member women's a cappella chorus is seeking singers in all voice parts; choir rehearses from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Balboa Park; call (619) 685-3385.

San Diego Master Chorale ---- Experienced singers are invited to audition by sitting in on the rehearsals from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego; audition appointments at (858) 581-2203.

Pacific Coast Harmony ---- This men's barbershop chorus is seeking talented singers who can sing a cappella and in harmony; (619) 427-6669.

San Diego A Cappella Chorus ---- The choir will hold auditions for girls ages 11 to 17 in all vocal ranges for its upcoming season; the choir rehearses every Jan. 13 in Rancho Bernardo; call for audition appointment, (858) 717-0262.

Valley Center-Pauma Community Orchestra ---- Adult and youth string and woodwind players are needed for this chamber ensemble, which will perform works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Faure and John Williams; meetings are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Valley Center Upper Elementary School; $70 sign-up fee; (760) 749-4218.

San Diego North Coast Singers ---- The 125-voice youth choral group is auditioning boys and girls, grades two to 12, for its four ensembles; auditions by appointment; rehearsals on Tuesdays in Encinitas; call Miel Burnett at (760) 944-1866 or visit www.northcoastsingers.com.

Music Men chorale and a cappella chorus ---- The Palomar Pacific Music Men barbershop harmony chorus is seeking new members for its choir and a cappella ensemble; no audition required; all male voice types welcome; group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; Salvation Army facility, 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido; (760) 839-6518.

Poway Community Symphony Orchestra ---- This community orchestra for ages 18 and up, led this year by University of San Diego and Grossmont College professor Branden Muresan, is seeking new musicians; no audition necessary; rehearsals are held from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at Bernardo Heights Middle School, Room 501, 129909 Paseo Lucido, Rancho Bernardo; (858) 748-5131, Ext. 2613.

San Diego Youth Philharmonic Orchestra ---- The advanced ensemble is holding auditions for strings, winds, brass and percussion students up to age 25; rehearsals are from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos; for an audition appointment, call (858) 673-0217.

San Diego Youth Symphony and Symphonic Orchestra ---- Musicians ages 7 to 25 are invited to audition for positions in the orchestra; artistic director Jeff Edmons directs both the Youth Symphony and more advanced Symphonic Orchestra; ensembles rehearse on weekends from September through June; (619) 233-3232.

Symphonic orchestra ---- The Civic Youth Orchestra is forming a new youth symphony (with strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion) to provide a symphonic experience for music students not yet at the CYO level; rehearsals are from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays at Palomar College; for audition information, visit www.sandiegocyo.org or call Rebecca Washburn, (858) 484-9635.

Southern California Youth Symphony ---- San Diego-based youth orchestra conducted by Grammy-winning horn player and conductor Warren Gref is auditioning players of all instruments; auditions by appointment; rehearsals, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays; California Institute of Music, 3346 Industrial Court, San Diego; e-mail office@fairbanksartscenter.com or (858) 259-5508.

Southwest Women's Chorus ---- The Temecula-based community women's choir is seeking new singers; beginners welcome; music-reading ability desirable but not required; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; for reservation appointment, call (951) 926-4100.

Southern California Sinfonietta ---- San Diego-based training orchestra for musicians ages 7 to 13 (feeder orchestra for Southern California Youth Symphony) is auditioning players of all instruments; auditions by appointment; rehearsals, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays; California Institute of Music, 3346 Industrial Court, San Diego; e-mail office@fairbanksartscenter.com or (858) 259-5508.

Rancho Penasquitos Flute Choir ---- New members are sought for the group's Jan. 14 evening sessions; all levels of adult flute players are welcome to the choir, led by local musician and recording artist Bradley Leighton; (858) 484-8609 or visit www.fluteguy.com.

Village Presbyterian Church Junior Choir ---- Children in grades one to six are invited to audition for the program for its choir festivals and musicals; rehearsals, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sundays; 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe; (760) 739-0706.