Broadway Starz -- Family Performer's Theatre Academy is looking to make a splash in Southwest Riverside County with the very first production of "Disney's High School Musical" to be performed in Southwest Riverside County.

But the shows, scheduled for late January, won't happen until the rest of the cast is filled.

"Anyone and everyone is welcome to register," said artistic director Alan M. Pask, a veteran of local theater in the area. "('Disney's High School Musical') was just released and we're going to be the first one's in the valley to do it."

The new group began back in April, after discussions with locals whom encouraged him to start a new group. Pask previously worked with Broadway High as well as teaching drama at Calvary Chapel Christian School. He currently serves on the drama team, youth ministry team and worship team at Southwest Christian Church.

"Actually, what happened was that my wife and I went back to Canada because her dad was very ill," he said. "After he passed away, we came back to the states and decided to start something new."

What Pask and the others at Broadway Starz are trying to start is a theater group capable of doing all kinds of shows featuring all ages of performers. It is also important to note that participation isn't limited to those that have previous theater experience.

"Our appeal is everyone is a star with us," said Pask. "It doesn't matter if you've acted before or not. Our goal is to build confidence in kids, not only so they can have confidence on stage but also in school and in life."

Pask said that while their initial production is geared for children and teens, that doesn't mean they'll only do youth productions. There will be groups from age four through adult, a junior group, senior group and adult shows.

"Our first adult production will be a murder-mystery dinner theater opening sometime in 2007," he said.

But for now, the group is looking for actors of all ages for "High School Musical."

There will be two casts and auditions are taking place on Saturday and November 18 at Hillcrest Academy Media Arts Center (29275 Santiago Road in Temecula). Audition times are 8 a.m. for all girls ages 4-8 years, 8:45 a.m. for all boys ages 4-12 years, 9:30 a.m. for all girls ages 9-12 years and 10:30 a.m. for mixed boys and girls ages 13 years to adult. All youth auditioners must be signed in by a parent at each audition.

For more information on Broadway Starz -- Family Performer's Theatre Academy, visit broadwaystarz.com or call (951) 541-9071.

Carolers wanted

Murrieta Repertory Theatre is looking for a few good voices.

The group will be caroling during Murrieta's Holiday Magic events in various Murrieta neighborhoods. They will be dressed in Dickens-era style and will travel to caroling locations on floats, with Santa Claus as he travels to pick up food and toy donations.

Interested singers are asked to attend the mandatory meeting at 6 p.m. November 20 and rehearsals at 6 p.m. Nov. 27 and 2 p.m. December 2. The rehearsal meetings and Holiday Magic preparations will be held at the Murrieta Community Center at 41810 Juniper Street in Murrieta.

Holiday Magic is scheduled for December 4-8 and 11-15. Prospective singers should expect to be ready to go at 4:45 p.m. each day. Singers will also receive a nightly stipend, paid at the end of each week.

For more information, call (951) 600-7273, e-mail murrietarep@verizon.net or visit murrietarep.org.

Poster contest

Artists are invited to enter the 2007 Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival Poster Contest. To be accepted, the original artwork must be created in a 2-D medium of oils, watercolor, pastels, mixed media, acrylic, photography and/or colored pencil. No reproductions or mechanical manipulation will be allowed and artists must be 18 years of age or older to be considered.

The subject matter should include the key components of the festival and entries must be 18 inches by 24 inches in size. They do not need to be framed but should be ready for viewing with a support heavy enough to hold the artwork upright in a professional manner. Artists can view samples of previous winners at the festival office at 27498 Enterprise Circle West, Unit 1 in Temecula.

The deadline for submission is December 8, and artists should contact the festival office for a 2007 Poster Contest Prospectus by calling (951) 676-6713 or visiting tvbwf.com

Arts and entertainment editor Jeff Pack can be contacted by calling (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2681 or e-mail at jpack@californian.com.