'Sound of Music' to open

OCEANSIDE -- Coast Kids Theatre will present "The Sound of Music" Fridays through Sundays, April 20 through 29, at the Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway.

The musical will feature the talents of actors of all ages from throughout North County and is directed by Ann Schulz and Bobbi Janikas. Show times are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays. Matinees will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets cost $14 for adults; $10 for seniors, members of the military and students with identification; and $6 for children 6 and younger. For tickets and more information, call (760) 721-0083.

Youths to join showcase

NORTH COUNTY -- Young people from North County will join more than 50 actors of all ages in a multimedia showcase at 8 p.m. April 23 at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego.

"Hail Brittania -- Scenes from Film and Television from the U.K." will feature each performer on screen and in a live performance, and offer a complete understanding of the actors' abilities in all performance media. Admission is free.

'Monsters Inc.' workshop offered

VISTA -- Premiere for Kids will offer a "Monsters Inc." workshop for youngsters 7 to 17 years old Saturdays at the Broadway Theater, 340 E. Broadway.

Because enrollment is expected to be high, two workshops will be offered. Workshop 1 will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. June 9, 16, 23 and 30, and July 7 and 14. Workshop 2 will be offered from 11 to 1 p.m. June 16, 23 and 30, and July 7, 14 and 21. Cost is $100 per child. The showcase for Workshop 1 will be at 6 and 7:30 p.m. July 15 at the Avo Playhouse in Vista. The showcase for Workshop 2 will be at 6 and 7:30 p.m. July 22 at the Avo Playhouse.

To register or for more information, visit http://www.premiereforkids.com or call (760) 728-1002.

Playwriting contest announced

NORTH COUNTY -- The Broadway Theater in Vista has announced a youth playwriting contest for teenagers younger than 18.

The submission deadline is June 1 for the contest, which will award $500 to the winning playwright. A staged reading of the play will take place in November at the Broadway Theater in Vista. At least 50 plays must be submitted for the prize to be awarded and a play to be staged. Plays may feature human, animal or fantasy characters; must be new; must be able to be performed by eight actors or less; and must be a comedy or fantasy that does not contain any obscene language. For confirmation of the play's receipt, entrants must provide an e-mail address.

For more detailed information on rules, regulations and the deadline, go to http://www.broadwayvistas.com and click on the events page.

RBV cheer squad workshops set

VISTA -- Tryout workshops for the Rancho Buena Vista High School Cheer Squad will be held April 23 through 26 starting at 4 p.m. in the campus quad. Tryouts will be held on April 27. There will be a mandatory parent/cheer candidate meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 23 in Room 239. For more information, log on to http://rbvhs.vusd.k12.ca.us/athletics/cheer/home.htm.

'Thoroughly Modern Millie' to open

OCEANSIDE -- El Camino High School will present "Thoroughly Modern Millie at 7 p.m. April 28, and May 4 and 5; and 2 p.m. April 29 and May 6 at the Truax Performing Arts on Center, 400 Rancho Del Oro Drive.

The musical is a 1920s tale about the spirited Millie Dillmount, who arrives in New York City intent on getting a job as a secretary jfor a rich, handsome, eligible boss. Her plans are foiled when she is abducted. Tickets cost $10 general admission, $8 for students, and $6 for students with ASB cards and senior citizens. For more information, call (760) 757-8550, Ext. 3902, or (760) 757-1954.

CHS music groups seek support

CARLSBAD -- The award-winning Carlsbad High School Marching Lancers and Wind Symphony are holding their annual dance and silent auction fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. May 4 at the historic Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad. Proceeds from the event will benefit CHS musicians who have competed at such prestigious places as Carnegie Hall in New York City and The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. In order for the band to remain successful and compete at the national level, the musicians are asking for help from the community. Support can be given in the following ways:

- tax-deductible cash contributions;

- attendance at the fundraiser;

- donations of items and services to be auctioned off during the fundraiser.

For more information, call Jennifer Caraglior at (760) 730-1870.

Student artwork sought for exhibit

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Art Association and Artists Gallery invites students ages 8 to 18 to submit artwork for the "Kids' Kaleidoscope Art Exhibit" sponsored by the city of Escondido. There is no entry fee for qualified entrants.

One entry per student. Artwork must be properly framed and ready to hang, not to exceed 24-by-36-inches in size. Drop artwork off between 2 and 6 p.m. April 30 at the gallery, 121 W. Grand Ave.

The exhibit will run from May 2 through June 2. An artists' reception will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. May 12. Information: Barbara Schmidt, gallery director, (760) 471-1244 or sunday123@roadrunner.com.

VCHS dance concert planned

VALLEY CENTER -- The Valley Center High School Dance Ensemble will present its annual dance concert, "Live. Love. Dance.," at 7 p.m. April 19 and 20 and 2 and 7 p.m. April 21 in the Maxine Theater on the VCHS campus, 31322 Cole Grade Road.

Directed by Tammy Merrick, the high school's dance teacher and co-teacher of musical theater, the concert will showcase the talents of the VCHS Dance Ensemble, plus new work from faculty and guest artists in a variety of styles, including lyrical, jazz, modern, tap and hip-hop.

Tickets cost $12, reserved seating. Tickets and information: http://maxine.vcpusd.net.

'Snow White' performances set

SAN MARCOS -- The city's Theatre West youth theater group will present "Snow White" from April 20 through 29 in the Hearth Theater at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive.

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Ticket prices are $8; $6 for youths, students and seniors. Tickets for Saturday matinees are $5 for all ages.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance. Groups of 20 or more can receive discounted tickets by making reservations. Call (760) 744-9000.

Children's ministry to present drama

SAN MARCOS -- The Children's Musical Ministry of Valley Bible Church will present "Kings, Dreams and Schemes," a musical drama about the adventures of Daniel, at 6 p.m. April 21 and 2 p.m. April 22 at the church at 1609 Capalina Road. Admission is free. Information: www.valleybible.com.

Classical Academy to stage 'Peter Pan'

ESCONDIDO -- The Classical Academy's musical theater program will present "Peter Pan" at 5 and 7:30 p.m. April 27 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. April 28 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.

Students in grades four through eight are participating in the production, which features flying effects.

Tickets are available in advance for $8 each. Contact Mary Jo Tillotson at mjot@cox.net or (760) 745-4267.

Arts group to hold fundraiser

RAMONA -- The Ramona Council of Arts, Unlimited, will hold a Mexican dinner, silent auction and talent show May 4 at Hanson Elementary School. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward scholarships for current Arts Unlimited students, as well as Ramona graduates who will continue their studies in the arts.

Dinner will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the talent show at 6. Cost for the dinner and show is $5; $2 for ages 3 to 12.

To donate to the silent auction, be in the talent show or purchase tickets, call Jill Bacorn at (760) 788-0914 or go to http://www.artsunlimitedramona.org.

Acting Academy offered in June

ESCONDIDO -- Patio Playhouse will hold an Acting Academy for youths ages 6 to 18 from June 25 through 29 at Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D.

Classes will cover audition preparation, stage presence, music and dance, improvisation and character development, and culminate with a final talent revue.

Space is limited to 25. Call (760) 294-4790.