Audition
Maurer Productions has an open casting call for “Shrek the Musical” at Mercer Community College in West Windsor. Thursday, January 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. is for ages 8 to 12. Saturday, January 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, January 26, from noon to 6 p.m. is for adults and teens.
All roles are open. Close to 21 roles are available for adult and teenage actors, singers, and dancers, as well as four roles for children ages 8 to 12. Visit www.mponstage.com, E-mail audition@mponstage.com, or call 609-882-2292 for a detailed audition packet and an audition appointment.
For the Young
Nassau Tennis Club is accepting registration for its junior team tennis program on Saturdays, January 4 to February 8, at 1800 Route 206, Skillman. 14 and under advanced, 4:30 p.m.; 18 and under intermediate, 6 p.m. $120.00 includes court time, balls, and awards. Visit www.NassauTennis.net or call 908-359-8730. Deadline is Thursday, January 2.
Paper Mill Playhouse has auditions for its 2014 Summer Professional Training programs for performers ages 10 to 18. The Summer Musical Theater Conservatory opens June 30, in its new home at the Union County Performing Arts Center. Auditions are Saturdays, January 25 and February 1 at Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts, 360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway. E-mail summer@papermill.org on or after January 2.
Students will participate in classes in singing, acting, auditioning, dance, and a series of guest artist workshops led by professional actors, directors, and casting agents. The two tracks are the five-week Summer Musical Theater Conservatory held in July, or the three-week August Musical Theater Intensive. Auditions are mandatory. Students will be placed in a program based on their auditions.
Prospective students should select a portion of a song from a musical of approximately 32 bars that best demonstrates your vocal range, musicality, interpretive skills, and acting ability. Bring sheet music in a binder or single sheets taped together that contain full piano accompaniment. Bring suitable footwear as everyone will be asked to dance. Download forms from www.PaperMill.org.
New Jersey’s Soil Conservation districts are now accepting entries in a poster contest designed to raise awareness of natural resources and related issues among young people. The theme for this year’s poster is “Dig Deeper — Mysteries in the Soil.”
Students may compete in the following categories: Grade 2-3; Grade 4-6; Grade 7-9; and Grade 10-12. First place winners in each category will receive $200 savings bonds; second-place $100 bonds; and third-place $50 bonds. All first-place winners will be entered in the National Association of Conservation Districts poster contest.
Visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/anr/nrc/conservdistricts.html.
Volunteer Please
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children of Mercer County seeks volunteers to speak up in court for the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. CASA works through trained community volunteers to insure that needed services and assistance are made available while helping to move a child in foster care into a safe and permanent home. Advocates must be over 21, have a driver’s license, and a desire to help children. Fall training begins in October. Upcoming information sessions will be held at 1450 Parkside Avenue, Suite 22, Ewing. Call 609-434-0050 or visit www.casamercer.org.
Friends of the Lawrence Library Book seek volunteers to help sort donated books for the January book sale. The work is Tuesday to Thursday, January 14 to 16, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. E-mail Eve Connolly at eveconn@comcast.net with the dates and times you are available. Volunteers may select five books from the sale.
Proceeds from the sale funds programs and other library services. The book sale begins Friday, January 17, with a preview event at 6:30 p.m. Call 609-989-6920 or visit www.mcl.org for information.
Classes
YWCA Princeton is accepting registration for winter classes and activities. Before and after school programs, English as a Second Language, Breast Cancer Resource Center support groups and wellness classes, gymnastics, martial arts, newcomers group, and more. Aquatics lessons and lap swims are offered at both its Princeton facility and at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North in Plainsboro. Visit www.ywcaprinceton.org or call 609-497-2100 for information.
Theater Classes
George Street Playhouse Theater Academy in New Brunswick offers classes for all ages and theater experiences. Auditions are not required. Ages 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 18, have morning classes on Saturdays, January 4, to February 22; and March 15 to May 10. Adult classes are Mondays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., January 6 to March 10; and March 24 to May 19. Call 732-846-2895, ext. 117 or visit www.georgestreetplayhouse.org for information.
Paper Mill Playhouse offers classes for adults in Milburn. The newest program, the Intergenerational Theater Company, brings together youth, teens, adults, and seniors in a series of short plays for 10 weeks, leading up to an evening of presentations for friends, family, and theater professionals.
Breakfast at Paper Mill meets on the first Monday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for a discussion on the live theatrical experience, backstage tours, special performance highlights, and continental breakfast.
Musical theater audition class meets Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Teachers will help pick out and develop the 16 or 32 bars of a song that showcase their best work. Adult acting class meets Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and will focus on character development, dialogue interpretation, and overall performance skills. Private acting and vocal coaching sessions are also available. E-mail Michelle Tempkin at mtempkin@papermill.org or visit www.PaperMill.org.
Health
Princeton Center for Yoga and Health offers free classes through Wednesday, January 1. Classes include gentle yoga, yoga for beginners, and hot yoga. Register at www.princetonyoga.com or at 88 Orchard Road, Suite 6, Skillman.
Casper Chiropractic offers a 21-day purification program. An introduction will be held on Thursday, January 30, at 1 Washington Boulevard, Suite 6A, Robbinsville. Call 609-301-7530 or visit www.casperchiro.com.
Call for Art
Artists of Yardley seeks original photographs, ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry for its fourth annual photography and skilled crafts show. Entry fee is $20 for members. AOY collects 30 percent commission on sales. Visit www.artistsofyardley.org for prospectus. Deadline is Friday, January 24.
January Music Month at the JB Kline Gallery, 25 Bridge Street, Lambertville, is accepting submissions of photographs, paintings, mosaics, sculptures, and painted instruments that involve the music in some fashion. Artists are limited to three pieces of ready-to-hang artwork. Submissions require title of work and selling price (works not for sale are also accepted). Works need to be delivered on Saturday, January 3; the gala reception will be held on Saturday, January 11, 6 to 9 p.m. E-mail Gary Cohen with a description of the art, pricing, and titles at gpc2@comcast.net.
