In Town
Kelsey Theater holds auditions for “Rent” on Saturday, December 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Communications Building, Room 122. Callbacks will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. the same day. Requirements include an introductory acting class at any college or plan to take Acting I at Mercer College in the spring (if you are cast). For ages 18 to 29. Prepare a two-minute contemporary monologue, and 32 bars of a contemporary pop, rock, or rock-oriented musical theater song. Bring sheet music or an instrumental CD. Do not sing a song from “Rent.” Call Jody Person at 609-570-3524 for more information.
An actor is needed for Murray Shisgal’s “The Tiger,” to be produced by Marina Vrahnos of Plainsboro in March. The show, directed by Jody Woods, will be performed in a theater on Alexander Road in West Windsor. The actor should appear to age 40. Non-equity. Call Vrahnos at 609-468-7726 to schedule an audition.
Can Do Fitness Club offers several promotions in December to benefit children receiving treatment for cancer or a serious blood disorder. A holiday bazaar and a toy drive are in progress at the Forrestal Village center. A donation will be made for each new member who joins the fitness center this month.
Randstad Work Solutions seeks gently used or new coats for children. Deliver to 127 Village Boulevard, Forrestal Village, Plainsboro. Call Diane Marie Yu at 609-716-4921 for information.
Beth Chaim Pre-School offers “Little Explorers,” a program for babies and toddlers, ages 12 to 18 month and their parents or childcare provider. Older children may attend for $5 per class. Sessions meet on Fridays, 9:15 to 10 a.m., January 8 to March 19. Register. 609-799-89811. $132.
New Balance is collecting gently worn footwear and monetary donations to benefit Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based charity assisting persons in need of shoes, whether they are victims of a natural disaster or living in extreme poverty. In exchange for a pair of shoes receive $10 off any shoe purchase of $65 or more. 439 Nassau Park Boulevard, West Windsor, 609-720-0103.
Classes
Dorothea’s House offers Italian classes beginning the second week of January. 120 John Street, Princeton. Visit www.dorotheashouse.org or call Gild McCauley at 908-359-1564.
Call for Crafters
Robbinsvillle High School seeks crafters and artisans for the fourth annual Cutting Edge Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 155 Robbinsville Edinburg Road, Robbinsville. Entry fee is $60 for a 10 by 10 space. Benefit for the school’s drama and instrumental music programs. Call 609-448-5466 for information.
Art Happenings
Play On, also known as AFFAFFA (All for Fun and Fun for All), seeks like-minded spirits in the Princeton area to join a core group of people interested in creative exploration, improvisation, performance arts, theater experimentation, self-discovery, or collective imagination. Visit https://affaffa.wordpress.com or call 609-924-5584. For all ages.
Good Causes
New Jersey Blood Services seeks all blood donors but especially people with O and B negative blood. O negative blood is the universal donor because it can be transfused into anyone. To donate visit www.nybloodcenter.org or call 800-933-2566.
Tabby’s Place offers an online gift catalog to benefit special needs cats through a virtual adoption or a virtual gift basket of cat food, medications, and snuggly blankets. Donors receive a personalized E-card and a glossy photograph of a cat receiving care. The organization is a cage-free, no-kill sanctuary for cats rescued from desperate situations. Visit www.tabbysplace.org or call 908-237-5300 for information and to view the online gift catalog.
Central Jersey Council of Boy Scouts has launched “Operation Popcorn” with a goal of sending 10,000 bags of popcorn to U.S. military troops serving around the world. Donations invited. Call 609-419-1600 ext 42 or E-mail stephen.smith@scouting.org for information.
For Young
Musicians
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Greater Newark Youth Orchestra seeks string, wind, and brass musicians. Auditions are open to New Jersey middle and high school students. Applications are due by Thursday, December 24. For application call Kate White at 973-624-3713, ext. 255 or E-mail kwhite@njsymphony.org.
For Children
with Autism
VSA Arts of New Jersey offers spring workshops for children with autism. Parent/child workshops are offered on Saturdays, February 6 to April 10, in New Brunswick. $30. Call 732-745-3885 or E-mail info@vsanj.org for information and applications. Registration deadline is Monday, January 11.
For High School Students
New Jersey Governor’s School is accepting applications from high schools for the School in the Sciences, Drew University; School on the Environment, Richard Stockton College; and School of Engineering and Technology, at Rutgers. Visit www.nj.gov/govschool/index.html for information.
Acting School
Playhouse 22 offers a new acting school at the new Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Playhouse Acting Academy focuses on acting, stagecraft, and hands-on-participation in play production. Courses begin Saturday, January 2, for ages nine to adult. Call 732-951-0229 or E-mail Douglas Brautigam at njactingacademy@gmail.org.
