Performing Arts News

This category features news about dance, theater, music and other live audience performances (magic shows, puppetry, circus, comedy, etc.), festivals, venues, artists, staging and ticketing. The spotlight is on news of interest to theater goers, producers and performing arts amateurs and professionals.

NAAFA-LA's Fattitude Festival Celebrates All Sizes

A day of fashion, music, dancing & fun for all ages and sizes. Free Admission. - March 30, 2008 - Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance

Sarasota Youth Opera to Hold Summer Workshop

Young people ages 8 to 18 may enroll now in Sarasota Youth Opera’s Summer Workshop to be held June 9-27, 2008. The three-week program will run five full days per week, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. The Summer Workshop promotes serious... - March 29, 2008 - Sarasota Opera

Sarasota Opera Apprentice Artists to Perform Opera Scenes

In April, Sarasota Opera Apprentice Artists will take center stage at the Opera House when they move into principal solo roles for two engaging evenings of fully staged operatic excerpts. Apprentice Artists in Opera Scenes will be presented on Tuesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 10 at 8 p.m. - March 29, 2008 - Sarasota Opera

Philadelphia-Based Hip Hop and Soul Artists/Record Label Release Song Calling for End to Iraq War in Midst of Heated Pennsylvania Presidential Primary Election

Respect The Culture, LLC, a Philadelphia-based record label and multi-media company announced today the release of a song calling for peace and the end to the U.S. war in Iraq. Hip hop artists Nex Millen/Retrospective and Poesh Wonder collaborated with soul songstress taragirl on the new single. - March 25, 2008 - Respect the Culture, LLC

Military Family Appreciation Month

The Party Animals Live appeared at Pearl Harbors Ward Field in Celebration of Military Family Appreciation Month. - March 25, 2008 - The Party Animals, LLC

Idaho Dance Theatre Announces Its Spring Performance "Joy Ride"

Idaho Dance Theatre announces its Spring Performance “Joy Ride.” Performance dates and times: April 17-19 – 8pm, April 20 - 2 pm matinee. Performances held at BSU Special Event Center. Ticket price $26 adults, $12.00 seniors/students. Tickets in advance by calling 331-9592 or at... - March 24, 2008 - Idaho Dance Theatre

Idaho Dance Theatre Receives $10K NEA Grant Funding to Support a North Idaho Rural Tour

The Idaho Dance Theatre (IDT), Idaho’s premiere professional contemporary dance company has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The grant, awarded in the category "Access to Artistic Excellence," will support a tour to Northern Idaho for the... - March 24, 2008 - Idaho Dance Theatre

Bernard Shaw Discusses the Role of Voiceover Agents in New Podcast

Bernard Shaw presents an interesting argument regarding voiceover agents in his most recent episode on the Voice Over Experts Podcast at Voices.com. - March 21, 2008 - Voices.com

Playwright Daniel Lillford Interview on Art & Fine Living with Jona

Jona Rapoport hosts playwright of The Mystery of Maddy Heisler on Art & Fine Living with Jona, to air March 23rd and 26th, 2008. - March 20, 2008 - Jona Rapoport

"Tribute to Broadway" by the Connecticut Ballet at The Ridgefield Playhouse

Imagine. Dance numbers from some of the very best of Broadway—“Sweet Charity,” “Dancin’,” “Brigadoon,” “My One and Only,” “Carousel,” “The King and I” and “Singin’ in the Rain”—all together... - March 19, 2008 - Ridgefield Playhouse

SPDW Dance Theatre’s Call for New Company Dancers

Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre, Chicago’s most innovative repertory company, is holding company auditions on Monday, June 2, 2008 at Visceral Dance Studio, 2820 N. Elston Ave. in Chicago from 10am to 1pm. - March 19, 2008 - Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre

SPDW Dance Theatre Appears in "Raw Bones and Other Stories" This April 25-26

This April 25 and 26, Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre makes a guest appearance at the Lund Auditorium, in Julie Petry’s "Raw Bones and Other Stories." - March 19, 2008 - Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre

Gary Sturgis to Co-Star in Chicago Pulaski Jones

Bad Guy Does a Funny - Gary Sturgis co-stars in Cedric the Entertainer's Directorial Debut written by Kel Mitchell and Janis Woody - March 18, 2008 - Gary Sturgis

Release of CD, "Marshfield Tornado: John Davis Plays Blind Boone," by Newport Classic

Newport Classic, Ltd. announces the release of "Marshfield Tornado: John Davis Plays Blind Boone" (NPD 85678), the eagerly-awaited follow-up to the top-ten selling, critically-acclaimed CD, "John Davis Plays Blind Tom" (Newport Classic, NPD 85660). - March 15, 2008 - John Davis

Russ Lorenson Brings Tony Bennett's Best Back to Austin

Russ Lorenson returns to Austin with his acclaimed show, "Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to the Life and Music of Tony Bennett," for two performances only, at Austin Cabaret Theatre, located at The Mansion at Judges' Hill, 1900 Rio Grande (MLK & Rio Grande), Austin, Texas 78705. Shows are March 27th and 28th at 8:30pm. The shows are being presented as part of the 2007-2008 season of the Austin Cabaret Theatre. - March 07, 2008 - RL Productions

The Guitar Wall Adds More Space for Boutique and Custom Builders

GSi Guitar Network, the publisher of The Guitar Wall (www.theguitarwall.com) announced the addition of Wall #7, the Boutique Builders Wall, known as the “Premium Showcase of Extraordinary Instruments.” The new wall is comprised of only 50 display blocks, 17 of which were acquired by... - March 07, 2008 - Zapoppin Media

7 Year Old Musician and Composer Ethan Bortnick Makes His Second Appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 10, 2008

Ethan will be appearing to promote his newly released DVD and CD - "Live in Concert By Me Ethan Bortnick." - March 07, 2008 - Ethan Bortnick

A Von Erich is Coming to the NWA… It is a Revolution

The world knows them as the Von Erichs - and to many they are the first family of Professional Wrestling - or should have been. - March 05, 2008 - Pro Wrestling Revolution

Unique Striptease Instruction DVD Coming to Stores in April

A new DVD entitled Strip to It: Core Moves and Fantasies, containing three separate sections for learning the art of striptease, is being released in April through BayView Entertainment. - March 03, 2008 - BayView Entertainment

Professional Stand-Up Comedian Shaun Eli Divulges His Secrets

Stand-up Comic Reveals How to Tell a Joke Like an Expert - March 03, 2008 - Comedian Shaun Eli

Peter Rofé Publishes Podcast on Voice Over Training

Voice acting expert Peter Rofé identifies several caveats for those seeking voice over instruction and guides his audience through a series of steps to ensure they are studying with the right voice over teacher for them. - March 01, 2008 - Voices.com

Dawna Lee Heising and Joycelyne Lew Host “Eye on Entertainment” at 2008 “Night of 100 Stars”

18th Annual “Night of 100 Stars” Oscar Gala Was Hosted by Norby Walters the Beverly Hills Hotel to Celebrate the 80th Annual Academy Awards. - February 29, 2008 - Eye on Entertainment

Comedian Earns Standing Ovation at Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches

Jade Esteban Estrada performed his award-winning solo musical ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 2. The Palm Beach Post calls him an "emerging Latin artist." - February 29, 2008 - Jade Esteban Estrada

First Documentary to Focus on Religious Conversion Nears Completion

Release of the new Pew Forum survey underscoring high degree of “faith switching” in America, stirs intense interest in the film Leap of Faith - February 27, 2008 - Humble Films, Inc.

Critics Praise Estrada's Tribute to Anton Chekhov

Acclaimed comedian Jade Esteban Estrada scores big with “Chek it, Baby” - February 25, 2008 - Jade Esteban Estrada

2nd Annual Voicey Award Winners Announced

Voice actings biggest night celebrates voice actor performances and triumphs at the Voicey Awards, sponsored by Voices.com, the voice over marketplace. - February 23, 2008 - Voices.com

Jennifer Kayle and Lisa Gonzales: A Choreographic Match Made in Heaven

Jennifer Kayle and Lisa Gonzales present Kinetic Evidence, a collaborative dance concert at Links Hall, 2/29-3/2/2008 1, 2008. Two women dance around their own blind spots, a preacher sells his soul in the depths of a Louisiana swamp, in a post-industrial, post-paradise fall from grace, seven (a divine number?) figures celebrate the miracle of plastic. Reservations can be made through the Links Hall at 773.281.0824. - February 21, 2008 - Jennifer Kayle

Obsessive-Compulsive Stand Up Comedian to Launch Humorous Home Organizing Business

Aaron David Ward loves to make people laugh and to organize. Now the 36-year-old professional stand up comedian from upstate New York is combining his two loves into one business. His latest venture Humorous Home Orangizing TM will allow him to entertain and earn a living onstage and offstage by... - February 21, 2008 - Humorous Home Organizing

Dietrich & Chevalier, the Musical

Their love, their war, their songs. The passion that endured a World War, a trial for treason and two lifetimes. Featuring 15 of their signature songs. - February 19, 2008 - Santa Monica Group Theatre/Santa Monica Playhouse

Songwriting Competition - The BOSAs

Created in 2000, The BOSAs Songwriting Awards Competition works to embrace and encouraged the craft of songwriting. Offering prize packages and exposure for artists from around the world. Call For Entries — The deadline to enter the current round of competitions is April 25, 2008 Entry... - February 18, 2008 - Bannon Productions

Acting Coach Lynette McNeill's Industry Seminar Standing Room Only

All Star Panel Discusses Changes in the Industry, Casting Process in a sold out show - February 18, 2008 - Lynette McNeill Studio

Myrna Dow Receives Top Honors at the PPFA 2008 International Framing Open Competition

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery. The Gallery honored as a “Top 100 Art and Frame Gallery in America” (2005, 2006 and 2007) by Decor Magazine and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006). In February 2008, High Desert Gallery was awarded Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition. - February 17, 2008 - High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Black & Bluestein

Jerry Mayer’s engaging dramedy, set in 1963 St. Louis. A Jewish liberal finds that breaking the color barrier could break his bank account and his marriage. You’ll laugh… You’ll cry…You’ll think. - February 15, 2008 - Santa Monica Group Theatre/Santa Monica Playhouse

A Bit of Irish - Chris Sullivan’s 9th Annual Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day

A raucous St. Patrick’s Day hooley (party) and celebration of Ireland in songs, poems, limericks and stories. - February 15, 2008 - Santa Monica Group Theatre/Santa Monica Playhouse

Showbiz, Official Partner of the Hit Broadway Show Wicked Gets Ready for On-Line Pre-Sale Ticket Rush

The Australian season of 'Wicked', the smash hit Broadway musical, officially launched in Melbourne today. The hottest musical in the world will open at Melbourne's Regent Theatre in July 2008 and Australia's Showbiz International has been appointed the official VIP, Corporate Hospitality and... - February 14, 2008 - Showbiz International

Voices.com Announces Finalists for the 2nd Annual Voicey Awards

Finalists for the 2008 Voicey Awards have just been revealed, sources at Voices.com say. - February 14, 2008 - Voices.com

The Town of Hempstead on Long Island Welcomes RandirobicsTM for an Unforgettable Children’s Fitness Event

RandirobicsTM comes to The Town of Hempstead on April 24th and 25th for a children’s fitness entertainment event - February 13, 2008 - Randimedia

Corporate Magician's Planning Secrets Are No Illusion

Tom O’Brien Productions expands to include party planning and a host of other entertainers for corporate parties or trade shows. - February 13, 2008 - Tom O'Brien Productions

Frank Frederick Advises Voice Actors on How to Define a Niche Market

Frank Frederick encourages voice actors to identify and target niche markets while exploring their potential in the arena of advertising to those who need their services via his most recent Voice Over Experts podcast. - February 13, 2008 - Voices.com

Psychic Certification Anniversary

Los Angeles internet psychic, Walter Zajac, is marking 5 years since gaining the status of Certified Professional Tarot Reader. The Certificate is issued and administered by the Tarot Certification Board of America. Zajac, known as Psychic Walter on the internet at http://www.psychicwalter.com, has provided professional honest psychic readings full-time since 2002. - February 09, 2008 - PsychicWalter.com

Grand Performances Receives $300,000 Latin American and Central/East Asian Artists Presentation Grant from The James Irvine Foundation

Grand Performances has received a major $300,000 three-year grant from The James Irvine Foundation. This is important support for Grand Performances’ commitment to the presentation of performance and residency activities by performing artists from Latin America and Central/Eastern Asia. This... - February 09, 2008 - Grand Perfromances

Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit - Broadway as You've Never Seen It Before at The Ridgefield Playhouse

Come see the Broadway shows you love like you’ve never seen them before. The sidesplitting savagery known as “Forbidden Broadway” is on the road again. Now celebrating its 25th year, this year’s version includes the puppets of “Avenue Q,” the witches of “Wicked,” Billy Joel’s “Movin' Out,” and new looks at old favorites. This comedy musical review that affectionately spoofs the shows we all love, will be at The Ridgefield Playhouse at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2008. - February 08, 2008 - Ridgefield Playhouse

Hindu Kush Beats Out 70 Acts to Win Battle of the Bands and Has "Day Fire" Featured in Warner Bros Film

New Psychedelic Dance Rock band has two big wins in one week. - February 08, 2008 - Hindu Kush

Classic Audio Poems Make the Perfect Gay Gift This Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, the world's first online audio bookshop for the gay community -- Qclassics.com -- is giving away free downloadable love poems, voiced by some of the UK's leading film and stage actors, including stars from Broadway and London's famous West End. - February 07, 2008 - Qclassics

North Carolina Theatre Announces Annie Get Your Gun Podcast

Kristin Kingsmore, communications manager of the North Carolina Theatre (www.nctheatre.com), has announced the release of a podcast that details Annie Get Your Gun, a musical production at North Carolina Theatre starring Larry Gatlin & Lauren Kennedy running Friday, Feb. 22 – Sunday,... - February 07, 2008 - NC Theatre

The Mardi Gras Party Continues at The Ridgefield Playhouse with the Return of Buckwheat Zydeco

Buckwheat Zydeco's powerful and haunting version of the classic, "Cryin' in the Streets" appears on "Our New Orleans: A Benefit Album for the Gulf Coast" along with songs by Allen Toussaint and Dr. John (both of whom have appeared at the Playhouse). After a sold out performance in 2007, Buckwheat is bringing that New Orleans sound to The Ridgefield Playhouse during Mardi Gras, on Sun., Feb. 17 at 8 p.m., as part of the Danbury Audi Jazz Series. Each attendee gets Mardi Gras beads as they enter. - February 05, 2008 - Ridgefield Playhouse

South Tenth Records Kicks Off 2008 With The John Sullivan Brigade's Second Rock Music CD

South Tenth Records is kicking off 2008 with the John Sullivan Brigade’s second CD, A Sound Opportunity For Your Last Music Purchase, alongside the frontman’s second rock music novel, Opportunity Rocking, as well as the band’s first video single, “In Control”, on... - February 04, 2008 - South Tenth Records