The eight days of Chanukah

Chanukah celebrations are already underway in the Valley and beyond, as Jewish families across the globe commemorate the second century B.C.E. rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean revolt against Greek rule. This year’s “festival of lights” begins at sunset tonight (Dec. 20) and runs through sundown on Dec. 28.

Governor Jan Brewer is scheduled to attend tonight’s “Arizona Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony” at 5pm, and plenty of Valley groups are planning to participate.

Youth who recently performed in the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company production of “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” will be joining Brewer in full costume to light the menorah, according to Janet Arnold, the company’s founder and producing director. They’ll also be singing a song from the musical that’s titled “Tradition.”

Chabad of Arizona begins their “Grand Menorah Parade” at 3:30pm today — traveling to Wesley Bolin Plaza at 1700 W. Washington in Phoenix from Chabad Lubavitch of Arizona at 2110 E.Lincoln Drive.

Their “Grand Menorah Lighting” celebration kicks off at 4pm — featuring yo-yo entertainment, donut decorating, a visit from Judah the Maccabee and more. Even door prizes for every child, a raffle with additional prizes and goodies like latkes, sufganiyot and hot drinks.

It’s a great way for parents eager to help children understand and appreciate a variety of traditions to help their children learn more about Jewish faith and culture. Remember, as you pass all those elaborate displays of Christmas lights, that friends and neighbors may be celebrating the “festival of lights,” mindful of a miracle that kept oil burning in a temple long ago.

— Lynn

Note: This post has been updated with photos of Wednesday’s celebration taken by Jeff Lynn, provided courtesy of Chabad of Arizona/Chabad of Downtown.

Coming up: Jewish arts and culture in Arizona — and beyond

Update: Those of you who missed the public menorah lighting on Dec. 20 will have other opportunities in coming days as various Chabad groups host lightings. Click here for a listing of these and other events compiled by Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. 11/21/11

Winter camps & workshops

Proof (from Greasepaint's Aladdin, Jr.) that the coolest kids do musical theater

Greasepaint Youtheatre of Scottsdale, home to ten young actors performing with Theater League’s “The Wizard of Oz” at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix through Sunday, recently announced the following winter workshops for youth:

 

Musical Theatre Dance

Featuring music from “The Muppets!”

For ages 6-12

Tues, Dec. 27 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Ariana Ziskin, who choreographed “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” for Greasepaint Youtheatre earlier this season. Participants will peform at 3pm for family and friends.

 

All Things Shakespeare

Featuring an adaptation of a well-known Shakespeare work

For ages 10 & up

Wed, Dec. 28 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Dawn Rochelle Tucker, education director for Southwest Shakespeare Company in Mesa. Participants will perform at 3pm for family and friends.

 

“A Chorus Line” Dance

Featuring the Broadway choreography from the musical “A Chorus Line”

For ages 12-18

Thurs, Dec. 29 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Anthony Toudjarov, who recently performed in “A Chorus Line” with Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria. Participants will perform at 3pm for family and friends.

 

Each Greasepaint Youtheatre workshop noted above costs $40. Call 602-889-7609 to learn more or click here to register.  

 

AJTC Curtain Call production of "Fiddler on the Roof, Jr." (Photo: Mark Gluckman)

Curtain Call Youtheatre with Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, which presents “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” through Sunday at Phoenix College, recently announced several winter workshops being held at Temple Chai in Phoenix:

 

Squeak and Meow

Featuring fairy tales about cats and mice put into musical theater form

For ages 4-7

Wed, Dec. 21 and Thurs, Dec. 22 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Elizabeth Peterson, performer with The Blue Bike Kids Show. Participants will perform at 3pm on Dec. 22 for family and friends.

 

A Bit of Glee

Featuring acting, singing and movement techniques

For ages 8 & up

Wed, Dec. 21 and Thurs, Dec. 22 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Ariana Ziskin, who directs the Bravo troupe at East Valley Children’s Theatre. Participants will perform at 3pm on Dec. 22 for family and friends.

 

The Great Flying Ship of Ivan the Impossible

Featuring song, dance and story based on a fairy tale about Ivan and his friends

For ages 4-7

Wed, Dec. 28 and Thurs, Dec. 29 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Elizabeth Peterson, performer with The Blue Bike Kids Show. Participants will perform at 3pm on Dec. 29 for family and friends.

 

Mythology Comes to Life

Featuring ways to build characters for the stage through voice and movement

For ages 8 & up

Wed, Dec. 28 and Thurs, Dec. 29 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Colin Ross, member of the 2011-12 acting company for Childsplay

 

Each Curtain Call Youtheatre workshop noted above costs $120 ($200 for one child taking two workshops). Click here to learn more.

 

Actors appearing in Annie, Jr. at Desert Stages Theatre

Desert Stages Theatre, which has a children’s theater performing “Annie, Jr.” through Dec. 18, recently announced three winter workshops taking place at their Scottsdale theater:

 

Music Theory Class – Musical Tools for Industry Success

Featuring a crash course in reading music and music theory

For ages 12 & up

Dec. 19-23 from 2-4pm

Taught by Mark 4man, DST mainstage music director.

 

A Little Bit of Broadway and Pop

Featuring song and dance to music participants help select

For ages 4-10

Dec. 26-30 from 10am-2pm

Taught by Desiree Vaughan, who performed in DST’s “Bye Bye Birdie” earlier this year. Participants will present a performance for family and friends.

 

Princess Parade

Featuring song, dance, arts & crafts and the opportunity to transform into your favorite prince or princess

For ages 3-12

Dec. 19-23 from 10am-2pm

Taught by DST instructors.

 

Prices for each Desert Stages Theatre camp noted above vary (from $100-$250). Click here for details.

 

— Lynn

 

Note: If your theater company or performing arts venue is offering winter break classes for children or teens, please comment below to let our readers know. Please note that workshops noted above may have minimum/maximum enrollment figures.

 

Coming up: Youth theater meets improv

Tradition

Family gathered for the Sabbath in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., being performed by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company's Curtain Call Youtheatre (Photos: Mark Gluckman)

It’s easy to forget, when faced with cities awash in Christmas lights, that not all Americans celebrate the Christmas holiday. Recent studies by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life indicate that nearly one-fourth of all Americans embrace traditions other than Christianity.

Jacob Shore as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

So I was delighted to learn that Arizona Jewish Theatre Company’s Curtain Call Youtheatre is performing “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” this weekend — giving Valley audiences a break from nearly non-stop Christmas fare while offering a glimpse into traditions of Jewish faith and culture.

Scene from Arizona Jewish Theatre Company's Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.

Cast members were asked to write about family traditions rather than submitting traditional bios for the program, so folks who atttend the show can enjoy both the timeless tale of a family facing changing times and the reflections of Valley youth on their own traditions within contemporary society.

Two young cast members from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Janet Arnold, founder and producing director for Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, shared a few “tradition” tidbits from the program, many focused on family holiday celebrations. Levi Gettleman (Rabbi, age 11) shared a Passover seder tradition in which his dad asks the kids questions, then rewards correct answers with two dollar bills.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Julia Caplan (Mendel/Bottle Dancer, age 9) shared her family’s tradition of spending one night of Hanukkah buying presents for children who don’t have other Hanukkah gifts to open. Mykael Cooper (Constable, age 11) shared his family’s tradition of lighting a Holocaust candle every Friday to honor his grandfather, who is a Holocaust survivor.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Jordyn Drake (Avram, age 13) shared his family’s tradition of watching holiday television shows together after putting up the Christmas tree, and Karlie Gibson (Yente, age 15) shared her family’s tradition of sending the kids on a treasure hunt to find their big Christmas gifts.

Young actors performing in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Emily Ginsberg (Villager/Bottle Girl, age 12) shared her family’s tradition of having a huge Thanksgiving feast with relatives who fly in from out of state, and Eric Flayton (Lazar Wolf, age 11) shared his family’s Thanksgiving tradition of letting the kids do an “annual trashing of the playroom.”

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Seems that Halloween is a favorite for Maddie Felder (Tzeitel, age 14) and her family, whose traditions include making their own costumes, designing “Tim Burton-esque” pumpkins and watching lots of Halloween movies during the week. Something tells me they’re already planning next year’s theme.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Several cast members shared traditions involving food. Emily Bachus (Villager, age 11) noted a long list of food and drink they share during the annual Super Bowl party her family hosts for about 100 people, and Mykael Cooper (Constable, age 11) revealed his family’s penchant for crab legs instead of turkey and dressing during Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Rachel Ginsberg (Russian/Villager, age 12) shared her family’s tradition of enjoying a meal, and plenty of conversation, together every Sunday night. Shira Hamer (Villager, age 9) shared her family’s tradition of making up new recipes, noting that cooking is a bit like stand up-comedy. “If you’re confident,” says Hamer, “you can get away with anything.”

A little dance from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” — complete with young fiddler — tonight (Sat, Dec. 10) at 7pm and tomorrow (Sun, Dec. 11) at 1pm and 4pm. They perform at the John Paul Theatre on the campus of Phoenix College, an intimate venue that’s perfect for introducing children to the joys of live theater performance.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

The “Fiddler on the Roof” story features themes we can all related to. Changing roles for youth. Shifting political influences. Mixed feelings about watching children grow. Challenges to traditions held near and dear. Whatever winter holiday you celebrate, it’s always nice to be reminded of the importance of family and the power of tradition.

— Lynn

Note: “All Rights Reserved,” the teen improv troupe for Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, performs prior to each “Fiddler” — and can also be seen Wed, Dec. 14 at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society (near ASA) in Phoenix. Click here for details, plus information on the company’s full season, current online auction and theater training for youth. Click here to learn more about Mark Gluckman Photography.

Coming up: Art meets pluralism, Talking with “Elmo,” Teen improv tales

Update: Janet Arnold was excited to share that more than 200 people attended opening night for “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” and gave the show a “thunderous standing O.” Look for the “Fiddler” cast at the Arizona State Capitol Dec. 20 at 5pm, where they’ll sing “Tradition” (in full costume) and participate in “lighting the first candle on the official State Menorah for Chanukah.” 12/11/11

Theater flair minus holiday fare

It’s easy to find holiday-theme fare this time of year, but plenty of folks are searching for other options. If you enjoy live performance but want a break from all the shiny tinsel and twinkling lights, consider some of these theater offerings:

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts presents the musical “Chess” through Sat, Dec. 3. It’s rarely performed in the Valley, so this is a rare opportunity to enjoy a local production. The final show is at 7:30pm tonight. www.cgc.edu/arts.

Theater League presents “Wizard of Oz,” a touring production touting lots of special effects, Dec. 6 & 7 at the Mesa Arts Center and Dec. 8-11 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. Ten Valley students from Greasepaint Youtheatre are performing as Munchkins. www.theaterleague.com.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center presents “Glee” for a single performance on Fri, Dec. 9. It’s the tale of a high school teacher who tries to reinvent his school’s glee club. www.qcpac.com.

Cast members from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents the Curtain Call Youth Theatre production of “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” (a shortened version of the classic musical) Dec. 10 & 11 at the John Paul Theatre at Phoenix College. www.azjewishtheatre.org.

Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale presents a Children’s Theatre production of “Annie, Jr.” through Dec. 18. Though set in NYC during the Christmas season, it’s a tale with broad appeal beyond the holiday season. www.desertstages.org.

Childsplay presents “Lyle the Crocodile” through Sat, Dec. 24 at Tempe Center for the Arts. True, you’ll encounter some holiday fanfare as Lyle visits the Primm family during Christmas in NYC, but most kids know Lyle from books that find Lyle in bathtubs and other everyday places. www.childsplayaz.org.

ASU Gammage presents “Stomp,” an energetic blend of creative percussion and contemporary dance, Dec. 28-31 in Tempe. It’s a great choice for families with young boys who balk at traditional musical theater fare. www.asugammage.com.

For a comprehensive list of “On Stage” offerings for families, check out Raising Arizona Kids in print or online.

— Lynn

Note: If you have a family-friendly event to share with our readers, please visit the calendar section of the Raising Arizona Kids website to learn how you can submit calendar items for print and online listings.

Coming up: Lemonade for grown-ups

A season to LUV…

I love this season’s selections from Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

When Arizona theater companies started announcing their 2011/12 season selections several months ago, I was especially excited about every single offering in just a couple of line-ups — including the 24th season for Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, which launched just last night.

Their production of “What About LUV?” — a musical based on the play “LUV” by Murray Schisgal — runs through Nov. 6. It’s a tale of convoluted love set on New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge, opening with one character preventing another from making a fatal jump. The work features features book by Jeffrey Sweet, music by Howard Marren and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents “Dreyfuss in Rehearsal,” a work by Jean-Claude Grumberg and adapted by Garson Kanin, Jan. 26-Feb. 5, 2012. It follows a group of amateurish actors trying to stage a play about a very serious topic even as religious persecution begins to impinge on their own young lives.

“The Blessings of a Broken Heart,” adapted by Todd Salovey from the award-winning book by Sherri Mandell, will be performed by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company March 22-April 1, 2012. It’s based on the true story of a mother who discovers her own courage amidst tragedy after moving her family from Maryland to the wilderness of Israel. The work features music and images from the Holy Land.

You’re unlikely to see these works elsewhere, and all are perfectly suited to the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company — which excels with relationship-driven storylines and pieces that blend life’s lightest and heaviest moments. The company performs at the John Paul Theatre on the campus of Phoenix College, and also presents works for youth.

This season’s youth offerings include “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” — which is being performed just three times the weekend of Dec. 10 & 11. I’m especially excited to see the work after discovering the name of a child from the “RAK family” on a list of cast members (though I doubt she’ll ever stoop her calling herself a “stage mom”).

In addition to its “Curtain Call” educational division for children and teens, the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company has a teen improv troupe called “All Rights Reserved” — which entertains audiences prior to “Curtain Call” performances and at various community events.

Finally, the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company is presenting two works in recognition of Arizona’s centennial — a staged reading of Ben Tyler’s “Goldwater: Mr. Conservative” performed by Ken Bennett (Nov. 1) and a staged reading of a new play by Harriet Rochlin titled “For Better And Worse: Jewish Marriages in the Arizona Territory” (Jan. 30). Also a special event featuring author and director Salovey (March 26).

While the company is dedicated to reflecting and illuminating “Jewish culture, history and perspective,” the stories they tell elucidate experiences we all share –from love and laughter to longing and loss.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to learn more about the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, and here to enjoy more hearts and other fun finds from [Stuff] by miss emma jude. For information on official Arizona centennial events, visit az100years.org.

Coming up: From civilized to savage

I am what I am

As events unfolded last Sunday, I couldn’t help repeating the chorus of a song called “I Am What I Am” over and over again in my head. From the Broadway musical “La Cage aux Folles,” the song is a sort of anthem to self-acceptance.

Ironic considering my failure to execute my one big goal for the day — attending an Arizona Jewish Theatre Company production called “My Name is Asher Lev” — which tackles the topics of identity and self-acceptance.

Because it was to be my third theater outing of the weekend, I felt even guiltier than usual about leaving my husband behind to care for more mundane tasks like paying bills and caring for pets.

I assuaged my guilt by attempting to squeeze in just one more load of laundry before leaving for the afternoon. That’s where it all started to go horribly wrong. Turns out I had just enough time to make the show, but I breezed right past the final turn that would take me to my destination.

I was distracted, I suspect, by the song that was playing on the SiriusXM Radio “On Broadway” channel at the time. It was “Bring Him Home” from the musical “Les Miserables” — which has always reminded me of my 21-year-old son in poignant ways that only my husband and I fully understand.

When I got to the John Paul Theatre on the campus of Phoenix College in Glendale, where the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company performs, it was about ten minutes past showtime. And to their credit, they’d started the show on time — with a nearly packed house that would make it hard for me to find a seat without being disruptive.

So I snagged a program, information of their upcoming “Curtain Call” youth theatre production of “A Rockin’ Tale of Snow White,” and their “Summer Theatre Day Camps.” I hoped to find a little coffee joint nearby where I could review the program or read one of the daily papers I keep in my car for just such occasions.

When in doubt, follow this advice from a Cafe Press bumper sticker

I drove away, planning to return two hours later for a post-show talk back with Janet Arnold, Layne Racowsky and the show’s three cast members.

And I remembered that I’d been meaning to get to the historic district in Glendale to check out local arts offerings and photograph a bit of local flavor.

I found the flavor I was looking for at a coffee joint called “A Shot of Java” — which has a rare blend of cozy charm and quirkiness that makes it especially appealing. I stumbled on this little gem after parking nearby to photograph a sign that caught my eye because of its “Mad Hatter” motif.

I asked for directions to local museums. We used to have a bead museum, they told me, but it just shut down. “I know,” I said — vowing to photograph it anyway as a reminder of what can happen when we take local repositories of arts and culture for granted.

I used the time I’d allotted for “My Name is Asher Lev” to explore the City of Glendale further — and I’ll be sharing more about my fun finds in a future “Art Adventures: Historic Glendale” post complete with photos of plenty of signs.

My kids often tease me about my fondness for taking pictures of signs, but I felt somewhat vindicated as I watched a story about an artist with a similar affliction on the “CBS Sunday Morning” program earlier in the day.

I returned for the “My Name is Asher Lev” talk back, and discovered that audience members included students taught by one of the show’s actors. Their questions, and those of others who actually managed to see the play, were enlightening — and will be included in a future post that I’ll publish before the show’s final weekend performances (it runs through April 3).

My final stop of the day was a coffee shop I frequented when my daughter Lizabeth trained with the School of Ballet Arizona. Sitting at one of the outside tables was a friend I first met while Christopher attended New Way Academy in Scottsdale. I sat to catch up a bit before heading home to make dinner, asking how she’d spent her day.

Turns out she was lucky enough to catch one of the many productions I just didn’t have time to take in — the Ballet Arizona performance of “Modern Masters.” She described each of the three pieces they performed in beautiful and exquisite detail — leading me to wonder whether she might be a budding arts critic, or interested perhaps in writing a guest blog about a future dance performance.

Tonight I was planning to attend opening night of “Fiddler on the Roof” at ASU Gammage — a piece that feels especially poignant as James and I ready to send our youngest daughter off to college in the fall. But I knew better than to leave late in the hopes of making it in time. Once again, my plate is full with family responsibilities.

Still, I’ll be taking time out later this evening to write a post about the show — which I saw performed at ASU Gammage many years ago. It was a different production, but the story in all its grandeur does not change — and it’s one that all parents can relate to and learn from.

“Fiddler on the Roof” runs through this weekend at ASU Gammage, and if you’re not going tonight, there’s still time for you to learn from my mistakes. Get through all that work you brought home now. Make the kids use paper plates, and tell your family you’re boycotting laundry.

It rarely seems to work for me. But I never give up trying.

After all, I am what I am…

— Lynn

Note: My “Art Adventures: Historic Glendale” will post just in time for you to get a taste of the city’s historic district before it holds a free event titled “Artworks First Saturdays” from 10am-4pm on Sat, April 3. Watch for musings on “Family and Fiddler” tomorrow (Wed, March 30).

Coming up: New season announcements!, A new “Women of Broadway” series hits the Valley

Camera meets Camp Fair

I had a great time chatting with folks during Saturday’s Raising Arizona Kids 2011 Camp Fair — and snapped these photos to give you a feel of the day.

Most feature camps with a music, dance, art or theater focus — but sometimes camps with fascinating props caught my eye…

This charming critter, named Whopper, was a favorite with kids and grown-ups alike

The fine folks from VYT--whose upcoming productions feature a little boy named Alexander and a little girl named Annie

Apparently I got so flustered thinking about Bon Jovi, the namesake for a lizard I meant to capture in this photo, that I managed to miss the gecko altogether

Phoenix Theatre presents the mature-themed Avenue Q this month, but has plenty of summer camp fare for children and teens

Scottsdale Academy's booth offered dot painting for the many children who attended Camp Fair with their parents

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company offers Curtain Call camps for youth, and will soon hold auditions for The Rockin' Tale of Snow White

I got a lovely invitation to enjoy a bit of painting at the Carrie Curran Arts Studios, which offer a Young Vincents program for kids

Greasepaint Youtheatre was giving away tickets to their upcoming production of The Jungle Book

Keep museums like the Arizona Science Center in mind when planning summertime activities for youth

A mother and son moment at the Kirk's Studio booth

Camp Zoo brought fun props like animal skulls for their Camp Fair booth

Voices, a music and arts studio, brought along videos featuring student performances

Prescott Pines wins my personal Best Costume nod for this year's Camp Fair

If you missed the Raising Arizona Kids 2011 Camp Fair, just click here for links to participating camps — plus an adorable animal photo from one of our better photographers who actually manages to get the things she’s photographing in her camera frame.

Luckily, my son Christopher assures me that when I make my post-midlife move to taking big girl photos, he’ll help me find all the right gear and classes. Maybe there’s a camp for that…

— Lynn

Note: Click here to read a companion post about the Raising Arizona Kids 2011 Camp Fair

Coming up: Mommy musings on choosing an arts camp

Spring theater camp alert!

Broadway program at Scottsdale Studios

The little darlings will soon have extra time on their hands as teachers celebrate that age old tradition called “spring break.” So I say, why should parents have all the drama?

Plenty of Valley theater companies offer spring break camps and workshops full of all things acting, song and dance. Here’s a rundown of several options…

Chandler Center for the Performing Arts. Spring Glee Camp. Ages 8 & up. March 21-25. 9am-noon. $150.

Childsplay in Tempe. Spring Break Workshop. Musical Theatre: Jungle Book. Ages 8-14. March 14-18. 9am-4pm. $275.

Creative Stages Youth Theatre. Spring Break Camp. Ages 8-18. March 14-18. 9am-3pm. $150.

Scottsdale Glee. Musical Theatre Glee Camp. Ages 6-15. March 14-18. 9am-noon. $180.

Scottsdale Studios. Glee Camp. Ages 5-18. March 15-17 9am-4pm and March 18 4-8pm. $400.

Broadway Cabaret performance at Scottsdale Studios

Theatre Works Youth Works in Peoria. Spring Break Workshop. Ages 7-18. March 14-18. 9am-3pm. $199.

Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix. Spring Camp. Musical Theatre. Ages 7-15. March 8-12 and March 15-19. 9am-3pm. $275.

Call or visit the websites for these groups to learn more about specific offerings, and remember that they also offer summer options.

Ask about whether specific items of interest (such as T-shirts, lunches, before/after care, audio/video recordings, audition training, etc.) are available, and whether they are included or offered at extra cost. Also ask about sibling discounts.

Scottsdale Studios offers a Spring Glee Camp

Additional summer programs with a theater twist are offered by Camp Broadway (a program of ASU Gammage), Curtain Call (the youth theater company of Arizona Jewish Theatre Company), Imagine That! (a program of Paradise Valley United Methodist Church), Phoenix Theatre and others.

To learn more about diverse summer camp options for Valley children and teens, attend the free Raising Arizona Kids Magazine Camp Fair this weekend — which features information on camps with themes ranging from sports to science.

Do your research now — and help your child make camp decisions on the sooner rather than the later side.  

Unless, of course, you need more drama in your life…

— Lynn

Note: If your local arts program (dance, music, theater, visual arts) offers a summer camp, feel free to send photos to rakstagemom@gmail.com for possible use in upcoming posts.

Coming up: From music major to English major, Broadway time travel, Diverse dance offerings

Photos courtesy of Scottsdale Studios

It takes a village

Sometimes it take a village of 19 youth actors from around the Valley

Sometimes it takes a village — which is just what you’ll enjoy this weekend if you attend a performance by Curtain Call Youtheatre, the educational division of the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company.

They’ll present “A Village of Idiots” — Sat, Dec 11 at 7pm, and Sun, Dec 12 at 2pm — at the John Paul Theatre at Phoenix College. The cast includes 19 young actors from around the Valley in a comedy based on “the tales of Chelm.”

But you needn’t wait until the weekend to enjoy Arizona arts and culture. The Arizona Humanities Council holds an “Authors’ Night/Fundraiser” Wed, Dec 8, at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix.

The event features nationally renowned authors Matthew Whitaker and Cynthia Hogue, as well as photographer Rebecca Ross, exploring “the journey of Hurrican Katrina evacuee’s grief and hope through stories, poems and photographs.”

See Joel Sartore at the MAC

“America’s Great Wildlife Migrations” featuring Joel Santore, “National Geographic” photographer, also takes place Wed, Dec 8 — at the Mesa Arts Center.

For the “12 to 21” set, the Phoenix Art Museum presents “Speak & Slam 2.0” Wed, Dec 8, at 6:30pm. It’s their second installation of “original poetry and recitation” — held in partnership with the national “Poetry Out Loud” recitation contest. Young poets can practice performing for a live audience or come to support the readings of other youth.

Take time this season to support aspiring performers

Chandler-Gilbert Community College invites community members to attend a free “Student Actors’ Showcase” Fri, Dec 10 at 7pm in room Agave 155. 

They’re also offering a free event Mon, Dec 13 at their Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center — a “Winter Sampler” featuring various vocal and musical ensembles. (Reservations at 480-732-7343 are required.)

The Phoenix Art Museum presents “PhxArtKid Day” Sun, Dec 12, for children ages 5-12 and their adult companions — which is free with museum admission. This “Gifts of the Season” event features exploration of art and the opportunity to create original art with a holday theme.

Adults and kids can attend the Phoenix Art Museum’s “Holiday Festival” Sun, Dec 12, from noon to 8pm — which features the 12:12pm unveiling of a new work of art. Other activities taking place at various times include a scavenger hunt, balloon dancing and more. Think strolling musicians. Adorable critters. And an ice igloo.

Make holiday cards at the Children's Museum of Phoenix

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix presents “Holiday Cards” Dec 7-12 in their art studio. It’s for children and adults who’d like to spend some time making artwork together — and it’s just one of many family-friendly activities and events they offer on a regular basis.

Exciting art projects can also be found at the Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, which routinely offers times for children to create art while they’re at the museum to enjoy its many kid-friendly exhibits.

Young Arts of Arizona opened a new exhibit last Friday at their “Purple Space Gallery” in Phoenix. It features artwork by students at Phoenix Country Day School, who were inspired by an “Interpretations of Nature” theme.

If architecture is your thing, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art invites you to attend a free event on Sat, Dec 11. It’s the 11am-2pm “official public dedication” of the Soleri Bridge and Plaza. Related events (some with limited seating and/or an admission charge) are also scheduled — including a “VIP Tour of Cosanti,” a lecture/panel discussion and more.

"HAIR" has a tribe rather than village vibe

Broadway lovers can enjoy the touring production of  “HAIR” this week at ASU Gammage. If you like a bit of brunch with your Broadway, you can enjoy brunch on campus at the University Club before the Sun, Dec 12, matinee performance.

Dance aficionados have several options this week, including the “Breaking Ground 2010” dance and film festival presented by CONDER/dance Fri, Dec 10, at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Enjoy dance at Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Chandler-Gilbert Community College presents a “Student Dance Showcase” at 8pm Fri, Dec 10, and Sat, Dec 11, at their Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center in Chandler.

And those who donate cans of non-perishable food items to United Food Bank through a food drive at Kriti Dance in Chandler this weekend can enjoy a free trial class in Bollywood style dance Sun, Jan 9, 2011.

Finally, there’s the fine art of civic engagement — which you can practice this week at the State Capitol. Thurs, Dec 9, at 9am, the Arizona Capitol Museum will “celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Arizona Constitution with the opening of a new exhibit.”

It’s titled “We the People of Arizona….” At 2pm Governor Brewer and Secretary of State Ken Bennett will join others in commemorating the centennial of Arizona’s Constitutional Convention.

It really does take a village…

— Lynn

Note: Comprehensive daily listings of family-friendly events in the Valley of the Sun are always available online from Raising Arizona Kids magazine. Always call ahead to confirm event details — day/time, location, cost, age-appropriateness and such.

Coming up: A true Broadway baby

Photo credit: “HAIR” photo by Joan Marcus