Eugene Ballet to present holiday classic Submissions FLORENCE — It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without that classic holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker.” This popular seasonal show comes alive on the Florence Events Center stage Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. The Eugene Ballet’s holiday extravaganza once again fills the stage with smiling faces of all ages as hundreds of young dancers join the company to tell this beloved story with its grand adventures taken by Clara and Hans. “The Nutcracker” brings the holiday spirit into focus, trans- porting the audience through Clara’s dreams and the wondrous characters she encounters along the way. CROW COURTESY PHOTO The Eugene Ballet will perform the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 15 at the Florence Events Center. TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR FLORENCE — In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre, Shrek, finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits, run- aways who’ve been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wise-crack- ing donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task: if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn’t be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, “Shrek, The Musical Jr.,” is an irreverently fun show for the whole fami- ly. CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) has announced open auditions, Jan. 11 and 12, for the musical comedy with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, and music by Jeanine Tesori. This marks CROW’s fifth mainstage production. The show will be performed April 15, 16 and 17 at the Florence Events Center, and for invited school audiences on April 14. Local audiences may recall that last spring, CROW produced a main stage production of “Once Upon A Mattress,” which dazzled and delighted local audi- ences. CROW is a Florence-based non- profit organizationdedicated to giving back to the community by providing qual- 1 0 • C OAST With the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier as guides, you’ll fly away to the Snow Kingdom and the Land of the Sweets, but not before battling the Mouse King and his pirate hench- mice. Toni Pimble’s exquisite choreography and Don Carson’s colorful and magi- cal sets are masterfully orchestrated to create the perfect tradition to put everyone into the holiday spirit. For tickets and more information, stop by the FEC, 715 Quince St., call 541-997-1994 or visit to www.eventcenter.org. ‘S HREK , T HE M USICAL J R .’ ity performing arts experiences to local youth. Artistic director Melanie Heard is a cre- dentialed teacher, and founder of the pro- gram. “We are not your ‘typical’ children’s theatre organization,” says Heard. “There is no charge to participate in a CROW mainstage musical, and this differentiates us from 95 percent of all other youth the- atre organizations in the nation.” Most groups charge between $200- $400 per child to participate. “It’s much more than just theatre. It’s an opportunity to hone crucial life skills such as teamwork, motivation, dedication and self-esteem,” says Heard. “We hope that these things will serve our kids well, no matter what life path they may select.” In addition to providing a very profes- sional work environment for the cast members, CROW utilizes the highest cal- iber costumes, sets, lighting design, cho- reography, music, sound, stage makeup and more. “Just wait till you see this year’s fire breathing dragon,” says Heard. There are great roles for ages 6 to 22 and older, and all young people are encouraged to try out regardless of previ- ous stage experience. Mature 4- to 6-year- olds may be considered for “Telegrammers.” Auditions will be held at the Siuslaw Middle School cafeteria on Jan. 11 and C ENTRAL • A r ts & En t er ta i n me n t • D EC EM BE R 20 1 5 12, at 6:30 p.m. Invited callbacks will be held on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. There are approximately 40 to 45 onstage roles, and several behind the scenes jobs for kids interested in technical theatre. To audition or participate backstage, kids must attend the audition. Onstage performer hopefuls will need to bring 16-32 bars from a song that they would like to sing (sheet music or a CD, MP3 track with no background voices is also acceptable), and a headshot and resume if available. Prospective cast members will also be taught a short dance combination, and those asked to come to callbacks will read sides from the script. No experience is required, so don't be afraid to come and give it a try. Interested families are encouraged to check out the CROW website for all of the information needed to prepare for the audition. Rehearsals will begin Jan. 25 and are generally held weeknight evenings from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. A schedule will be available for perusal at the audition. Heard stresses that performing in these productions is a big commitment. For a casting breakdown, FAQs and detailed audition information, visit www.crowkids.com, or contact Heard at 541-999-8641 or by email at crowtheatre kids@yahoo.com. sought for Artistic Visions Show FLORENCE — Artists are encouraged to submit original 2D, 3D and photography works of art for the Artistic Visions Awards Show in January at the Florence Events Center (FEC). This Awards Show is sponsored by the Friends of the Florence Event Center and its Gallery Committee. The show will run from Jan. 5 through Feb. 1. Three out-of-town judges have been selected for this show, each one respected in their field of expertise (2D, 3D and photogra- phy). A cash prize of $150 will be awarded for first place in each cat- egory, along with honorable men- tion ribbons. Each artist may submit up to three works of art. Reproductions (giclees, ink jet prints, etc., with the exception of photography) of original artwork are not eligible. A nonrefundable fee of $20 per work must be sent with the entry form. High school student art fees will be $10 per work. All artwork must be for sale, and content must be appropriate for the Florence Events Center. The deadline for entry forms and fees is Dec. 15. Due to space restraints, forms will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. All artwork must be hand deliv- ered to Gallery One at the FEC on Monday, Jan. 4, between 9 a.m. and noon. Awards will be present- ed at a reception Jan. 9. Entry forms may be obtained at the FEC office, or by visiting www.eventcenter.org. Have an event you’d like listed? S END IT TO E VENTS @T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM