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Arts & Entertainment

I'm Out of Order? You're Out of Order! (Actually, They're Out of Order)

Troupe creates a night of improv for Trail Blazers.

Kym Frank doesn’t know what scenarios the members of Out of Order will act out or what one-liners they’ll come up with on April 9, but there's one thing she’s confident of: Whatever the improv group does, it’ll be funny.

Maybe the performers will do skit where Barack Obama and John Boehner go on a picnic together, or a game show where the contestants compete to win an 8-track player and a beeper. Anything can happen when the troupe holds a benefit performance for Trail Blazers, at Dover Little Theatre.

“We do short-form improv, and I guess the way I'd explain that best is it's along the same lines as 'Whose Line Is It Anyway,’” Frank said, citing the primetime improv TV show moderated by Drew Carey. “Our shows are usually between an hour and two hours, and they're made up of a few short scenes, and all of those scenes have different structures to them. We have a piano player who participates in our shows, so we're able to do a lot of musical work. In some shows we'll improvise an entire musical in the middle of a show, or sometimes we'll do opera. We improvise news skits, sometimes game shows. They all have kind of a loose format, but everything gets made up on the spot.”

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In addition to raising money for Trail Blazers, which sponsors inner-city kids from New York and New Jersey so that they can participate in outdoor activities and environmental education, the performance also marks Out of Order’s fifth anniversary. The group started out doing benefits for area community theaters (most of Out of Order’s members work in theater as well) and now performs about 10 benefit shows a year.

Frank said the group members considered paid gigs, but between the members’ full-time jobs and other local theater work, they decided to stick to benefit performances.

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“Everyone in the group just enjoys working through comedy for these good causes,” she said

One key ingredient to a successful improv show is an active audience—watching performers seek ideas from a silent audience can be dreadful. Frank said pre-show warmups help get the crowd’s creative juices flowing.

“And since we've been around for quite a long time now, a good portion of our audience are return visitors,” she said, “so they know how the shows work and anybody's who's new gets caught up really quickly by those people who are returning to our shows.”

 But not every suggestion is a winner.

“The worst suggestion I ever got would be a suggestion of a location in which to do a scene,” Frank said. “And the location [the audience member gave] was on a frictionless surface. Sometimes the audience is very clever. Nine times out of 10 we'll hear, 'Do a scene in the bathroom or an elevator,' but there's always that 10th time when somebody completely catches us off guard.”

Still, no matter what the suggestion, Out of Order will give it a try, unless it’s something offensive.

“The suggestions vary widely, depending on the scene,” Frank said. “And we like to change things up, so every time we do a new show, we're inventing new games. We'll be featuring two new games in this show. So we do a lot of work shopping amongst ourselves to come up with new ways to do improv.

Another way to keep things new is by working with a guest performer, Desiree Caro participated in a free workshop Out of Order held, and was asked to participate in the show with regular members Frank, Dave O’Neill, Russ Crespolini, Omar Kazarsky, Jess Prekel, Joe Guadara, Jason Victor and musical director Dr. John Pierce.

Bringing in Caro to the performance meant teaching her and getting her up to speed in just a month or two. “It keeps us on our toes and teaches them new skills and brings in new audieces, and it's a lot of fun,” Frank said.

Going on stage without a script before an audience expecting to be entertaining seems intimidating, but Franks said that she’s become more comfortable with improv than with plays or musicals.

“I've been doing improv for quite a long time, so I tend to get less nervous during improv than I would during scripted theater because there's nothing to forget,” she said. “If you go off your script in scripted theater, no one's prepared for it, but in improv anything you say is the right thing to say next.”

Out of Order will perform a one-night benefit performance for Trail Blazers on April 9 at The Dover Little Theatre on April 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Recommended for ages 16 and older. For more information, go towww.outoforderimprov.com or call 973-328-9202.

The On Stage Scoop

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades 4 through 6 allows kids to act, play and be creative in a supportive, process-oriented class with an emphasis on play-building skills through improvisation, theater exercises and group collaboration. Five sessions will take place over the summer, with the first session starting June 20. Playwrights will also hold a Full Day Theatre Camp for grades 7 through 9 offering daily classes in acting technique, play production, musical performance and playwriting. Sessions will start July 5 and July 18. The theater’s website notes that if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines, classes will be canceled. Clickhere for more information about the Full Day Camp and here for more information about the acting lab.

Write That Play!: is offering Adult Playwriting Workshops. Workshops are scheduled through the summer, and pro-rated rates are available for the current workshop continuing through May 23. Click herefor more information.

Comedy Tonight (and Through April 10):  in Millburn is presenting “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” through April 10. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Sheelove and Larry Gelbart, this slapstick farce has been making audiences laugh since it debuted on Broadway in 1962 starring Zero Mostel. Nathan Lane headlined a popular revival in 1996. Tickets cost $25 to $92. For information go to www.papermill.org or call 973-376-4343.

Biblical Rock:  in Hillsborough is presenting “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” through April 16 at its playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road (Route 514). The show was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and is based on the story from the book of Genesis. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniors and students. For tickets, call 908-369-7469 or go to www.svptheatre.org.

Peachy Keen: Growing Stage children’s theater is the place to see “James and the Giant Peach” through April 17. The play was written by Richard R. George from the Roald Dahl book about the title boy, who embarks on a strange journey aboard a giant peach with his newfound insect friends. Growing Stage promises young theater-goers an adventure with lots of laughs, a wise grasshopper, a pessimistic worm and James’ mean aunts. The theater is located at 7 Ledgwood Ave., Netcong. Tickets cost $18, or for $14 seniors and children. Call 973-347-4946 or go to growingstage.goes.com for more information.

Mystery, Meat: Omicron Theatre Productions will present a Murder Mystery Dinner featuring audience participation through May 28, at  on Amwell Road in Hillsborough. Admission costs $49 and includes dinner, the show, tax and gratuity. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required: Call 609-443-5598.

Audition Alert, “42nd Street:” Villagers Theatre in Somerset will be holding auditions for “42nd Street” on April 5 from 7 to 10 p.m. Those auditioning are asked to perform a short, 16-bar selection in the style of the show, preferably from the standard musical theater repertoire. Every role in the show requires at least minor movement abilities, so in addition to singing, you will be taught a brief dance combination. Bring  appropriate footwear (i.e. jazz shoes, character shoes, or sneakers) and clothing in which you feel comfortable dancing. If you are interested in auditioning for the roles of Peggy Sawyer, Andy Lee or any ensemble roles, you  will also be taught a tap combination, so please bring tap shoes if you have them. For more information e-mailjessica@villagerstheatre.com.

Put Away Those CliffsNotes:  in Morristown is presenting “Hamlet” as part of a curriculum tie-in for students in grades 8 through 12, April 5 at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go towww.mayoarts.org. A study guide is available to download here.

Put Up Your Dukes: The Dukes of Dixieland, the oldest continuing jazz band in America’s jazz city, is coming to  to play brassy New Orleans music, April 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $32 ri $47. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

This Looks StrangeWhat Exit? Theatre Company will present StrangeDog Theatre’s “The StrangeDog Eat Dog and Pony Show,” April 7 through 9 at theThe Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts in Burgdorff. The company describes the show as a festival of manic comedies by Ben Clawson and rock ’n’ roll by Bern and The Brights and The MiCKS. In explaining the title, StrangeDog’s website states “StrangeDog” refers to the New Jersey-based collective of actors, directors, artists and designers, “Dog Eat Dog” describes the world’s harshness, and  “A Dog and Pony Show” refers to the 19th-century traveling show. “Put 'em all together and you’re left with ‘The StrangeDog Eat Dog and Pony Show,’ a fast paced and larger than life conglomerate of original plays, sketches, monologues and music,” according to What Exit’s website. The show is directed by Artem Yatsunov and stars some of StrangeDog’s favorite collaborators and co-conspirators. Tickets and show times are available at www.strangedogtheatre.com.

Into the Music: Galambos Lilla will perform an evening of music and dance with Csonka Tunde and Toth Miklos at Darress Theater, 615 Main St., Boonton on April 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20 at the door, $15 in advance. Go towww.darresstheater.com for more information.

Ladies Night: The Women’s Theater Company in Parsippany will present Matthew Barber’s adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel “Enchanted April” April 8 through 23. The play is about four English women who rent a castle on an Italian island in an effort to understand their lives and relationships. The novel was the basis for two movies, one released in 1935 and one in 1992. For tickets and information, call 973-316-3033 or e-mail info@womenstheater.org. Performances are at the , 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha (use Boonton as the destination city for GPS directions);www.womenstheater.org.

American Tunes: Rosanne Cash will perform a concert at in Morristown April 8 at 8 p.m. The daughter of Johnny Cash is known for hits like “Seven-Year Ache.” Her most recent album, “The List” is a collection of essential American songs and features collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello and Jeff Tweedy. Tickets cost $42-$67. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Play Ball! Nutley Little Theatre is presenting Richard Greenberg’s “Take Me Out,” April 8 to 23. The play follows Darren Lemming, star outfielder for the New York Empires. Darren is rich, famous, handsome and convinced that coming out of the closet will be well-accepted. Turns out he’s wrong. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15. The April 8 is a benefit performance for Buddies of New Jersey, an organization that supports and educates people who have, or whose lives are affected by, HIV and AIDS. Tickets for the April 9 Meet and Greet cost $22. Tickets are available by calling 1-877-238-5596 or by clicking here. The theater is located at 7 Erie Place. For information, go to www.nutleylittletheatre.com.

They’ve Got Personalities: ’s improvisational comedy troupe, Multiple Personality Disorder, will come to the theater in South Orange April 9 at 8 p.m. The unpredictable night of comedy is appropriate for the entire family and promises to bring the laughter from start to finish. The show features a cast of Dreamcatcher regulars, with the troupe directed by Dave Maulbeck, who works in New York with his sketch comedy group, Chet Watkins. The show features sketches created from audience suggestions, with past sketches taking places at a volatile Starbucks, a beach in Tahiti and an episode of “The Dating Game” with peculiar contestants. Tickets cost $15 (save $2 buying in advance). There is no charge for Dreamcatcher season pass holders. The show is at the Baird Center, 5 Mead St. in South Orange. For more information, go towww.dreamcatcherrep.org.

String Theory: Violinist Itzhak Perlman will make his Morristown debut with a concert at  in Morristown April 9 at 8 p.m. Perlman will be accompanied by pianist Rohan De Silva for a program featuring sonatas by Mozart, Beethoven and Saint-Saens. Tickets cost $75-$125. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Come See the Stars:  in Morris Township will hold its annual benefit fundraiser, “The Best of Times: A Star-Studded Salute to the Tony Awards,” on April 9 at 8 p.m. Broadway performer Suzzanne Douglas (“Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill”) stars, along with Tony Award-nominee Robert Cuccioli (“Jekyll & Hyde”), and fellow Broadway and regional favorites Christine Marie Heath, Garth Kravits, Rob Richardson, Joel Robertson, David Sabella-Mills, Matthew Shepard, Julie Waldman-Stiel and Susan Speidel. Joe Elefante (Broadway's “Jersey Boys”) serves as musical director. Audiences can expect to hear musical selections from Tony-winning and nominated shows including “Les Miserables,” “Funny Girl,” “Gypsy,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Monty Python's Spamalot,” “Chicago,” “Mame,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “My Fair Lady,” “Company,” “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and more. After the performance, the evening continues with a lavish meet-the-stars reception complete with catered delicacies, wine, Glacier Vodka, coffee and dessert. A cash 50-50 and silent auction will include a Park Avenue Club membership, luncheon for six at Springbrook Country Club,  tickets,  memberships, Bickford season subscriptions, and a Steuben Glass bowl. The show and reception tickets start at $125, with special patron levels at $250. Limited show-only tickets are also available at $65. Call 973-971-3706 for tickets and information.

Down in 100 Acre Wood: Sign State on Tour will present “Winnie the Pooh” at  in Morristown on April 10 at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Christopher Robin, Pooh and all their animal friends will be on stage in this adventure based on A.A. Milne’s books. The show is spoken and presented in sign language for ages 4 through 10. Tickets cost $12. Tickets cost $42 to $67. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Getting Into the Swing of Things: The Midiri Brothers will return to  in Morris Township with their jazz and swing sounds on April 11. They'll be introducing their new CD, backed by band members Brooks Tegler (drums), Pat Mercuri (guitar), Ed Wise (bass) and Dean Schneider (piano). Joe Midiri plays various reeds, while Paul Midiri plays vibes and occasional trombone. Tickets cost $18, $15 advance. Call 973-971-3706 or go towww.morrismuseum.org for more information.

Learning and Laughing: The Big Green Eco-Magic Show starring Steve Trash is coming to  in Morristown April 12 for performances at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. With a curriculum tie-in to science, environment and Eath Day, Steve Trash uses large-scal illusions and rock music to share ecological lessons with humor, fun and magic. Tickets cost $8. For grades 3 through 8. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Towering Work:  in West Orange will present the world premiere of Matt Schatz’s “The Tallest Building in the World,” April 14 through May 15. The play is about the birth of the World Trade Center towers and what is gained and lost when human beings try to reach the skies. Tickets cost $20-$30. The theater is located at 555 Valley Road in West Orange. For more information, go to www.lunastage.org.

A Bad Movie Can Make For a Good Time: The masterminds behind “Myster Science Theatre 3000” are bringing "Cinematic Titanic" to  in Morristown April 15 at 8 p.m. The show is a live version of the cable hit show as Joel Hodgson and the show’s cast members riff on a horrible and cheesy movie. Tickets cost $27-$37. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go towww.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, Comedy Showcase: Auditions are being held for a comedy showcase at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre. The theater is seeking new and experienced comics to try out their material on a live audience at the theater in Budd Lake April 16 at 1 p.m. and April 18 at 7 p.m. Prepare five minutes of your best material. Performances are June 4 and 11 at 8 p.m. On-stage experience is not necessary. Adult material is acceptable. Call 973-691-2100 for more information.

Adults-Only Comedy: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will present “Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight,” April 16 through May 6. The theater describes the show as a “boisterously naughty romp about three couples searching for love (and lust)." The show’s characters include a mafia hit man with intimacy problems, a young, gay psychiatrist with a much older boyfriend, and Ben, whose relationship with Nancy is thrown a curveball when she screams racial epithets at a rather strange moment. The off-Broadway hit opens April 16 with an 8 p.m. performance. Other performances are Saturdays April 23, 30 and May 7 at 8 p.m. Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for Saturday performances, $15 Friday and Sunday performances. (Note: This show is R-rated). Call the box office at 973-691-2100 for reservations.

If The Slipper Fits, It Must Be “Cinderella:” New Jersey Ballet will Dance “Cinderella” at  in Morristown April 17 at 3 p.m. The company bills the production as a lush take on the classic fairytale designed to entertain all ages, and narrated so that the littlest audience members can follow the story. Tickets cost $12-$15. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go towww.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, “Grey Gardens:” The Chester Theatre Group will hold open auditions for the musical, “Grey Gardens” on April 17 at 2 p.m. and April 18 at 7 p.m. Auditions will be held at The Black River Playhouse at the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of the audition, and bring music in appropriate key (accompanist will be provided). Those auditioning will sing, and may be asked to stay and read from the script. Callbacks will be held by appointment. The show is based (in part) on the Albert & David Maysels documentary concerning the relationship between Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ eccentric aunt and cousin. For more information, including character descriptions, go to www.chestertheatregroup.org.

Shakespeare Theatre Doth Seek Volunteers:  is seeking volunteers to assist with ushering, concessions, and the gift shop during the 2011 Season which begins in June. The Shakespeare Theatre will hold a Volunteer Open House on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, in Madison. Community members interested in volunteering are invited to attend this open house to find out more about The Shakespeare Theatre and volunteer opportunities, meet the professional management staff, mingle with veteran volunteers, and learn about the 2011 season from Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte. Volunteers receive a ticket voucher good for one admission throughout the season for each performance they work. Performances are held Tuesday through Sunday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning June 1 at the theater’s Main Stage — the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. Volunteers are also needed for the theater’s production on its outdoor stage—the Greek Theatre on the campus of the  in Convent Station, running June 22 through July 31. For a full schedule, more information, or to sign up to volunteer, contact Heather Arney at 973-408-3694 orharney@shakespearenj.org.   Information about The Shakespeare Theatre can be found online at ShakespeareNJ.org.

Audition Alert, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee:”Nutley Little Theatre is holding auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the NLT Barn located at 47 Erie Place on April 10 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Auditioners will be asked to sing and should bring their own sheet music. An Accompanist will be provided. They will also be asked to read sides from the show, which will be provided. The production requires five men and four women: Chip Tolentino, tenor (also doubles as Jesus); Leaf Coneybar, baritone (also doubles as Logainne’s father); Will Barfee, tenor; Logainne Schwartzand Grubenniere, soprano (also doubles as Leaf’s mom); March Park, soprano/mezzo-soprano, and Olive Ostrovsky, soprano (also doubles as Leaf’s siblings); Rona Lisa Perretti, soprano (also doubles as Olive’s mother); Mitch Mahoney, tenor (doubles as Olive’s father and Logainne’s father); and Douglas Panch, a non-singing role. Performance dates are June 10-12, 17-19 and 23-25. Go to www.nutleylittletheatre.com for more information.

Let’s Just Sing About Life:  is showcasing the “bookless book” musical “Closer Than Ever,” April 22 through May 7. The show features self-contained songs by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire about midlife crisis, second marriages, working couples and unrequited love, with many of the songs based on the lives of the writers’ lives. The original revue won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and Maltby and Shire both garnered Drama Desk Award nominations for their respective contributions. Tickets cost $25, $20 students (18 and under). Performances asre Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with additional performances on Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m. (The May 1 performance is a signed performance and an audio description is available if requested two weeks prior to the performance.) Go to summitplayhouse.org for more information.

Country Rock and Honky Tonk: Travis Tritt will be take stage at The  July 21; tickets go on sale to the general public April 8. Tritt’s hits include “Help Me Hold On,” “Foolish Pride,” and “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares).” Tickets cost $42-$87. More information can be found here.

School Will Be Out For Summer, So Why Not See Alice Cooper?:Tickets for Alice Cooper Aug. 15 concert at  are on sale now. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be playing hits like “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Tickets cost $57-$97. Click here for more information.

Camp Shakespeare:  has started enrollment for its summer educational programs, which offer training in classical theater by professional theater artists for middle- and high school-aged students. Applications for the Junior and Senior Corps are now being accepted. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Junior Corps is a two-week summer acting program for ages 11 through 14. The program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring young actors as well as youngsters making their first foray into theater. Each two-week Junior Corps session offers daily classes including training in voice and speech for the stage, movement for the actor, Shakespeare’s text, improvisation, stage combat and scene study. The focus of the Junior Corps program is ensemble work. The sessions culminate in a short original production, adapted from Shakespeare or another piece of classic literature, which is performed before an audience of family members, friends, local residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members. While developing basic acting skills, the Junior Corps curriculum also emphasizes self-confidence, collaboration, creativity and teamwork. The Junior Corps offers two sessions, July 11 through 23, and July 18 through July 30. No audition is required for admission into the Junior Corps, but space is limited. Tuition for each two-week Junior Corps session is $650. A $100 discount is applied to returning students or those whose parents are subscribers to The Shakespeare Theatre. The Senior Corps is a three-week program designed for students ages 14 to 17 who demonstrate an aptitude for performance or a strong interest in theater. The Senior Corps builds upon the foundation of the Junior Corps curriculum with an enhanced focus on Shakespeare, the rehearsal process, performance techniques and the nuts and bolts of the profession. Students take daily classes in voice and speech, movement for the actor, improvisation, Shakespearean scene study, stage combat, and audition technique. The sessions culminate with a performance piece — either a collection of Shakespeare scenes, or a condensed version of a Shakespeare play — which is presented to family, friends, local community residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members. Admission to the Senior Corps is by audition, and space is limited. Students will meet with professional resident artists in master classes and discussions. Each student will also come away from the program with a rehearsed and critiqued Shakespeare monologue of his or her choice — a great asset for auditioning for colleges or other theater programs. All members serve as ushers at the Theatre’s performances providing an opportunity for students to work with the public while experiencing the Theatre’s professional productions. Two sessions are offered — June 20 through July 9 and Aug, 1 through 20. The three-week Senior Corps sessions are $750 each.  Returning students or children of 2011 season subscribers receive a $100 discount. To sign up for an audition slot, or for more information, call 973-408-3980 or email Classes@shakespearenj.org.

She’s a Little Bit Country: Tickets for Marie Osmand’s Aug. 24 concert at The  in Morristown are on sale now. Tickets cost $57 to $97. For more information, see here or call 973-539-8008.

Registration for Summer Theater Camps: Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph has announced its 30th season of summer performing arts education with the return of three programs. Summer Stages is a workshop for young performers ages 8 through 14 who have completed second grade or higher during the 2010-11 school year; staff instructs students in acting, music and dance, and each two-week session will end with a production for audiences of parents, relatives and friends. The Advanced Performers Workshop is open to students who are already at least 12 and will be entering seventh through 11th grades in the 2011-2012 season. Admission is by audition and interview. Students will spend part of their time in rehearsal for whatever show they are working on, and part of their time in workshops on various aspects of theater arts. The Budding Stars program is designed for children ages 5 to 7. Students will also create simple props and costumes for skits, fairy tales and children’s stories they perform. For pricing, schedules and registration, go to www.randolphnj.org , click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.

Registration Open for Villagers Summer Theater Programs: TheVillagers Theatre in Somerset has announced its summer programs for training in theater arts, preparing young performers for the stage. Actors ages 9 to 12 who have demonstrated desire and talent for the performing arts will discover many aspects of theater, including acting, dance, voice, and musical theater, and production arts through both instruction and experience. The program will begin June 28 with two 3-week sessions, Monday through Friday. Li’l Villagers half-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m.-noon for younger performers, 6-8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Each session will culminate in a performance on the Villagers Main Stage on the final Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Overture care and encore care are available for an additional fee. Students will be grouped for instruction by age, ability or experience. Arts educators will be assisted by college interns and high school counselors. Students are required to provide their own transportation and brown bag lunches. Session 1 will take place July 5-23. Session II: July 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go towww.villagerstheatre.com.

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of , Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

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