Hale Center Theater Orem

Tickets can be purchased by calling 226-8600. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The theater is located at 225 W. 400 North, Orem.

SCERA

SCERA to celebrate dance -- Irish Style -- The international success and popularity of the Irish dance phenomenon Riverdance has brought attention the energetic dancing of Ireland, including two championship schools of Irish dance that will be featured at the SCERA Center for the Arts during January.

Called "Rhythm of Ireland," the evening will reflect the current fascination with Irish dance with a generous nod to its history, and will feature some of the best championship Irish dancers in the state of Utah. Performances will continue through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. at the SCERA Center, 745 S. State, Orem. Reserved-seat tickets at $10 for adults and $8 for children (age 3-11), students (w/ID) and seniors (age 65+) are available from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays at the SCERA Center, by calling (801) 225-ARTS, online at www.scera.org or at the door 30 minutes prior to each show.

The Crawford and Shelley Schools of Irish dance will be featured. Choreographers and co-Artistic Directors Jill Crawford and Tina Shelley are both TCRG certified through the Irish Dance Commission of Dublin, Ireland. They combine their schools to host the annual Utah State Feis, a statewide Irish dance competition that draws dancers from all over the western United States, and from this idea was born the Rhythm of Ireland Dance Company.

SCERA Announces Auditions for "Smokey Joe's Cafe" -- The SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem announces auditions for its upcoming April 2008 production of the song and dance revue "Smokey Joe's Caf," celebrating the rock 'n roll music of songwriters Lieber & Stoller.

"Smokey Joe's Cafe" will be directed and choreographed by Shawn Mortensen and will play at the SCERA Center for the Arts April 11-26, 2008 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

Auditions for men and women ages 16 and older will be Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 from 7-9 p.m. in Room B3 of the SCERA Center, 745 S. State St. in Orem. Auditioners should come prepared to sing 16 measures of a song of their choice (a 1950s-60's era song is recommended by not required). An accompanist or boom box will be provided.

Dance auditions will take place Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. Some of those from singing auditions will be asked to attend the dance audition. Dancers are also needed for a variety of non-singing roles and are welcome to attend the dance audition only. Auditioners will learn and perform a short segment of choreography.

For more information, contact SCERA at (801) 225-ARTS or visit www.scera.org.

American Fork Arts Council

Symphony youth soloist auditions announced -- Auditions for youth soloists for the April 28 concert with the American Fork Symphony will be Jan. 12. These auditions will be held in the music department of American Fork Junior High School, 1120 N. 20 West.

Categories are: Elementary -- ages 12 and under; Junior -- ages 13 through 15; and Senior -- ages 16 through 18. All instrumental players and vocalists may audition, but former winners must wait until they are in the next age level to audition again. Contestants will perform in their appropriate age level only.

Instrumentalists should prepare a movement from a standard concerto or a solo with orchestral accompaniment. Vocalists should prepare a standard aria or solo with orchestra (no "pop" songs, however).

Two pianos will be available and contestants must bring their own accompanist. Pianists may perform unaccompanied, but all other contestants should perform with an accompanist. Each contestant will be allowed eight minutes. Winners will be selected according to performance standards. The judges' decision will be final. Orchestral scores and parts must be readily available through standard sources.

An audition fee of $15 will be charged for each applicant. Application forms may be obtained from teachers, Web site www.americanforksymphony.org., or Maxine Steele, 48 W. 600 North, American Fork, Utah 84003; 801-756-2330. Each contestant will receive an audition time by mail or phone by Jan. 8. Also for more information, contact Maxine Steele.

Lehi Arts Council

Take your best shot -- Get ready for Naturally Lehi, an amateur photo contest sponsored by the Lehi Arts Council.

The contest is seeking remarkable, original photographs of nature taken within the boundaries of Lehi. Photographs may show natural landscapes, wild animals or insects in natural settings, plant life, and other natural scenes.

Amateur photographers of all ages may participate. Contact Linnie Brown at 766-2234 for more information. Entry forms are available online at www.lehicityarts.org

Winter Workshops -- The Lehi Arts Council winter workshop series will begin on Jan. 28. Registration for workshops which include sculpting, arts and crafts, cooking for kids, mom and tot music and movement, children's musical theatre classes, will be available for online today.

Hutchings Museum

Wildlife Art Show -- The Hutchings Museum, 55 N. Center St., Lehi, is sponsoring a Wildlife Art Exhibit in February. Entries are being accepted to display at the museum until the deadline at 5 p.m., Jan. 31.

There is no age requirement. Judging will take place Feb. 1. Prizes will be awarded by age group for first, second and third place, with all entries getting a free museum pass. More information on the competition is available online, www.hutchingsmuseum.org or at the museum, 768-7180.

Night in the Museum -- Museum staff and docents are hosting a "Night in the Museum on Feb. 22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The museum is a wild place full of historic and entertaining characters and animals as the sun sets and the exhibits come to life. Come experience the adventure of a "Night in the Museum."