Happy Holidays!! This is a shorter newsletter because, well, we have holiday overload. We'll make up for it with another issue on January 5th filled with lots of great things to see and do. In the meantime, remember to visit the AnythingArts.com events calendar!

Last Chance! Dec 26 & 27
[ comedy improv ]

Florida Studio Theatre will be presenting its first ever Ha-Ha Holiday Improv Event in the Goldstein Cabaret called "Winter Blunderland." This new show will be a completely different and dynamic form of improvisation based on a ‘longform’ narrative style. Each week, the FST Improv troupe will create a III-Act play, completely unscripted, made up on the spot! It will be an "Instant Holiday Classic" every week. Watch as the actors take you on a dramatic journey from first audition, to rehearsal, to opening night of the improvised play.

Deadline Dec 30
National Call for Entries-Pastels

Deadline Dec 30
TV ME! Pitch/Concept Contest for New Television Content

Deadline Jan 3
Call for Entries - Art of Trees

Deadline January 12
Embracing Our Differences will be returning to Sarasota's bayfront in April 2012. Their mission is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness and promoting the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice. The Exhibit contains 39 bill-board size (16 feet by 12 1/2 feet high) artworks. Artists are asked to submit their interpretation of the theme "embracing our differences" in the required format detailed in their prospectus. CLICK HERE to download a copy.

Selby Gardens holiday extravaganza Lights in Bloom, December 16-23 and December 26-27 from 5:30-9:00 pm.  Seeking volunteers staff the ten nights.  No prior experience needed.

Especially seeking performers, including actors, dancers and individuals with behind-the-scenes theater experience -- on a nightly basis or, through the ten-day length of the run.

Tree Men – seeking two men with deep voice, preferably tall, to act as the kindly host of Selby Lights in Bloom. This person will be wearing a robe and a very fantastic headdress and will greet visitors as they enter the Gardens. Requires the ability to formulate and act the role of Tree Man.
 
Santa Claus (Dec. 17-23 only)– due to costuming restrictions, this position requires a 6 ft or taller man. Must enjoy children, have a hearty laugh, and be able to ably portray old St. Nick. This role may be played by multiple players.
 
Puppet-master (no experience necessary) – this volunteer will “fly” a lighted dragonfly on a long pole assembly during the event. The position requires some upper-body strength and an understanding of theatricality; this person will be dressed in black, including black makeup, to become “invisible” and will stay concealed while he/she operates the display. Will use a flag-holder for back support.
 
Behind-the-Scenes (possible combined position)
· Wardrobe mistress/master to distribute costumes to performers each evening and, at the end of each evening, to ensure that costumes are cared for and put away safely.
· Makeup artists to apply makeup for Garden fairies, Santa, elves, and any other characters requiring it.
 
If you are interested in volunteering for any of these positions, please contact Phyllis Kirtley atpkirtley@selby.org or 366-5731 x22