The Gene Marcus Piano Competition at Purdue University Fort Wayne will be held for young pianists up to age 18 years of age who live within 100 miles of Fort Wayne. 

The competition will have four age divisions — 9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18 — and winners will receive cash prizes and camp scholarships. Senior division winners may also be offered a scholarship to pursue a music degree at PFW. 

Application deadline is Thursday, Jan. 5, with the first round of live auditions on Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 21-22. The final round will be Sunday, Feb. 5, with a winners recital that day at 6:30 p.m.

For details, go to pfw.edu and search “Gene Marcus.”

Screening of Aftershock documentary

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 6-9 p.m. at Walb Student Union on the campus of Purdue University of Fort Wayne, Healthier Moms and Babies, along with Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Women and Multicultural Center, will hold a screening and post-film discussion of the documentary Aftershock

The groundbreaking documentary is co-directed by Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt and follows the lives of two bereaved Black fathers, Bruce McIntyre and Omari Maynard, as they navigate life and fatherhood after the preventable deaths of their partners. 

For more information, contact the multicultural center at multicultural@pfw.edu or (260) 481-6608 or The Women’s Center, women@pfw.edu or (260) 481-6028).

Fashion industry discussion at Cinema Center

The 100 Days of Bill Blass citywide event concludes with a conversation on fashion sustainability through the exploration of film at Cinema Center. 

Made in Bangladesh, a film about a young textile factory worker in Dhaka, depicts the reality of the current fashion industry as well as the grueling conditions the workers face while dealing with the troubles of patriarchy in her personal life. 

A discussion after the film will connect the genius of Blass to trends that will shape the future of fashion. 

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. screening. Free popcorn will be available.

Have pet blessed at Messiah Lutheran

Messiah Lutheran Church, 7211 Stellhorn Road, will hold a Pet Blessing Service on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. 

Bring your pet (or a photo) to the outdoor chapel for a blessing. 

Cash donations will be collected for Lost Dogs of Fort Wayne and pet food items and supplies will be accepted for the Fort Wayne Pet Food Pantry.

Fort4Fitness Fall Festival takes over city

Much of the city will be transformed into a running course for the 15th annual Fort4Fitness Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Runners will have the opportunity to take part in a 4-mile, 10-kilometer, half-marathon, and triple crown races, with the finish line at Parkview Field

Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas auditions

Arena Dinner Theatre will hold auditions for Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge from 7-10 p.m. Sunday-Monday, Oct. 2-3. 

Director Lindsay Hoops is looking for a cast of five women, eight men, and the children. The theater is seeking a diverse cast, including a Black female with strong singing skills, a George Bailey type (preferably who can do a solid Jimmy Stewart impression), and comedic actors who can speak with a British accent. 

Email lindsayraehoops@gmail.com for a PDF copy of the script. Rehearsals will begin the week of Oct. 10 and will typically be Monday-Friday, 7-10 p.m. Some Sunday rehearsals might be called. Performances are Dec. 1-18.

Youtheatre presenting Robyn Hood

When the brave men and knights of England were off fighting in The Crusades, no one was left to defend the sick, the poor, the very young, or the very old, until one brave girl, Robyn Hood, stood up and became a hero. 

Written and directed by Todd Espeland, the Youtheatre’s production of Robyn Hood: Heroine of Sherwood Forest hits the bull’s-eye with a new twist on a classic tale. 

Held at First Presbyterian Theater, the show runs Friday-Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, with a sensory friendly performance  at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. 

Tickets are available at Artstix.org.