Turnstone is seeking performers for their third annual talent show Center Stage on Thursday, June 13, at The Clyde Theatre.
This inclusive talent experience elevates talent and performing arts for all people with and without disabilities. All proceeds go toward supporting Turnstone’s mission of empowering people with disabilities.
Turnstone is hoping to fill this year’s show with a large variety of local performers — any and all talents are welcome.
Participants will be selected from online submissions, and a committee will contact performers about their entry status by May 1.
The winning performance of Center Stage will be chosen by a panel of judges and will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
Go to turnstone.org, contact centerstage@turnstone.org, or call Kayla Crawford at (260) 483-2100 to learn more.
Still time to register for PFW summer camps
Some spots are still open for Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Community Arts Academy summer camps, including:
Video Production Camp (June 17-21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Grades 6-8, $275): This new camp will take place in the PFW TV studio and covers basic equipment tips and tools to understanding the impact that video can have on an audience. Students will walk away with an understanding of how to tell a story, work with cameras and microphones, and edit footage shot in and out of class using DaVinci, free editing software. Final camper projects will be screened at Cinema Center. The camp is directed by Dr. Art Herbig and Alix Watson of the Purdue Fort Wayne Center for Collaborative Media.
Summer String Camp (June 24-28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Grades K-12, $299): This camp is led by Philharmonic violinist Marcy Trentacosti and her daughter Lauren Blair-Tourkow, co-lead fiddle player with the regional newgrass band Debutants. This camp features string orchestra, chamber ensembles, and group classes for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students must have a minimum of two years of string instruction to take part in this camp. Learn new music in a week of string orchestra, group classes, and chamber music. Culminating recital on Friday at 1 p.m.
Music Technology Camp (July 29-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Grades 6-8, $250): This camp will be held at the PFW Music Technology building on the Sweetwater campus, 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W., with lunch taking place at Sweetwater. Students will work with industry professionals, learn about careers in music, and experiment with the latest recording software such as Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton.
To sign up, go to pfw.edu/visual-performing-arts/community-arts-academy/summer-camps.
Community Center to be sensory inclusive
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center has partnered with KultureCity to make all the programs and events the center at 233 W. Main St. sensory inclusive.
KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive program, has been embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions around the world. Their resources and training by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals enable staff to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, allowing them to enjoy live events, entertainment, and public spaces with greater comfort.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli at the Community Center.
Sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones provided by Puro Sound Labs, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at the Community Center who may feel overwhelmed by the environment, regardless of the individual’s age.
Get early look at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo does not officially open until April 27, but they’re giving the public a spring preview this month.
With limited dates and hours, visitors can build a bird feeder to welcome migrating birds, meet a zookeeper at a free Keeper Chat, take free train and carousel rides, feed the goats and stingrays (additional charge), and visit many of the animals they have missed over the winter months.
The zoo will be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 13-14 and April 20-21. Admission is $12 for those 13 and older, $10 for kids 2-12, and free for children 1 and under.
For more information and a schedule of activities, go to kidszoo.org.
News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
