Haas honored

The artistic talents of the Haas family in Geneva, evident at their Strawflower Shop, are shared by son Perry, a ceramic art major at Utah State University. He just won best-in-show honors at his school and additional national recognition.

Perry Haas took best in show in November at the USU Undergraduate Exhibition. In December, he was selected to show his work in a judged exhibit organized by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. From 835 applicants, only 51 artists were accepted for the NCECA 2009 Clay National Biennial Exhibition.

The event, held at Arizona State University in Phoenix, was described by NCECA as a “premier exhibition of contemporary ceramics.”

Acting classes

Steel Beam Theatre, a nonprofit theater in St. Charles, is taking registration for winter session acting classes that begin next month.

“They are fun for a beginner as well as students with stage experience,” said artistic director Donna Steele, noting the scripts are ever-changing, to keep the material fresh and allow students to fine-tune their skills through repetition.

Two six-week programs will be taught by Lori Holm.

• Offered ages 7 to 9 will be Storybook Theater (“The Three Bears”) from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 11 to March 18.

• Center Stage will let students ages 10 to 14 shine as they perform improv scenes while gaining knowledge of acting through theater games. It meets from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 12 to March 19.

To register, call (630) 587-8521 or visit www.SteelBeamTheatre.com.

Auditions

The nonprofit Noble Fool Theatricals Performing Arts Academy invites ages 8 to 18 to audition for its Youth Ensemble’s spring production of “Cinderella” at Pheasant Run, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Open auditions are offered at two sites at the resort: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, on the Preservation Hall Studio Stage or 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, on the Mainstage. No appointment is necessary.

The NFT version of the fairy tale will feature a retelling set in the 1940s.

“The central theme of the show is ‘impossible things happen every day’ and the can-do attitude of the 1940s fit in perfectly,” said director Helen Buck of Lisle. “We’re freshening up the show with Lindy Hop and swing, Rosie the riveter and a touch of classic Hollywood glamour. It will be an educational and fun endeavor.”

Tali Allen of Roselle is musical director for the show, which will be staged for the public between March 21 and April 5 on the Mainstage.

For auditions, youth memorize a one-minute monologue and 16 bars of a song that best displays their talent. They should bring sheet music for the accompanist, along with headshot and resume.

For more information, visit www.noblefool.org/education, call (630) 364-0550 or e-mail education@noblefool.org.