The Danville Symphony Orchestra Foundation is pleased to announce that it has only 11 openings remaining for its guided trip to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concert on Thursday, Feb. 21.

Danville Symphony Orchestra Music Director, Jeremy Swerling, will lead lively discussions about the music and its performance before and after the “Coffee Concert," which takes place at 11 a.m. at Hilbert Circle Theater under the direction of Indianapolis Symphony Music Director, Mario Venzago.

Works to be performed include Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 (“Pathetique”) and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.

“This trip was very rewarding for everyone two years ago,” DSO Executive Director Jennifer Dixson said. “It gives classical music enthusiasts an opportunity to add a concert in between our own performances along with the benefit of having our own maestro’s entertaining and educational commentary before and after the concert.”

The bus will leave from St James United Methodist Church at 7:30 a.m. and will arrive in Indianapolis in time for coffee and refreshments at the Hilbert Circle Theater. Following the concert, the group will have lunch at Rick’s Boat Yard Café prior to returning to Danville by approximately 4 p.m.

The charge for the entire trip, including gratuities, is $65 per person. For reservations or more information, please contact Carla Heskett at 442-7810 before Jan. 31.

The Red Mask Players will be holding open auditions for “Accomplice,” a thriller by Rupert Holmes, at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Jan. 27-28 at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre, 601 N. Vermilion St.

There are roles available for two men and two women (two parts are slightly older and two are younger).

For more information about the characters, visit http://www.redmaskplayers.com.

All interested in auditioning are strongly encouraged to read the script before attending. Copies are available at the Danville Public Library for in-library use.

Performances of
"Accomplice" will be March 21-22, 28-30 and April 4-6.

Applications are being accepted for the 2008 Jean Lewis Scholarship to be presented by the Red Mask Players.

Local high school seniors and community college students who are theater majors or who have an interest in pursuing a field of study directly related to the theater are encouraged to apply for this $750 award.

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate their interest in theater by their past participation in local theater opportunities. Performing artists will be asked to audition as part of their application. Along with a completed application, those seeking the scholarship funds must submit two letters of recommendation. Completed application must be postmarked by April 5.

Applications are available from guidance counselors at area high schools, Danville Area Community College and Parkland College. Information about applying is also available on the Red Mask Web site at http//;www.redmaskplayers.com and from Red Mask’s Scholarship Chair, Linda Bolton, at 431-1050.

Danville Light Opera seeks drama directors, music directors, choreographers and accompanists for musical theater productions.

Directors are encouraged to propose any particular shows in which they have an interest.

Submit a letter of interest and resume summarizing community theater experience and an outline of any shows you wish to direct to Danville Light Opera, Attn: Director Selection Committee, P.O. Box 264, Danville, IL 61834-0264.

The Vermilion Festival Chorus, under the direction of David Schroeder, will begin rehearsals Monday, Jan. 21 for their spring concert, “A Good Shepherd,” to be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 444 E. Main St.

Rehearsals are held from 7-9 p.m. Mondays at Holy Catholic Church. Anyone that likes to sing is invited to join the chorus. There are no auditions required and singers are needed for all voice parts.

For more information, call Gene Schroeder, chorus manager, at 446-7543.

The Red Mask Players presents “Goodbye Charlie,” a comedy by George Axelrod, for three weekends beginning Jan. 11 at the Kathryn Randolph Theater, 601 N. Vermilion St.

Charlie was a demon lover, a connoisseur of wines and the possessor of a fine backhand. He met his end trying to escape through a porthole on an irate husband’s yacht. Now Charlie has returned as a woman, and his big problem is changing his personality from male to female. The transformation of attitudes, gestures and expressions is hilarious. Meanwhile, Charlie’s friend, George, has begun to feel a different kind of affection for the new Charlie.

Sue Harden directs the cast of newcomers and familiar faces.

Performance dates are Jan. 11-13, 18-20 and 25-26. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sundays are at 2 p.m.

Box office hours will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 11. Walk-ins may pick up their tickets to save time in line the night of the show. Season memberships are still available. Seating is reserved, so call the box office for reservations at 442-5858.

Applications are being accepted for the 2008 Gail and Harry Adams Young Artists competition.

The competition will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N. Vermilion St.

The competition is open to any instrumental or vocal student in grades 6-12 who is a resident of Iroquois, Champaign, Vermilion and Piatt counties in Illinois and Warren, Fountain and Vermillion counties in Indiana.

Previous first-place winners are not eligible to apply.

A non-refundable application fee of $20, made payable to the Danville Symphony Orchestra, is due at time of application.

Applications must be received by Saturday, Jan. 5.

For an application or additional information about the Young Artists Competition, contact the Danville Symphony Orchestra office at 443-5300.