Arts Briefs | Nov. 30 edition

The Nutcracker Ballet, Poetry Open Mic, Woodworking Classes, and more.

The Nutcracker Ballet

Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet — a holiday tradition at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) —will be performed by the company of Vashon Center for Dance at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3, on the stage of VCA’s Kay White Hall. Find out more and get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

The Art of Regifting

Indulge in the joy of giving gifts while treading lightly on your pocketbook and the planet, by taking part in a re-gifting event hosted at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Dig Deep Gardens, 19028 Vashon Hwy SW. Take home a wide array of gently used items including jewelry, accessories, homeware and books. If donating items, please make sure that they are in good condition, clean, and suitable for gifting. For more information, visit Dig Deep Gardens on Facebook.

Elf

A screening of the Christmas classic movie, “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Vashon Theatre. Admission is by donation, will all proceeds going to benefit the 2024 Senior Class of Vashon High School.

Poetry Open Mic

Vashon’s next monthly poetry mic, hosted by Poet Laureate Margaret Rancone, will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Coop at 15245 115th Ave SW. All are welcome; sign up to read at 5:45 p.m.

Try out for show

Drama Dock has announced adult and youth non-union auditions for its March 2023 production of “As You Like It,” a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy — a co-production with Vashon Island High School’s Drama Department, directed by Christopher Kehoe and Andy James.

The show will have an intergenerational cast blending community actors, professional actors, and high school actors. The roles of Orlando, Rosalind, and other roles for younger actors will be cast with high school students.

Community auditions for adults and youth younger than high school age will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec.10, from 12-6 p.m., at Vashon High School.

If needed, self-tape auditions will be accepted until the end of Friday, Dec. 8.

Rehearsals are expected to begin the week of Feb. 12, 2024, with a six-performance run from March 22–31.

Compensation for principal roles is a $400 stipend. Other supporting roles are unpaid. Ferry fare will be reimbursed for all actors commuting from off-island.

For additional information on roles and auditions, visit online or contact Lisa Peretti at lisaperetti@dramadock.org.

Woodworking Classes

Vashon MakerSpace presents Santa’s Workshop, offering two 3-hour holiday decoration classes in December. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, make a snowman using the wood-turning lathe. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, learn to use the bandsaw and scroll saw to make a centerpiece and a tree ornament. Also being offered again is the popular wooden spoon carving class, from 9 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. For more information visit vashonmakerspace.org, and click on Events and Classes.

Portage Fill Concert

Vashon’s venerable and beloved big band, the Portage Fill Harmonic, will play a holiday concert filled with jazz and swing favorites, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Vashon Theatre. The concert, presented by Vashon Island Community Church, has a suggested donation of $10, with all proceeds going to support the work of the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.

Correction: An incorrect time was previously listed for the Portage Fill Concert on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Vashon Theatre. The concert starts at 7 p.m., not 7:30.