The Stage 43 Theatrical Society will stage a pair of productions as April winds down, with shows being offered in both Coquitlam and Vancouver.

Play On runs through late April and early May at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. The plot follows the fate of a community theatre group trying to save money by accepting an original play from a novice playwright, who is also one of its members.

The group then fumbles through a series of ill-fated rehearsals, which ultimately leads to a disastrous performance once members find themselves in front of an audience.

Play On runs April 26 to 28 at 8 p.m., April 29 at 2 p.m. and May 2 to 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets range in price between $18 and $20.

The troupe's other production, Mauritius, will be staged at Vancouver's Havana Theatre come early May.

Described as a "bitingly-funny satire of modern greed," the play focuses on the theme of possession.

The story centres around rival siblings and con artists vying for a prize that only one person knows the true value of. Tensions run high for all characters, and the suspense builds to a final climactic confrontation as they ponder whether someone will actually end up being incredibly rich.

Mauritius runs at the Havana Theatre, located at 1212 Commercial Dr. in Vancouver, from May 3 to 5, and from May 8 to 12, at 8 p.m. A May 13 matinée show is also being offered at 2 p.m. Tickets range in price between $15 and $20, and are available at www.brownpapertickets. com. See www.stage43.org for more information.

DAY OF THE ARTS FOCUSES ON THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Mixed-media rhinos, rain dances and clay jungles are just a few of the exotic offerings that will be on tap for Place des Arts' upcoming Day of the Arts. Scheduled to run from 8: 45 a.m. to 3: 45 p.m on Friday, April 20, the day's events are for kids from kindergarten to Grade 5 and will feature a number of activities related to the natural world.

PdA instructors will lead students in creating assembled birds, felted critters, clay jungles and forest animals and mixed-media rhinos.

Earth Day and rain dance activities will also be offered, on top of tips about how to use various percussive instruments.

The event's six day-long blocks will be divided into three age groups:

kindergarten, kindergarten to Grade 2, and grades 3 to 5. A full listing of what's happening and when can be found at www.placedesarts.ca.

THEATRIX YOUTHEATRE GEARING UP FOR SPRING

Whether you're a tiny trouper, acting maniac or mini musician, chances are, Theatrix has you covered.

The local youth-driven arts society is rolling out a series of springtime classes, beginning Monday, April 23 with Tiny Troupers, a class for four-to six-year-olds that combines elements of singing, storytelling and creative movement. Eight classes will be offered on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. and the programming runs until June 11.

Mini Musical Theatre, suited for kids aged seven to 10, is designed to be an instruction to the world of musical theatre. Eight classes will be offered on Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. and a presentation for parents is planned for June 11.

Suited for those between the ages of eight and 12, Acting Mania will include improvisational games and scene work overseen by Vancouver actress Stacee Copeland Kerr. Eight classes will be offered on Saturdays from 9 to 10: 30 a.m. between April 28 and June 23. The classes will be staged at Second Storey Theatre in PoCo. For more information, see www.theatrixyoutheatre.com.

BLUES FOR FOOD

A handful of blues bands, giveaways, prize packs and more will be offered up in the name of charity at a Coquitlam pub later this month.

Rhino's Pub on Clarke Road will play host to an event dubbed Blues for Food on Friday, April 27, and all proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the SHARE Family & Community Services Society.

Kicking off at 7: 30 p.m., the fundraiser will include a silent auction, a 50/50 draw and door prizes; movie tickets, gift certificates and luggage will be among the items up for grabs. The musical entertainment will come courtesy of the Sharon Young Band, Indigo featuring Terry Raible, Andi Martyn & Her Partners in Crime, the Kathy Frank Band and the Larry Moore Band.

Tickets cost $10, and attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to SHARE. The pub is located at 541 Clarke Rd.

VIOLINIST PLAYS THE CENTRE

Coquitlam-based violinist Chris Kim will serve as one part of the welcoming party in Vancouver later this month. Kim and three other Vancouver Academy of Music students will be performing prior to the opening of the Vancouver Academy of Music production of Svengali at the Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts.

The performances are slated for 8 p.m. on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21.