The Saratoga Children's Festival Theatre will begin performances of The Hobbit on Aug. 1 at the Saratoga Civic Theatre.

The production features 46 local students in a variety of roles, from the dearly courageous Bilbo Baggins to the creepy, cavern-dwelling creature Gollum. Directed by Amy Zsadanyi-Yale.

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2, 8 and 9, with matinee shows on Aug. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

To order tickets, call 408.868.1248, and for more information about the children's theater or the Saratoga Recreation Department, visit http://www.saratoga.ca.us.


Say hello to lights, camera, action!

The West Valley Light Opera Association is holding auditions for Hello, Dolly!, the first production of its 39th season.

Auditions will be held at Argonaut Elementary on Aug. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Callbacks will begin Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.

Roles up for grabs include five male and four female lead and supporting parts, with 15 to 20 people needed for a singing and dancing ensemble.

Auditioning actors must be 18 and older and be prepared with a song to reflect vocal range. No tapes will be allowed.

For more information, call 408.445.8116.


Saratoga singles in Santa Cruz

With a little less than a month to go, single male professionals from Saratoga and surrounding areas have just enough time to shop, primp and prepare for a singles party at the Coast Santa Cruz Hotel on Aug. 23.

For more information, call 650.327.4645 or visit http://www.thepartyhotline.com.


Young performers on stage in August

The Saratoga-Los Gatos Department of Community Education and Recreation is inviting residents to come and watch young stars perform on stage on Aug. 8. The performance is the culmination of a 10-day camp designed for youths ages 7 through 12 interested in theater. For more information, contact the department at 408.354.8700.