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Arts Briefs

Innovation part of the script

Innovation part of the script

Minority screenwriters have the opportunity to win $5,000 to develop a short film as part of the Whistler Film Festival’s third annual Short Film Competition presented by Citytv.

B.C. screenwriters are asked to submit an eight-minute short film script based on the theme of "Innovation".

Scriptwriters must be a visible minority or of Aboriginal heritage to be eligible.

Three semi finalists will be chosen to participate in two-minute pitch sessions. Their scripts will also be read at the Whistler Film Festival’s Filmmaker Forum, presented by Bell. A jury of industry professionals will award the winner with a $5,000 development prize as well as the opportunity to work with Citytv in regards to potential pre-licensing of the project.

Musical auditions in Squamish

Sea to Sky Entertainment in association with the Squamish Youth Theatre joins forces once again to mount a musical for the 2006 winter season, with open auditions being held Tuesday, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Sea to Sky Hotel in Squamish.

The group still awaits confirmation of playwright rights, and therefore, the musical of choice for this year’s production will not be announced until a later date.

However, the group of thespians, who produced The Sound of Music and Rocky Horror Picture Show in years past, is moving ahead with auditions.

Teenagers and adults are invited to come out for the open audition. Expect to showcase your singing and acting talents at the preliminary auditions and dancing at the callbacks.

Participants are asked to come prepared with a song and to do a cold reading.

To register, call producer Adriane Polo at 604-898-5930.

Improv talent needed

Whose Line is it Anyway? fans can exercise their funny bone at the Sea to Sky Improv Sports (SSIS) audition for their upcoming production of A Night of Improv, in October at the Eagle Eye Theatre in Squamish.

Auditions are held Sunday, Sept. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sea to Sky Hotel in Squamish.

Auditions are open to people 16 years old and older. Participants will engage in improvisation exercises, and therefore, no prep work is necessary. However, be ready to stretch your humour.

SSIS was founded by Keith Johnstone in February 2006. Inspired by the Vancouver Theatre Sports League and Improv, Johnstone aims to establish a long-running troupe here in the corridor.

To register for the audition or just to get involved, call Johnstone at 604-848-5708.

Writers hosting book sale

Brush up on gardening or indulge in a thriller or romantic escape at the Whistler Writers Group’s book sale Sunday, Sept. 3 from 11 to 4 p.m. at the Whistler Farmers’ Market in Whistler’s Upper Village.

The fundraiser will help support the writing group’s fifth annual Whistler Writer’s Festival, Sept. 14-17.

The festival is for readers and writers alike, with public readings, an intensive mentor writing program and writing seminars. This year’s seminar topics include screenwriting, children’s writing, playwriting and navigating the rewriting process.

For more information, visit www.theviciouscircle.ca.

The winner will be announced at the festival’s award brunch Dec. 3.

The deadline for entries is Oct. 4.

For guidelines and application forms, visit www.whistlerfilmfestival.com

Squamish Festival begins climb

The Access Society hosts the 2006 Squamish Climbers Festival Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10 in Squamish.

The weekend of festivities includes an Adopt-A-Crag event, a talk from Michael Reardon, festival fundraiser party and competition.

The Adopt-A-Crag event kicks the festival off on the Saturday with participants meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Adventure Centre. Get ready to roll up your sleeves. People will collaboratively work on rebuilding the petrifying wall stairs, and work on trails at the Squaw and Smoke Bluffs.

Volunteers are asked to bring marked hand tools such as clippers, shovels, picks, pry bars, handsaws, rakes, gloves and first aid equipment. Rainwear, sturdy footwear and a packed lunch are also recommended.

Thank yous and prizes will be given out at 4:30 p.m. at the Adventure Centre.

Climber Michael Reardon will share his free soloing feats later Saturday, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brennan Park Leisure Centre auditorium. The talk will cover his climbing achievements, including his 2005 unroped solo ascent of Romantic Warrior (V 5.12b) in California’s Needles.

Tickets are $12 and $6 for Adopt-A-Crag volunteers.

The Adventure Centre Party spins a dance floor of fun and raffles after the talk, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the centre. A local DJ is on deck along with plenty of door prizes to be won. No minors allowed. Tickets are $10.

The festival gets ready to climb on Sunday with climbing competitors registering at 8:30 p.m. at the Adventure Centre.

Competitors must climb in two of the three categories, including bouldering, classic lead and sport (bolted) lead. Categories are also divided into recreational, advanced and open classes. Climbs will take place within 50 kilometres of Squamish.

Prizes will be given for top three in each category. Prizes will be awarded at 4:30 p.m. at the centre. Registration is $5 per person.

For more information, visit

Time to get Wine’d Up

Tickets are now on sale for the Whistler Search and Rescue Society’s seventh annual Wine’d Up event Saturday, Oct. 14 at Dusty’s. The winemaker’s dinner and silent auction raises funds for Whistler’s volunteer search and rescue organization.

Chef Bernard Casavant is at the head of the adventure, creating a four-course menu around wines donated by Mission Hill Family Estate Wineries. Wines to look forward to include a 2005 Five Vineyards Pinot Blanc, 2004 Reserve Pinot Noir, 2003 S.L.C. Merlot and 2004 Late Harvest Vidal.

Casavant is most famous for his two local haunts, Ciao-Thyme Bistro and BBK’s in Whistler’s Upper Village as well as his philosophy for using fresh, local ingredients for the perfect field to plate experience. He was voted Best Chef in Whistler as part of the 2004 Best of Whistler competition.

The silent auction wields numerous items donated by local and B.C. businesses, including artwork from leading B.C. artists, Helijet helicopter trips, Okanagan accommodation and wines, Whistler Mountaineer train trips, hotel and restaurant gift certificates, and much more.

Wine’d Up is the society’s largest annual fundraiser. Event proceeds contribute to operating and capital expenditures such as equipment and supplies as well as the training of volunteer members.

Tickets are $133.75. The event always sells out, so pick up tickets early.

For reservations, call Whistler-Blackcomb guest relations at 604-932-3434 or 1-800-766-0449.

New green site at museum

A new information site entitled Whistler Ecology joins the Whistler Museum and Archives website.

The site aims to educate and inspire locals and visitors to better understand and take action on ensuring the sustainability of Whistler’s environment.

The site highlights the most important and current environmental concerns of the community, ranging from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and black bears to the benefit of preserving our ecological heritage.

Along with information and insights, the site also hosts a downloadable Whistler Green Practices Guide, offering suggestions on easy, day-to-day ways people can ensure a green Whistler for years to come.

Visit www.whistlermuseum.org/exhibits/WhistlerEcology.htm to start learning about Whistler’s ecological heritage.