Beginning Thursday, November 21, casts in two, back-to-back Theatre Company productions will perform at Rotary Theatre in Visalia. The two shows will be performed a total of four times November 21-23.

Three evening shows and one Saturday matinee will begin with performances of “Willy Wonka KIDS.” The charming, 40-minute show is made up of a cast of Tulare County students in grades 1-6. Audiences will be familiar with the story of the great chocolatier, who issues five golden tickets in an attempt to find someone to be his successor.

After a 20-minute intermission, students in grades 7-12 will perform a spectacular version of “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR.” The fast-paced, hourlong show features all the beloved characters from the classic children’s book, including Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the Queen of Hearts.

“I chose these titles because more than ever we need to experience and maybe reconnect with wonder, curiosity, imagination, and joy in our world today,” said Theatre Company show director Charlotte Garcia Da Rosa. “Both shows not only honor beloved books and classic movies but teach valuable life lessons – learn from your mistakes, listen to your inner voice, believe in yourself, hope for miracles, and love who you are.” Garcia Da Rosa reports that there are 100 Tulare County students in the two productions.

Audiences can choose to see either “Willy Wonka” or “Alice In Wonderland,” or purchase a ticket to see them both. For show times and dates, and to purchase tickets, visit  www.tcoe.org/TheatreCo/tickets.

Next month, University Preparatory High School (UPHS) is holding two information nights for families interested in learning more about the early college high school chartered by the Tulare County Office of Education in 2009.

Parents are encouraged to visit www.tcoe.org/UPHS to register for the information nights at 6:00 p.m. on December 5 or 12 at the College of the Sequoias (COS) campus in Visalia. Parents interested in having their student attend UPHS will also find a “request to enroll” link on the website.

Students, parents, teachers, and community members are invited to join the annual SCICON and Circle J Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Sunday, December 15. The morning bird count will be held at SCICON from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The afternoon count will be held at Circle J-Norris Ranch from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m.

For 125 years, the National Audubon Society has conducted annual Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) involving thousands of volunteers across the United States, Canada, and several other countries in the Western Hemisphere. CBCs are early-winter bird censuses conducted between December 14 and January 5 each year and led by community science organizations. The surveys are conducted within 15-mile diameter circles established by the Audubon Society.

In Tulare County, three active circles exist – one at the Kaweah Oaks Preserve, one at the Giant Forest Village in the Sequoia National Park, and one in Springville. The SCICON outdoor education program and its Circle J-Norris Ranch field study site both fall within the Springville survey area.

Participants in the SCICON and Circle J CBC are encouraged to bring their own lunch and water, and to dress warmly. Binoculars will be provided to those who need them.

Editor: Robert Herman, Communications Director
Contributors: Nayirah Dosu, Marlene Moreno, Jennifer Fisher, Bethany Rader, Charlotte Garcia Da Rosa, McKenna Friend-Hoffman, Helen Milliorn-Feller, Amanda Driver

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