The Playhouse in the Park (4851 Museum Drive) has established itself as a pre-eminent spot for fostering youthful dreams of stage and screen. At the end of August, there will be opportunities for learning in class and before an audience.

Auditions for “Dracula” and “Babes in Toyland” will be held Aug. 27 and 29, 6:30-8 p.m., at its Langan Park facility.

Those auditioning for “Dracula” should be aged 13 to mid-20s and prepared to read from the script. The play runs for school audiences Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26. Public performances are Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27. Performances are at the Playhouse.

Those auditioning for “Babes in Toyland” should be aged 6 to mid-20s and be prepared to sing a short song, dance or read from the script. The show runs Dec. 4-5 for school audiences and one public performance, Dec. 5. All performances are at the Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim St.).

Playhouse acting classes for beginners begin Aug. 27, 5-6 p.m. Classes for intermediate/advanced students start Aug. 30, 5-6 p.m. Cost is $150 for one 10-week quarter. Call Danny Mollise at 251-422-5434 to register.

USA faculty recital begins music series

The University of South Alabama’s Musical Arts Concert Series begins Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. when flutist Andra Bohnet presents her faculty recital, “Flute Journeys,” in the Laidlaw Recital Hall. She will be joined by newly appointed collaborative pianist Doreen Lee.

The first half of the program will feature works from places Bohnet visited during her summer travels: France — Georges Hüe’s Fantasie, Flanders — Jacob Van Eyck’s Bravade from “The Flutist’s Garden of Delights” and Canada — Srul Irving Glick’s Sonata.

The concert’s second half will feature inner journeys with Catherine McMichael’s “Three Philosophies” and concludes with Gary Schocker’s “Regrets and Resolutions.”

Tickets will be sold at the door only. Admission is $8, $5 for USA faculty and staff, USA students, youth under 18 and all senior citizens; cash or check only.

Musical Arts Series season passes will be honored.

For more information or for special accommodation, call 251-460-7116 or 251-460-6136.

Exploreum offers anniversary deals

In 1983, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center opened next to the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion on Springhill Avenue. The cultural institution dedicated to making science interactive and fun for youngsters was there 15 years before moving to a sparkling downtown facility at the foot of Government Street.

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the Exploreum is offering specials for the public. They include deals, discounts and programs as thanks for Mobile’s support.

Since early August, they’ve begun a “Beat the Heat” $10 IMAX/exhibit combo admission, a new referral program and 35 exclusive lifetime memberships.

For more information, go to exploreum.com.