As the summer heat settles in, the Riverside Theatre emerges as a beacon of laughter and entertainment. This weekend, the Comedy Zone takes center stage with an evening of uproarious comedy. Headlining this comedic extravaganza are two distinct voices in the world of standup. Paul Farahvar, with his self-deprecating dry humor, offers a glimpse into the complexities of being the single son of “disappointed” Middle Eastern parents. Sharing the spotlight is Paul Ollinger, a nationally acclaimed comedian and host of the thought-provoking podcast “Crazy Money.” Emcee Steve Kalisik’s wit sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening. Comedy Zone shows begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22. All seats are $25. Food and drink are available for purchase. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
But laughter is not the only melody in the air at Riverside Theatre this weekend. Its free Live in the Loop concerts beckon music enthusiasts to revel in the cool jazz rhythms of the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 20. The next evening, enjoy timeless classics performed by Chips on a Limb at 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 21. Then, the electrifying energy of Home Brewed classic rock and blues cover band performs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Be sure to bring a chair for these outdoor concerts. Available for rent are canopies. Available for purchase are food and drinks. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
For those with a flair for the dramatic, the Vero Beach Theatre Guild opens its doors to aspiring actors of all ages. Auditions for Shakespeare’s timeless tale “Romeo & Juliet” present an opportunity to breathe life into the iconic characters under the guidance of director Megan Taylor Callahan, assistant director Meghan Foxley and fight choreographer Michael Naffziger. Aspiring thespians are invited to audition live or via video auditions. In person auditions begin 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, and 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 26. Video auditions need to be emailed by 6 p.m. June 22 to ProductionStageManagerVBTG@gmail.com. Youth actors ages 10 and older will be considered for speaking and non-speaking roles. The performances are scheduled for Sept. 6 to Sept. 22. Auditioners should prepare between 12 to 18 lines of Shakespearean verse from any of the Bard’s plays. Don’t be afraid to audition for a Shakespeare play. VBTG directors urge those auditioners to understand the literal meaning of the words and what the character is saying and to pay attention to what the character wants from the person to whom they are speaking. Another helpful guide is to “use your body and playing area to physicalize the text.” You don’t have to memorize the lines, but it does help. For more helpful guidelines to prepare for your audition, visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com/auditions. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is at 2020 San Juan Ave., Vero Beach, Fla. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.