Local tryouts

• Space is rapidly filling up for artist participation in the juried art and fine craft show "Art & Soul on the Fox" to be held on Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, Aug. 1, in downtown Elgin. For information and to download an entry form, visit artforall-elgin.com or call (847) 741-7375.

• The deadline for McHenry County youth to participate in the fashion design showcase of FOCUS-Project Raueway is Saturday, April 10. For more information, visit rauecenter.org or call (630) 567-2873.

• The Village of Streamwood Community Relations invites local artists to participate in its "Art Appreciation Around the World" to be held on Saturday, May 1 at Poplar Creek Public Library. For more information, call (630) 736-3816.

• High-school and college-age students are invited to audition for Rising Star Theatreworks' June production of the 2002 Broadway version of the 1967 film "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Auditions are from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 9, at 451 Stevens St., Geneva. Call (630) 262-5027 or visit risingstartheatre.org for more information.

• The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts an amateur Garden Photo Contest through Monday, June 21. Those interested can submit one photo to be judged online by the general public. Visit chicagobotanicgarden.org/contest for more information.

• Auditions for the comedy showcase competition "Impress These Apes" are on Sunday, April 11. To schedule an audition, e-mail a biography and a head shot to info@blewt.com. Visit blewt.com for more information.

• Glenview Theatre Guild has open auditions for its summer presentation of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 12 and 13, at Glenview Park District's Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview. Those auditioning should bring proper dance attire and have 32 bars of music to sing. Call (847) 604-3411 or visit GTGonstage.com for more information.

• The Highland Park Players has auditions for "Musical of Musicals: The Musical!" from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, April 12, and from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at the West Ridge Community Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park. Those auditioning should prepare a song and be prepared to do cold readings from the script. Visit highlandparkplayers.org for more information.

• The Illinois Humanities Council is accepting applications for new members of its speakers bureau. Humanities scholars affiliated with Illinois colleges and universities and independent scholars are eligible to apply (speakers focusing on Freedom Rides, civil rights, the World Trade Center attacks and the American work ethic are particularly encouraged to apply). The deadline is April 15. Those interested can download an application at prairie.org/roadscholars or request one by calling (312) 422-5580.

• Auditions for Fox Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora (other audition times available by appointment). Positions are open for string, woodwind, brass and percussion students. Visit fvyso.org or call (630) 879-8018.

• St. James Community Theatre Players has auditions for girls ages 14 and under for the musical "Annie" from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 18. All other auditions are from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, at 820 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Visit Stjamestheatre.org for more information.

• Janus Theatre Company has open auditions for its first Elgin Short Play Festival, which features works of Theresa Rebeck, at 7 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. For more information visit janustheatre.wordpress.com.

• Independent Exposure 2010 seeks international short films, videos and digital works for a competition judged by Microcinema International and animator Bill Plympton. Submission deadline is Friday, April 30. Visit independentexposure.com.

• Guitar Center locations nationwide are seeking "The Great Undiscovered Blues Guitar Player" in the 4th annual competition. Local competitions begin Thursday, May 13. For more information, visit guitarcenter.com.

• Hondo Entertainment hosts the weeklong "Showdown and Shootout Rock Contest" in the Chicago area from Sunday, May 2, through Thursday, May 6, with a finale at the Montrose Room at the Intercontinental O'Hare Hotel, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. Visit showdownshootout.com for more information.

• The Glenview Art League invites artists of original fine art to exhibit in the 57th annual juried 2010 Outdoor Art Fair held on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25. Entry fee is $175 plus a $10 jury fee. The deadline is Monday, May 17. Call (847) 724-4007 or visit glenviewartleague.org for more information.

• Performing artists who want to be a part of a fundraiser for Esperanza School (which helps students with disabilities) at Summerfest are invited to sign up by Thursday, June 17. Call (312) 243-6097 for more information.

• Illinois artists are invited to submit applications to the Illinois Artisans Program. Submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 10. Visit museum.state.il.us/artisans.