NoHo theatre fest this weekend

The arts take Center Stage at the 11th annual NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and May 18, 2003. The two-day event celebrates theater and the performing and visual arts.

Theater performances take place inside 13 different venues of NoHo’s unique Theater District, the largest theater district in Southern California, while music and dance can be enjoyed outdoors on the Concert and NoHo Rhythm Stages.

There are free performances in the Kids’ Kourt Stage, free workshops at the Kids’ Kourt Art Box, or exhibits of art, painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography by local, national and international artists on display.

Festivities take place on Lankershim Blvd. between Chandler and Magnolia, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to all festival events and daytime theater performances is free.

"The NoHo Festival is unique because it’s about theater and the arts. It’s not a street fair or business expo," said executive director Don Eitner. "Each year, the festival brings more than 50,000 visitors to NoHo. Culturally diverse performances of music and dance take place on the outdoor stages, while shuttles are available to the 13 venues of the Theatre District."

The NoHo Theatre District has 18 theaters, and festival-goers have the chance to check each one out for free, choosing from more than 75 theater performances.

Free parking is available, or take the Metro Rail to its last stop at Lankershim and Chandler boulevards in North Hollywood. For further information about the festival, visit www.nohoartsdistrict.com.