Kids in grades 2 through 12 are invited to spend a few days over the holidays with the Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE program, learning new skills and building friendships. All classes take place at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2720 Wetmore Avenue.

Children in grades 2 through 4 can participate in a two-day camp focusing on musical theatre and the songs of "Annie." Held December 28 and 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., youngsters will explore singing, dancing and acting with scenes from the popular Broadway show. Tuition is $125 for the 2-day adventure.

An Ensemble Audition Prep Workshop for grades 4-8 is set for December 29 and 30 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to develop their audition skills in a camp setting designed to help with monologue and song selection, and the instruction is recommended for KIDSTAGE's upcoming "Seussical Jr." auditions. Tuition is $125.

The Business of Show Business, a one-day workshop held December 28 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is designed for students in grades 8 through 12. A panel of experts including Village Theatre's Steve Tomkins and Suzie Haufle and professional actor Ryah Nixon will talk about the things every aspiring actor needs to know. Participants in the one-day event can learn about auditioning for college, conservatory or professional shows, creating compelling headshots and resumes, and joining actors' unions. Fee for the forum is $75.

Village Theatre's Preschool Arts Adventures is also registering for the winter session, which runs January 27 through March 26. This two-day-a-week program offers an enriching, creative learning environment for preschool aged children.

Children who are at least four years old by January 1, 2010, will have opportunities to engage their mind, body, and imagination, while creating new connections within their dynamic world, nurturing the "whole child." Related walking field trips, such as attending age-appropriate Village Theatre Pied Piper presentations, sculpture walks, and museum visits enhance the experience and reinforce cognitive development.

Preschool Arts Adventures takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Tuition is $450 for the program, which includes admission to select Pied Piper productions.

Payment plans are available for all KIDSTAGE programs and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Parents can receive a 10 percent discount when registering more than one student from the same family or when registering for more than one class. Each registered student will also receive one half-price single ticket to any Village Theatre Mainstage production. Registration forms are available online at www.villagetheatre.org or by calling Village Theatre's Youth Education office at (425) 257-6371.