Articulations

That cultural bunker at 1705 Guadalupe known as the ArtPlex continues to be a draw for local arts organizations looking for a room of their own. A theatre company and a visual arts gallery are the latest to join the roster of arts organizations stationed in the ArtPlex. The gallery is the onamatopoetic Eeka Beeka, a showplace for artists with something of an edge (e.g., Chris Plecs, whose current show there is reviewed by Cari Marshall on this issue's "Exhibitionism" page) that up to now has been part of that loose and funky arts district on South First down around Oltorf. The stage crew is Salvage Vanguard Theater, the rebel company responsible for such off-beat theatrical fare as The Battle of San Jacinto (Ruth Margraff's barroom vision of the Texas brawl) and that holiday festival of 10-minute plays crammed into Little City just before Xmas - which I guess goes to show that even rebels can use an office every now and then. Be sure to pay your respects the next time you're at the `Plex to visit the Austin Visual Arts Association office or to see the latest show mounted by the Artists Coalition of Austin in the ACA gallery (right now, that would be "Open Doors II," an exhibition of works by artists who maintain studio space in - guess where - the ArtPlex).

Off the Desk

The folks behind the Big Stinkin' International Improv & Sketch Comedy Festival are always trying to do their bit to justify the "big" in the fest title (I'd say getting 30 comedy troupes from all over the U.S. is justification enough, but that's me). This year, for their third go-round, they've gone and gotten a big cable network to be the fest's presenting host. The BS-ers report that Comedy Central will provide support to all performance showcases at BS3. To find out which troupes are already lined up to perform, check out the BS website: http://www.bigstinkin.com

Austin Access Arts is sponsoring Audio Described Performances for two local stage productions this weekend. AAA trained volunteers will be broadcasting descriptions of the onstage setting and action to patrons wearing headsets at the Live Oak Theatre production of I'm Not Rappaport on Saturday, January 24, 8pm, at the State Theatre, 719 Congress, and at the Austin Theatre for Youth production of Ordinary People on Sunday, January 25, 2pm, at the McCallum Fine Arts Academy Theatre, 5600 Sunshine Dr. For info, call 454-9912.

Worthy Causes

The Austin Circle of Theatres will hold another "Spectacular Script Sale" on Saturday, January 24, 1-3pm, at 823 Congress, Plaza level, Suite 5. Up for grabs will be hardback theatre books for $2 each, hundreds of theatre scripts for the low, low price of $1 each, plus magazines, music scores, and more. Proceeds benefit ACoT. For more info, call 499-8388. ComedySportz Austin hosts Chili Bowl VI, the latest round in the group's ongoing "battle" with ComedySportz San Antonio. The two troupes square off in a tournament of improv for the benefit of AIDS Services of Austin. The event, which also includes a silent auction, will be held Thursday, January 29, 8pm, at the ComedySportz Playhouse, 2525 W. Anderson, Suite 630. Admission is by a suggested donation of $10. For more info, call COMEDY-7.

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Send literary, performing, and visual arts news to: "Articulations," PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765 or onstage@auschron.com