Briefly in Datebook

Storytellers Guild offers technique workshop

The South Coast Storytellers Guild is offering a storytelling workshop

today that will cover the techniques of telling stories to younger

children.

Topics include structuring programs for young listeners, creating a story

space, the use of music and many more.The event, from 9 a.m. to noon at

1551A Baker St., Costa Mesa, costs $20. Space is limited. For more

information and to make reservations, call (949) 496-1960.

‘Five Women’ extended through Oct. 16

The run of ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,’ a play by the writer of

the film “American Beauty,” has been extended for a second time at The

Theatre District in Costa Mesa.

Shows have been added for Alan Ball’s play on Sunday and Friday, and Oct.

15 and 16.

The Theater District is at 2930 Bristol, Suite C-106, Costa Mesa. Tickets

to the play are $15 to $20. For tickets or more information, call (714)

435-4043.

Teen Center to open with special workshop

The Newport Beach Public Library will unveil its new Teen Center with a

special “Cosmic Comic Relief” cartoon workshop at 7 p.m. Oct. 19.

Cartoonists Ruben Gerard and Max Espinoza will teach visitors how to draw

their favorite cartoon characters at the event. A game of “Stump the

Librarian” -- in which participants attempt to ask a question that

librarians, with their vast resources of reference materials, can’t

answer -- will follow.

The Teen Center was designed to be a space for young adults to study and

interact quietly. It features comfortable furnishings and five new

computer terminals.

The library is at 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. For more information,

call (949) 717-3801.

Student rush tickets available for Jazz Club

The Orange County Performing Arts Center is offering $10 student rush

tickets to its new season of Jazz Club shows in Founders Hall.

Students with a valid full-time ID can purchase tickets for $10 one hour

prior to show time, depending on ticket availability.

The Jazz Club series features acts such as the Brad Mehldau Trio, Diane

Reeves, Roy Hargroves and James Newton.

The center is at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information,

call (714) 556-2787.

Local playwright awarded $10,000 grant

The Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays announced Tuesday that it

has awarded local playwright Howard Korder a $10,000 grant for his work,

“The Hollow Lands,” which he wrote on commission from South Coast

Repertory.

The Fund’s award also allocates a $30,000 development grant for South

Coast Repertory.

“The Hollow Lands,” a story of American manifest destiny told through the

eyes of a 19th century immigrant, will be part of SCR’s spring season.