A month of imagination

They’re fun, they’re family-friendly, and many are free.

The theme for this year’s countywide Imagination Celebration is “Spark Your Imagination!” The monthlong celebration begins Saturday and includes free and low-cost entertainment and education options for kids, youth and their families put on by Arts Orange County and the county Department of Education.

Below are several of the local events taking place this month.

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Creative Visions

The Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., will present the Huntington Beach Union High School District Arts Festival from April 24 to May 10; “Creative Visions” will feature visual art from the seven district high schools. A photography and multimedia exhibit features student work from kindergarten through 12th grade of stunning visual images in a variety of media including, photography, animation, digital art, film and computer graphics. An opening reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. April 26.

Budding Ballerinas

Dance companies are offering special workshops and open houses.

Coast City Ballet will hold several events including a Young Choreographers Workshop at Pacific Dance Center Studios, 9596 Hamilton Ave., from 1 to 4 p.m. April 26, where kids ages 11 and older will learn all aspects of choreography, including auditioning dancers, music selection, costumes and stage presentation. The day will culminate with a presentation of participants’ works.

Other activities include The Magic of Dance, on May 3. It is geared toward 4- to 10-year-olds, who will take a dance class, talk with dancers, create a craft and enjoy a mini performance. The class for kids ages 4 to 6 will be from 1 to 1:45 p.m.; 7- to 10-year-olds will have their class from 2 to 3 p.m. The mini ballet begins at 3:15 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for all events; for a form, visit coastcityballet.com.

The Huntington Academy of Dance and Ballet Etudes youth ballet company invite children ages 4 to 6 to experience life at their dance studio, 16601 Gothard St., Unit A, at a free interactive dance workshop from 1 to 3:45 p.m. May 2. Kids will enjoy a dance class, take a photo with a real ballerina, create a dance- related craft, talk with dancers and watch a live show. Pre-register at (714) 847- 6657.

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Library Antics

The Huntington Beach Public Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., will host storyteller Jim Cogan’s “Stories to Light Our Lives,” a free, interactive experience for all ages, at 7 p.m. April 29. The Library Fairy will use narration, games, music and Spanish to entertain kids at the Oak View Branch, 17251 Oak Lane, at a free show at 4:30 p.m. April 30.

The Fountain Valley library, 17635 Los Alamos St., will host storyteller Lorrie Oschatz in Flights of Fantasy at 7 p.m. April 29, where she will use costumes and props to share multicultural literature.

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Rocking Benefit

Arts and Learning Conservatory will present a dynamic children’s benefit performance of Spring Camp Rocks! by students ages 7 to 13 featuring popular music and a new, commissioned script adaptation at 7 p.m. May 15 and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 16 at Seabreeze Auditorium, 18162 Gothard St. Admission is free with the donation of three used cell phones or for those who purchase raffle tickets to win a trip for two to the Bahamas. For more information, visit artsandlearning.com.