Domestic violence. Scarce resources. Corporate monopolies. Immigrant rights. Child labor laws. Gay rights. They're all tackled in upcoming works of performance art that'll make you think (and maybe even inspire you to act) in between all those remote control moments that eat up so much precious time.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble says she never sees a show without running into fun and fabulous folk. Tonight she's feeling grateful for the many volunteers, students, teachers and grandparents she encountered when she went to see her daughter perform in the musical "Lucky Stiff."

Lynn Trimble is doing her happy dance as the Herberger Theater Center holds its grand re-opening ceremony and festival of the arts. She'll be in running shoes the rest of the weekend trying to get to some of the Valley's other events -- including storytime with a "Wild Thing," a festival featuring foreign films, an adult puppet slam and more -- plus her youngest daughter's high school musical.

Lynn Trimble is thinking of promoting her husband James to "Stage Dad" for an evening so she can enjoy the opening film and opening night party of the Scottsdale International Film Festival on Friday. She offers a sneak peak at festival offerings and ideas for turning the Oct 1-5 festival into a relaxing "staycation."

ASU Gammage in Tempe presents a touring production of the Broadway musical "Young Frankenstein" through this weekend. Lynn Trimble saw the show and shares both her own thoughts and those of an 11-year-old boy who was also in the audience last night.

Storytelling is an art that spans the ages. Lynn Trimble shares local resources for learning and enjoying the fine art of storytelling, spotlights famous storytellers making their way to Valley venues this season and reveals how your family can enjoy classic stories read by some pretty classy actors.

Stephen Sondheim. Richard Rodgers. George Gershwin. Irving Berlin. Most of us are familiar with these musical theater legends. But what about Flaherty & Ahrens, considered by many the foremost theatrical songwriting team of their generation? Enjoy their work this weekend as Arizona School for the Arts presents a murder mystery farce titled "Lucky Stiff" at Greasepaint Youtheatre in Scottsdale.

Looking for ways to support the arts at your child's school? Lynn Trimble share ideas for contributing small or large amounts of time, talent or financial resources -- and reveals the gifts many arts teachers cherish most.

Aspen. Park City. Cannes. You could travel the country or globe in search of fabulous film fare. But did you know that our own state is home to several film series and film festivals? Lynn Trimble previews upcoming film offerings, including a documentary she hopes every parent, educator and legislator will see.

This weekend is your first and last chance to enjoy some of the Valley's best in theater. It's also a weekend full of fabulous choices for families -- from festivals to storytimes. Even this weekend's fundraisers sound fun.

A poetry center in Tucson. A writers house in Tempe. Book store poetry readings. Cash prizes for youth poetry. Poetry has plenty to offer Valley youth and adults -- whether your first love is reading, writing or listening. Join Lynn Trimble for a tour of Arizona poetry resources and opportunities.

RAK Stage Mom Lynn Trimble and her daughter, Lizabeth, recently enjoyed the AriZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence -- the Valley's take on the "Tony Awards." Lynn shares event highlights and even suggests a few of her own awards and winners.

Phoenix 16 year old Lindsey Stegemoller recently sang "As Long As He Needs Me" from "Oliver!" during a youth theater awards ceremony, so I asked her to share a few of her thoughts about the evening.

Our lives are full of fences, of our own and others' making. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores the issue of fences as she previews the 2010-2011 season of The Black Theatre Troupe in Phoenix.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble has been enjoying an annual Ballet Arizona tradition since it began more than a decade ago. Learn where you can enjoy this special event at a park or outdoor venue near you this week -- then pack your picnic baskets and beach blankets for a night of free and fabulous entertainment for the whole family.

A recent e-mail asked Stage Mom Lynn Trimble how she chooses which events to cover. Mostly, she admits, it's a mix of whimsy and wonder. But there's more to the story, which she's happy to share.