When a local theater company announces a 2011/2012 season that opens with "The Mousetrap" and closes with "Bye Bye Birdie," Lynn Trimble imagines how the family cat "Pinky" might react to the news.

Lynn Trimble uncovers a few old programs from a local youth theater just as its young performers are readying to present "Broadway Heroes & Villains" at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale this weekend.

After learning that the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix has been named a Smithsonian Affiliate, Lynn Trimble shares photos of the MIM -- plus a list of other Smithsonian Affiliates in Arizona.

Lynn Trimble previews the 2011 Governor's Arts Awards, taking place April 12 at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix.

As her daughter Lizabeth weighs which of three colleges to attend this fall, Lynn Trimble checks in with a Valley theater professional for tips on choosing a performing arts college.

Lynn Trimble chats with Washington, D.C. writer and actor Tom Tiding, who'll be performing in this weekend's "Phoenix Fringe Festival," about possible funding cuts to NPR and PBS.

Call the babysitter! Lynn Trimble previews the 2011 Phoenix Fringe Festival-- featuring unique works of theater, including a piece created and performed with homeless youth who share their "definition of a dream."

Lynn Trimble shares a parent's perspective on "Fiddler on the Roof," a family-friendly musical being performed through Sunday at ASU Gammage in Tempe.

An unexpected chain of events that started with an uncontrollable urge to do laundry leads "Stage Mom" Lynn Trimble to some unexpected finds in the realm of arts, culture and coffee.

Lynn Trimble, who sometimes feels like she spends all day driving around in a "Seth-mobile," describes the evening she and daughter Lizabeth met Broadway legend Betty Buckley and comedian/musician Seth Rudetsky, whose show on the SiriusXM Radio "On Broadway" channel holds its own against another favorite playing 24/7 Springsteen.

Scottsdale writer Lynn Trimble -- a mom of three grown children who've experienced public/charter schools, private schools and home education -- considers the many opportunities her children have missed through the years due to time consumed by evening and weekend homework.

Lynn Trimble reflects on charges that folks who live in Scottsdale are spoiled somehow. See what you think, after reading tales of the Scottsdale adventures on tap for Lynn and daughter Lizabeth this weekend.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble goes in search of contests that encourage students to write, paint, dance and get creative in all sorts of ways -- and finds enough info for two companion posts about contests for kids.

Whether your tastes run to intimate events featuring performing youth, elegant galas complete with champagne and art gallery offerings, or outdoor golf tournaments followed by lunch and awards, you'll find something to love as Valley theater companies present spring fundraisers to support education, youth outreach and more. Many feature silent and live auctions perfect for finding unique teacher, birthday, anniversary and holiday gifts.

Why settle for fairy tales in animated movies or online games when you can experience their magic through books and live performance? Lynn Trimble previews Ballet Arizona's 2011-2012 Fairytale Season.

Four dance works -- featuring everything from tribal dance to haut couture tutus -- make for delightful detours from everyday life.