Valley schools are inviting parents and community members to make donations through a school tax credit program before year end. Many of their students have something to give you as well -- the gifts of music, theater and dance. Stage Mom shares upcoming performances by some of Arizona's talented students of the arts.

This time of year, we all want to be particularly efficient. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble suggests Valley festivals and other events that'll make being efficient a whole lot more fun.

Caren Lyn Tackett, who plays Sheila in the 2010 national tour of HAIR coming to ASU Gammage Dec 7-12, offers perspectives on parenting, politics and performance art as she chats with Stage Mom Lynn Trimble.

Saying no, no, no to all that ho, ho, ho? Stage Mom Lynn Trimble suggests music, theater and dance options that haven't a thing to do with the holidays. Hooray!

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores the many wonders of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, one of many Local First Arizona businesses with a fun and family-friendly focus.

What's new with you? Stage Mom Lynn Trimble says there's plenty to be grateful for as she reflects on what's new in the Valley's arts scene -- and invites you to share stories of your own new arts adventures and discoveries.

As "Black Friday" approaches, Lynn Trimble alerts readers to Valley arts organizations offering special events or offers to patrons eager to find unique holiday gifts while supporting local arts and culture.

After enjoying Les Miserables movie-style in Mesa with her daughter Lizabeth, Stage Mom Lynn Trimble looks forward to a live Les Mis performance in Tempe and a youth theater production of Les Mis, school edition.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shares ways you can "give back" this holiday season while enjoying dance favorites from Arizona to NYC.

A "Nutcracker Sweet Tea" in Queen Creek this weekend. An "Angel Night" for children who might not otherwise experience "The Nutcracker." A "Nutcracker Ballet" to benefit Toys for Tots. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble reviews your options for enjoying this timeless Tchaikovsky work this season.

Seniors are dancing. Students are sculpting. It's all part of Valley arts and culture this week. Check out Stage Mom Lynn Trimble's list of no-cost and low-cost art offerings.

Whether you go for the fun of it or for the social justice vibe, "Hairspray" at Phoenix Theatre will likely exceed your expectations -- thanks to a strong cast, bold design elements and a vocal performance unrivaled in Valley theater. Teen outcast Tracy Turnblad sparks a '60s revolution of sorts when she dares to dream of an integrated dance floor -- and her message is every bit as relevant for 21st century America.

Cigar boxes. Heavy-duty hairspray. World AIDS Day. Business school. The Girl Scouts. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble stumbled on a little of everything during a recent Saturday afternoon art adventure.

There's ballet, opera and Shakespeare in cinema. Fall openings for expected blockbusters from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" to "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (think "Chronicles of Narnia"). Even a new theater opening this week at the Scottsdale Pavilions. Lynn Trimble explores art-related and family-friendly movie-going options.

Despite the gravity and grey hair, I'm proud to be celebrating fifty years on the planet today. I'll be missing tonight's "A Taste of Shakepeare"...

Lynn Trimble hears an art-related rumor at the grocery store -- and runs with it.