Got a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious kid who can sing, dance and act? Then hustle them over to the Studio Dionne School of Dance and Music on Sunday, April 23 for a MARY POPPINS CASTING CALL. Disney on Broadway is seeking children 8-12, no taller than 58 inches, to play Jane Banks (11) and Michael Banks (9). Sign in at 2 p.m.; auditions start at 3 p.m. Must bring sheet music, a current head shot and résumé. www.disneyonbroadway.com. www.studiodionne.com.

Jousting knights and ravishing wenches, along with a host of other performers, have returned to our fair city. That’s right—the GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL opens Saturday, April 12 and continues every weekend and Memorial Day through June 1. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for senior citizens, $ 8.50 for ages 6 to 12 and free for those 5 and under. For directions and other information, call 770-964-8575 or visit www.garenfest.com.

Whether you used to love combing the colorful mane of your plastic mare or you’re just the kind of person who likes stories about ponies named Pinky Pie, don’t fret—you’re not alone. Find solace among others of your kind at MY LITTLE PONY LIVE! The popular Hasbro property comes alive in a new interactive musical production, April 11-13 at the Cobb Energy Centre. Tickets are $12.  
404-249-6400. www.cobbenergycentre.com.

You’ve been meaning to check out JCT Bar on the Westside for ages, but it’s hard to see past its neighbors like Star Provisions and Taqueria del Sol. But you’ll find it impossible to say no to THURSDAYS ON THE TERRACE, which features $5 drink specials and $1 oysters, deviled eggs and open-faced grilled cheeses starting at 6 p.m Thursday, April 10. There’s even live music from Ben Deignan. 404-355-2252. www.jctkitchen.com.

While modern dance troupes like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater expose audiences to different cultures, few promise to bridge the gap between the formal world of “The Nutcracker” and hip-hop like the Atlanta Ballet’s BIG.

This unusual collaboration with OutKast’s Antwan “Big Boi” Patton” promises a unique fusion of ballet moves and music from a number of Atlanta-based artists including Janelle Monáe, Sleepy Brown, Scar and the group Konkrete. Tickets are $25-$125. April 10-13 at the Fox Theatre. 404-817-8700. www.atlantaballet.com.

Big Break Hollywood isn't your only chance to break into show business this week; there's also THE LION KING OPEN CASTING CALL FOR SINGERS AND DANCERS. Singing auditions start at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 11. Children ages 8 to 12 (no taller than 58 inches) who can dance, sing and act are needed to play lion cubs Simba and Nala. Auditions start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Dance auditions begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 14. All auditions are being held at Studio Dionne School of Dance and Music. For more info, visit www.studiodionne.com or www.lionkingcasting.com.

One woman’s search for the truth provides for a tense, gripping 90 minutes in the Tony Award- and Pulitizer Prize-winning DOUBT. The show, directed by Susan Booth, opens Wednesday, April 9 at 8 p.m. and runs through May 4 at the Alliance Theatre. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50. 404-733-5000. www.alliancetheatre.org.

Saying no to China’s oppression of Tibet—not to the Olympic Torch relay—would have been the proper approach to the torch’s journey around the world, but fanatics being what they are, there was no consideration given to, for example, the wheelchair athlete who was carrying the torch in Paris on April 6.

I agree wholeheartedly that China has overstepped its bounds and failed to peacefully address autonomy concerns in Tibet, but sacre bleu! The Olympic torch protesters are selfish idiots: being chosen to carry the torch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for athletes, and these thoughtless demonstrators have basically ambushed and endangered those athletes by attempting to snatch the torch from their hands (and in some cases succeeding in doing so). Does this further Tibet’s cause? Not one iota. In fact, it does just the opposite. Some people who may have felt sympathetic to Tibet have become more sympathetic to China as they have watched these antics. And who could blame them? How is it peaceful to douse the dreams of the torch bearers?

Looking to learn more about the acting craft and network with industry professionals? BIG BREAK HOLLYWOOD may be your chance. The event features agents, managers, casting directors and audition coaches from Los Angeles offering information and advice. Admission is $250 for a standard package or a “premiere” package for $595. Hey—breaking into show biz ain’t cheap. April.11-13 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. 404-432-7905. www.bigbreakhollywood.com. 

For more than three decades, the ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL has been a haven for serious cinemaphiles yearning for more offerings than the mainstream megaplexes and rental services can offer. This year’s 32nd annual event continues that proud tradition, starting with the IMAGE Film Awards Gala on April 8 at the Fox Theatre, honoring Tyler Perry Studios, Virginia Hepner, Matthew H. Bernstein, and directors Peter Gilbert and Steve James.

Then April 10-12, it’s more than 150 shorts, narratives and documentaries, including “The Lena Baker Story,” the true story of the first and only woman sentenced to die in the electric chair in Georgia. That opening night world premiere takes place at Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16; the rest of the weekend unspools at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. For more information, check out www.atlantafilmfestival.com.