YOUNG THESPIANS After more than 10 years of planning and fund-raising, Apollinaire Theatre Company is opening a new youth theater at the Chelsea Theatre Works.
The Riseman Family Theatre, supported by the Riseman Family Foundation, is being dedicated Thursday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. and the community is invited.
Benson “Alex’’ Riseman, chairman of the family foundation, will be on hand to officially open the theater. A former Chelsea resident and 1974 graduate of Chelsea High School, Riseman said he wanted to support the city by providing arts education to the community.
“You can take the boy out of Chelsea, but you can’t take Chelsea out of the boy,’’ he said. “I am proud of my Chelsea roots and thankful for the role it’s played in establishing my values, resourcefulness, street smarts, and appreciation of people from all backgrounds.’’
Riseman attended the University of Tampa, graduating in 1978 with a degree in business administration. He went on to a 20-year career in radio broadcasting, working in local, national, and network managerial sales positions.
In 2000, Riseman cofounded Green Dot Corp., the inventor and largest provider of the reloadable prepaid debit cards in the United States.
He now lives in Las Vegas and is founder, president, and CEO of Bensa Enterprises, an entrepreneurial think tank and consultancy. He is also actively involved in philanthropic projects nationwide.
“Apollinaire is now able to fully realize our commitment to providing the community with a dedicated home for young artists to play, learn, and experiment,’’ said artistic director Danielle Jacques.
An open house for young people and accompanying adults will be held Friday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. Apollinaire Play Lab classes in acting, dance, and filmmaking for ages 3 to 18 begin the following day.
Theater administrators plan to add music and visual arts programs, an expanded spring schedule including public youth performances, and summer programming with a youth version of Apollinaire in the Park.
Information on current offerings is at aplaylab.com.
Chelsea Theatre Works is at 187 Winnisimmet St., Chelsea. Call 617-887-233 or visit apollinairetheatre.com.
STUDYING THE BEATLES Explore the music of the Beatles through a multimedia presentation Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers.
Part history and part musical analysis, the presentation by Aaron Krerowicz spans the 1960s, beginning with the band’s visits to Hamburg, continuing through Beatlemania, and concluding with Abbey Road.
The program includes audio clips of music and excerpts of interviews with the band members. Despite being born 15 years after the band broke up, Krerowicz is a full-time Beatles music scholar. In 2011, he was awarded a research grant through the University of Hartford to study the band and has since presented his findings more than 250 times throughout the United States and England.
The free event begins at 7 p.m. at 15 Sylvan St. It is open to the public. To register call 978-774-0554 or visit danverslibrary.org.
OUTDOOR ART Two exhibitions highlighting plein air to coincide with the Cape Ann Plein Air Festival are on display at the Cultural Center Gallery at Rocky Neck through Nov. 13.
‘Plein Air — Here and Abroad’’ is presented by Montserrat College of Art at the Cultural Center. The exhibit includes work by the college’s faculty, alumni, and current students.
“Beyond Plein Air’’ presents the work of gallery members, including nontraditional paintings and photographs.
Judith Curtis gives an illustrated talk on the history of the Rocky Neck Art Colony Sunday, Oct 23, at 1 p.m. followed by receptions for both exhibits from 3 to 5 p.m.
The events are free and open to the public. The gallery is at 7 Wonson St., Gloucester. Visit rockyneckartcolony.org.
“DOWN ON THE FARM’’ A fall concert series at Appleton Farms in Ipswich presents reggae music by Soul Rebel Project on Sunday, Oct. 16.
The family-friendly concerts feature live music, food trucks, lawn games, and an opportunity to meet the dairy cows and other farm animals.
Visitors can bring their own picnics or buy food. Sunday features wood-fired pizza by CopperDome Crust and fare from Boston Burger.
Beer and wine are available for purchase. Gates open at 4 p.m.; the concert begins at 5 p.m.
Cost is by the car and cash only; $30, or $20 for members of the Trustees of Reservations. Appleton Farms is at 219 County Road.
Call 978-356-5728 or visit thetrustees.org.
Wendy Killeen can be reached at wdkilleen@gmail.com.
