A couple of real-world theater pursuits to share in:

1. I’m leading a theater workshop Tuesday Feb. 22 from 2-5:30 p.m. at Never Ending Books, 810 State St., New Haven. Children are especially invited, but it’s open to all ages. The concept is that we will collectively adapt, build, rehearse and perform a short play based on a theater classic. (For this first attempt, I’ve narrowed it down to either Chekhov or Aristophanes, depending on who shows up.) If this one works out, I’ll definitely do more. Admission is free. Call Never Ending overseer Roger Uihlein at (203) 773-9510 for more info.

2. I will be starting a new Playreading Gang, real soon, at the wonderful Institute Library on Chapel Street. A lot of folks remember that I used to gather with friends at Rudy’s Bar in New Haven and read theater scripts aloud. That gang lasted for over five years of Sunday night meetings, and led to several full-fledged theater productions in town. This one is likely to be somewhat more sedate, considering my age and sobriety, but some of the scripts will likely be the same and I’m hoping it will bring the same opportunity to share our theater tastes in a vocal, interactive manner. There’s a prerequisite to joining this Playreading Gang: membership in the , Institute Library, which currently costs $25 a year. Library membership has many other privileges: see www.institutelibrary.org for details. We have not yet scheduled when the readings will be. I’d like to hear from a few potential members and find out what’s best for them before finalizing the schedule. But it will be a regular thing, and I want to get started pronto!