See science and film collide in free program from Modesto's State Theatre
A little science, a little cinema, a lot of learning — that's the idea behind a returning program at the State Theatre.
The downtown Modesto venue's "Science on Screen" events pair speakers who are experts on a variety of science-based subjects with popular films that enhance their program.
The State partners with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory again this year to offer the four science presentations.
As in past years, the theater has been awarded an $8,500 grant from the Coolidge Corner Theatre and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to present the lecture/film screening programs.
The free events include scientists from LLNL who will talk about their subjects of expertise. Students who attend the Saturday afternoon programs have an opportunity to earn extra classroom credits, receive LLNL swag and help win $500 to be used for equipment for their school science programs.
The programs are part of the State Theatre's educational mission. The events begin at 2:30 p.m. with "meet the scientist" opportunities at 3:15 p.m. and movies at 3:30 p.m.; all are admission-free. Here's a look at this year's programs:
March 10: Laser-plasma accelerators with Felicie Albert, plasma physicist, paired with the 1985 film "Real Genius."
March 17: Biomedical accelerator mass spectrometry with toxicologist Mike Malfetti, paired with the 1992 film "Medicine Man."
April 14: Biomolecular action movies with physicist Matthias Frank and biophysical chemist Megan Shelby and the 1989 film "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids."
April 21: The evolution of computing technology with computer scientist Katherine Lewis and the 2017 film "Hidden Figures."
Elsewhere Around the Scene: YES Kids
YES KIDS, part of the Stanislaus County Office of Education's Youth Entertainment Stage Company, brings Disney’s “Peter Pan, Jr.” to life at the Gallo Center for the Arts on March 9-11.
Enjoy as Tinker Bell and her fellow Fairies introduce the story of the Darling Children, Wendy, Michael and John, imaging themselves in Neverland.
The YES KIDS presentation is at 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11 at the Gallo Center, 1000 I St., Modesto. Tickets are $14-$24; www.galloarts.com.
"Hairspray" at MJC
The Modesto Junior College theater, music and dance departments present the musical comedy "Hairspray" Friday and March 16-25.
In 1962 in Baltimore, teenager Tracy Turnblad realizes her one desire, to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, she's transformed from social outcast to sudden star.
"She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affection of heartthrob, Link Larkin and integrate a TV network," according to a press release.
The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays March 16-24 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at the Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center, 435 College Ave. Tickets are $15 general, $12 students, seniors and children. Call 209-676-6776 or see www.mjc.tix.com.
Central West Ballet special program
Central West Ballet will offer a special program from its upcoming "Cinderella" production at the West Modesto Boys & Girls Club’s “Dreams Come True” event on March 16.
The evening features cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, the ballet and auction at Greens on Tenth, 953 10th St. Tickets are $100, available at Eventbrite: cinderellaforbgc.eventbrite.com.
This story was originally published March 7, 2018 at 11:35 AM with the headline "See science and film collide in free program from Modesto's State Theatre."