Inside Arts

• Zachary Scott Theatre artistic director Dave Steakley likes to share the latest news about his company's far-flung players. (Wish other producers did the same.) Andrew Rannells, who starred in Zach's 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch,' landed a role in the off-off-Broadway camper 'It's Karate, Kid! The Musical.' ... Matt Lenz, who directs 'Aida' for Zach this month, also has cast Rannells as Corny Collins in Broadway's 'Hairspray.' ... Lenz will direct the London version of that huge stage hit next year. ... Kevin Cahoon, Zach's other Hedwig, is playing opposite Matthew Broderick in 'The Foreigner' in New York. ... Nicholas Rodriguez, who performed for Lenz in Zach's 'Love, Valour, Compassion' last season just finished six months playing Aaron to Val Kilmer's Moses in 'The Ten Commandments,' the Los Angeles-based flop. ... Another Zach regular, Kenny Williams, took a break from 'The Lion King' to premiere a musical version of 'The Color Purple' at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre. -- Michael Barnes

• Thank goodness for Margie Coyle, co-owner of Cap City Comedy Club, who, like Steakley, keeps us updated about Austin stand-up talent. Brendon Walsh, the most recent winner of the club's Funniest Person in Austin Contest, just appeared on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live.' Furthermore, Chris Fairbanks, Matt Bearden and Jimmie Roulette have landed on episodes of Comedy Central's 'Premium Blend,' which air beginning next month. Trusting local talent at the earliest stages, Coyle plans an open-mic series on Sundays next year. -- M.B.

• After an initial reluctance, I agreed to debate alt-theater director, arts commissioner and budding politico Jason Neulander on government arts funding at the next Dionysium, a series of debates and lectures, 9 p.m. Tuesday, The Ritz Lounge, 320 E. Sixth St. Cheryl Moran speaks on American English; Austin Chronicle arts editor Robert Faires declaims 'The Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy.' www.dionysium.com. -- M.B.

• Austin artist Jamie Berlant, a recent transplant from Brooklyn, had her whimsical monsters featured at F.A.O. Schwartz over the holiday season. Made of used leather, cat whiskers and hundreds of tiny stitches, the friendly but offbeat creatures take up to a month to produce. To see the monsters, check out www.clawtoothandnail.com. -- Jeanne Claire van Ryzin

• The Sculpture Academy of Austin celebrates its grand opening with a happy hour party and exhibit, 5 to 10 p.m. Jan. 7. The new arts school, overseen by director Al Carp, is at 4910 Burnet Road. 419-7373; www.sculptureacademy.com. -- M.B.