In "Masks," currently at J.E.T. Studios, the behavior of fathers toward their sons is either cruelly neglectful or physically brutal. The two-man play, written by and starring Terryl Daluz and Mann Alfonso, attributes the criminal behavior of the characters to their having been viciously beaten and routinely humiliated as children by terrible dads.

BANANAS! A Day in the Life of Josephine Baker is an award-winning, one-woman tour-de-force play based on the extraordinary life of international star and civil rights freedom fighter, Josephine Baker. Drama, comedy and music recount Baker's "rise from the slums of East St. Louis to the grand stages of Europe."

Always on the hunt for what is new in NoHo, I found myself at J.E.T. Studios, a multi-faceted art, performance, and casting facility. Judith E, the sassy powerhouse behind J.E.T. Studios, showed me around and gave me some insight on what to expect at this artists' playground.

Being an actress herself, there is no mistaking that Judith understands what an artist needs in a space like this. One of the most exciting and unique offeringsat this location is the virtual casting and performance technology, set up so castings and performances can be enjoyed locally, across the nation, or across the planet via live streaming on the internet or saved to be seen at the viewer's leisure.

For those of you charmed enough to live in North Hollywood, yet another theater in the NoHo Arts District may seem redundant. But imagine a venue that acts not only as a space for theatrical productions, but also as a forum for acting teachers, actors, casting directors, producers, independent film makers and directors to use. On Saturday, July 23, at the intersection of Lankershim and Magnolia Blvd, J.E.T Studios will rise above the smog and traffic with an impressive opening that will include a tour of this polished facility, consisting of three studios, a TV/camera room and a 60-seat theater that will provide professional soundproof space for theatrical productions, film screenings, rehearsals, acting classes, and film/video shoots.