There are so many stories to tell, I hardly know where to begin. No worries, there are more than a million words available for use in the English language, so I am not at a loss for words. Action. There it is. The theme for this week. Take action.

That doesn't mean you have to run marathons or lift weights, just do something to keep your mind active and alert. That's why I take dance lessons. It gives me a great activity. I am not a brilliant dancer - and I have discovered I have four feet: left, right, other foot and wrong foot. Ah, well. It's an activity, not a career.

Writing is not a career either, though it is also an activity. Tell a story with the written word. For those among us who would like to know more about how to write a book, tell a story, get published, Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) has a Thursday Artist Talk just for you: The Art of Words: From Scribbles to Publication. The event will be with Ben Nuttall-Smith on Feb. 2, 7: 30 p.m.

SAGA is a non-profit society that offers a variety of events at Surrey Art Gallery, located inside Surrey Arts Centre, at Bear Creek Park. Their free Thursday Artist Talk events are fantastic, and I really like that they are exploring the art of writing. Nuttal-Smith is a local author whose talk is aimed at presenting the steps for a writer to get accepted by a publisher. He will use examples from his own writing experience and search for a publisher, as well as segments from his two recent novels. Looking, by Norm Foster, opens this week at Surrey Little Theatre and runs until Feb.

18. This adult-content play is directed by Rita Price and runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., plus Sunday matinees. Tickets are only $15, but here's a deal if you act quickly: Friday, Jan. 27 is two-for-one night. Take action now, call for reservations at 604576-8451. If you are wanting a more active participation in community theatre, Ellie Parento uses words well, saying, "We are still looking for help with 'front of house' (of the theatre) - no experience required. Will train." Volunteering for front of house is an ideal way to introduce yourself to the workings of community theatre. SLT even has a movie house-style popcorn maker. Real popcorn. Email ellie.parento@surreylittletheatre.com to get involved.

Elsewhere, Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society needs help with the spring production of The Mikado. All of the positions requiring help do require some skill, so a modicum of experience is required. Needed is a stage manager, publicist and set builder. That's three or more people - not one doing all jobs. However, a triple threat would not be turned away. Kate Bethell, show producer, calls these "exciting and challenging positions." Yep, got that one right. These are important and key positions. Contact Kate at fvgssproducer@ gmail.com. The hardest job for a producer is finding people to fill all the jobs. Everyone wants to be on stage - actors are easy to find. Most of the time, anyway. It does take about 35 to 40 people behind the scenes. That's where the action is, for sure.

Another very active group is The Vaudevillians, a seniors group dedicated to the preservation of vaudeville. They have a very active schedule of performances throughout the year. Every November, The Vaudevillians put on their annual fundraising event at Surrey Arts Centre in support of their bursary for performing arts students at Douglas College. To date they have raised more than $70,000. Now that is action.

melminty@telus.net