The planner (things to do)

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

From the gulf to the Great White Way

Every summer for 20 years, some of the best-known theater artists in the world have gathered in Tampa for three weeks. You might never know they were here unless you had a passion to one day join their ranks. The artists come to Tampa for the Broadway Theatre Project Festival, a training ground for the next generation of stage performers. This year's faculty includes Ben Vereen, Tony-nominated Broadway star Terrence Mann, Broadway and film star Patrick Wilson (a former BTP student), Lie To Me star Monica Raymund and composer Frank Wildhorn. Wonderland, Wildhorn's musical that premiered last year in Tampa, was originally workshopped at the project. Local audiences will get to see the work of these big-name artists in a showcase featuring dozens of BTP students. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Theater I at the University of South Florida in Tampa; tickets are $40, plus service charge. Faculty performance is at 4 p.m. Saturday; $20, plus service charge. (813) 974-2323 for tickets or broadwaytheatreproject.com for information.

SATURDAY

Paintball game honors heroes

Tampa police officer Jeff Kocab was an avid paintballer. The Fallen Heroes Paintball Game Fundraiser will benefit the families of Kocab and fellow fallen officer David Curtis, who were both gunned down during a traffic stop. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, with a safety briefing at 9 a.m. at Fishhawk Fellowship Church, 15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia. $20 in advance; $25 day of event; $5 for rental equipment. (813) 220-2096; wfcpaintball.com.

Here come the bugs

We normally avoid all the bugs that swarm this former swamp, but the Insect Safari at Brooker Creek Preserve on Saturday hopes to get you to look at these buzzing wonders in a new way. What makes an insect an insect? Where are the best places to find insects? Learn the answers, then hit the trail with an insect net and magnifier to find bugs and test your knowledge. It's free and best for ages 6-10. The preserve at 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Call (727) 453-6800.

MOSI plays tour guide

Escape for a little slice of paradise on Saturday for Island Hop, a trip to Egmont Key, where you can snorkel below the waves, hunt for fossils and seashells, and explore inland ruins populated by gopher tortoises under the supervision of a Museum of Science and Industry expedition leader. The trip is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday beginning at MOSI, 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Ground transportation, a ferry ride, beverages, lunch and snorkel gear will be supplied, but don't forget the sunscreen. The cost is $45, and $35 for members. Call (813) 987-6000 or visit mosi.org.

MONDAY

Women get coached in football

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derrick Brooks and Ian Beckles will host the Ladies Chalk Talk II, in which the athletes coach women on the basics of Football 101. Darek Sharp of 620-WDAE leads a tutorial on fantasy football, and guests will enjoy Shula's barbecues shrimp and specialty cocktails from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Shula's Steak House, 4860 W Kennedy Blvd. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Proceeds benefit Derrick Brooks Charities, providing educational opportunities for youths. Call (813) 639-4125.

FRIDAY

Meet a soccer star

Meet Jeremy Christie of Tampa Bay Rowdies and New Zealand World Cup soccer fame as he signs autographs and takes photos at SideBern's on Friday. Light appetizers and wines from Christie's native New Zealand will be served at 5:30 p.m. 2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa. $25. (813) 258-2233; bernsfinewines.com.