Vignettes 

Andy Warhol coined the concept of "15 minutes of fame" to evoke the ephemeral nature of celebrity. But if you have in mind longer-lasting glory, and you happen to be a teenager (or a parent listening to your teen warbling in his/her bedroom), check this out: First Night Burlington has just announced a Vermont Teen Talent Competition called Rising Star Search. Twelve finalists will compete at First Night on December 31 in six categories: solo or group in song/word, dance and instrumental. How to be one of those select few? By submitting a video or audio file of your best performance, no more than 3 minutes long, before October 31. See details at http://www.firstnightburlington.com or email [email protected] . . .

The brand-new Flynn Arts Dance Company is holding auditions for male and female dancers this weekend, September 7 and 8, at the Flynn's Chase Studio. Artistic Director Lynn Ellen Schimoler, 39, brings plentiful teaching credits and a background in modern, improv and African forms, all of which she says will influence the troupe's direction. But Schimoler stresses collaboration: "We'll create forms together," she says. Minimum age for dancers: 15. Interested movers can visit http://www.flynncenter.org/flynnarts.html or call for a brochure at 652-4548, ext. 4. . .

Why does everything fun seem to happen at once? Burlington-area cultural cognoscenti are likely to be absorbed in the Art Hop (see above) this weekend, but readers farther south may want to take in Sandglass Theater's biennial "Puppets in Paradise." The Putney-based puppeteers are among the artful performers - including a trapeze artist, magicians, musicians and Commedia dell'Arte mask-makers - at this whimsical benefit happening on Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., in the lush gardens of landscape architects Mary and Gordon Hayward in Westminster West, Vermont. For directions and other info, see http://www.sandglasstheater.org or call 387-4051 . . .

The words "funny" and "marathon" seldom go together in a sentence, but an exception could be made for "24 Hours Comics Day." In conjunction with a nationwide event, Artists' Mediums in Williston is hosting a local version, during which participants will draw for, yep, 24 hours straight. The rest of us are invited to come watch, keep the cartoonists awake, or just satisfy that craving to buy some art supplies in the middle of the night. The marathon isn't until October 20-21, but wannabe artists have to sign up by September 15 - only 10 slots are available! Check out the info at http://www.24hourcomics.com/dare.htm and then call Artists' Mediums at 879-1236 . .