Metro Phoenix residents, it’s time to make some plans. This week, you can watch local actors recite the words of the Bard while getting blasted, catch a spoken-word performance by punk icon Henry Rollins, or see what sort of burgeoning music and dance talents the Valley has to offer.

For more things to do around the Valley from Monday, September 26, to Thursday, September 29, visit Phoenix New Times’ online events calendar.

Proof Is in the Pudding Music and Dance Competition

Want to see what sort of burgeoning musicians and dancers are trying to make an impression in the Valley these days? Phoenix’s resident shock-rock legend Alice Cooper is putting on an American Idol-style talent search with a slot at his annual Christmas Pudding holiday show in December up for grabs. During past versions of the “Proof Is in the Pudding” contests, up to 300 young musicians have competed for the chance to be in that spotlight. And it’s not just stage time that they’re vying for: There are some cash prizes at stake, too. This year, the competition will involve musicians and dancers ages 12 to 25, and run from late September through mid-November. The winning bands also will get a $1,000 cash prize while the top dancer scores $750 and the best soloist earns $500. This week, the contest’s first round will continue when music competition and dance auditions take place over three nights…