The clock's ticking: 30 Tacoma film crews have around 60 more hours to create a five-minute film for The Grand Cinema's annual 72 Hour Film Competition. Around 80 folks showed up to The Grand at 7 p.m. last night to get instructions and the mandatory elements that every film has to include (but that are only announced at the start of the 72 hours.) This year, films have to include a misunderstanding, some sort of container, the action of washing, and the line "They don't make 'em like they used to." No obscenities, five minutes max (including credits) and DVD format only. Entries will be screened at the Festival next Friday night at the Rialto, where they will be judged and awarded prizes.

As Grand director Philip Cowan finished the announcements, teams strode away, looking determined. The film crowd was mostly of the geeky, post-college, men-in-their-30s type, and Cowan said that most were competition veterans.

Two women, however, made up a newbie team: Kat Ogden and Vonda N. McIntyre. Did they come, as many crews do, with a prepackaged film, just waiting to find out what mandatory elements they had to squeeze into it?

"No," said McIntyre. "That's not really the spirit of it."

Are they planning to spend the next three nights caffeinated and sleepless, roaming Tacoma with cameras and increasing panic?

"No," says Ogden. "I'd like to pace it evenly. I'd like to have fun, this weekend!"

The films are due 7 p.m. Sunday back at The Grand. So if you see some harassed people wandering around town with cameras, take pity. You might even get your face on the big screen.

The 72 Hour Film Competition screens 7 p.m. Friday May 8 at the Rialto Theater, 310 S. 9th St., Tacoma. Doors open 6 p.m. Concessions available. Audience gets to vote on one prize. Tickets $12/$10 non-members. DVDs of the night will be available for sale, and also at Click! On Demand.

Vocal quintet Chic Gamine sing at the Rialto Friday night. Photo courtesy Broadway Center.

Chic Gamine at the Rialto
Canadian vocal quintet and 2009 JUNO Award-winners Chic Gamine sing lush harmonies, bass and rhythm in styles that range from African to Brazilian and French Canadian folk, with just a solo percussionist alongside. 7:30 p.m. tonight. $28 and $39/$15 with food donation. Rialto Theater, 310 S. 9th St., Tacoma. 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org, www.myspace.com/chicgamine

Northwest Repertory Singers go local
For their final concert of the year, the NRS team up with local choirs (Emerald Ridge High School Concert Choir, Curtis High School A Cappella Choir) and local composer Tom Walworth to sing a program celebrating Northwest singers and composers. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $18/$15/under-12 free. Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N. Madison St., Tacoma. 253-572-4831, www.nwrs.org

Figaro gets married at Seattle Opera
The beloved “Marriage of Figaro” comes back to Seattle Opera, starring Oren Gradus, Christine Brandes, Mariusz Kwiecien and Twyla Robinson. 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, May 6, 8, 9, 13, 15; 2 p.m. May 3, 10 (family day $15 for under-18.) $15-$145. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, Seattle. 800-426-1619, www.seattleopera.org

Choral Arts sings about new beginnings
In “Mornings Like This,”
Tacoma’s Choral Arts choir sings work by Corigliano, Tippett, and a premiere by William Averitt (composer in attendance) exploring themes of morning, childhood and renewal. 7 p.m. Saturday. $23/$18 advance, $25/$20 at door. Students free. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 North K Street,
Tacoma. 877-404-3369, www.choral-arts.org