Superheroes in the making

The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention converges on Philadelphia in two locations on Friday and Saturday with an awards ceremony, comic books, workshops for kids, a costume contest, and more.

Convention festivities from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at the African American Museum will include a free reception along with the annual Glyph awards ceremony honoring African American icons in the comic book industry. The convention continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Enterprise Center in West Philadelphia, featuring the Kids' Library Zone (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), which will have comic book-themed activities, including panel discussions and workshops teaching children how to take their own ideas and create superheroes and comic books. Workshops will be taught by critically acclaimed and award-winning comic artists from around the country, including syndicated cartoonist Jerry Craft, creator of the Mama's Boyz comic strip; Victor Dandridge; Alex Simmons, who has worked with and created characters for Archie and DC Comics; native Philadelphia illustrator Eric Battle; and many more. Local artist Jihan Thomas will give hands-on instruction on how to make decorated masks, and there will be an Africoz costume contest. Children will also be provided with free comic books.

At 3 p.m. Sunday at Agnes Irwin School in Bryn Mawr, Acting Without Boundaries Jr. (AWB) presents The Velveteen Rabbit: A Children's Musical, a story about a stuffed rabbit on a quest to become real through his owner's love.

A little boy who receives the Velveteen Rabbit as a gift neglects the stuffed animal, preferring his fancier toys. Eventually, the Velveteen Rabbit becomes his best friend and shares his life experiences. Although the rabbit becomes old, the love between the rabbit and his owner is unconditional.

Acting Without Boundaries, based in Havertown, enhances the lives of children, youth, and young adults who have physical disabilities with theater arts programs. The organization's founder and executive director, Christine Rouse, was honored on the Today show last year for her work with children.

The LuLu Shrine Circus takes Plymouth Meeting by storm through Sunday at the Lulu Shrine Center Arena.

The annual circus will feature acrobatic feats, tightrope walking, and other popular and daring circus stunts. Animals including tigers and elephants will perform, clowns will entertain, and food will be available for purchase.