SECOND THOUGHT’S FIRST: Second Thought Theatre opens its new season tonight with A Behanding in Spokane. The play is by Martin McDonagh, the same writer of In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths, and all of the McDonagh trademarks – bloody violence, fast-paced action and a wicked sense of humor – are promised. Alex Organ, the show’s director, offers up a preview in the video above.

TINY AUDITIONS: Are your kids the ones who are constantly putting on little playlets in your living room? If so, maybe it’s time to find them a bigger stage. Fortunately, Artisan Center Theater in Hurst, Creative Arts Theatre & School in Arlington and Frisco Area Children’s Theater are all looking for youngsters for upcoming productions. Details on how to audition are at dallasnews.com.

 QUOTABLE: “To be in the States, I don’t want to be in Iowa or Wisconsin. I like to be in Texas. It’s a strong state. People are strong-minded, very independent. But you are also a warm people. I’m French Canadian, the Latin side of Canada. I’m warm, too. I like that very much.”

– Van Cliburn Foundation’s interim director Jacques Marquis, in a lengthy profile on dfw.com.