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When interior designer Nora Bouz begins a consultation, she starts by asking clients to look inward, to consider their own hearts before looking out to their room interiors.

Four acclaimed productions, several play readings, an all-ages dance party and talkbacks with teens are among the offerings at the Belfry Theatre over the next two weeks, as the company launches its annual SPARK Festival.

What: Victoria Beer Week Where: Various venues, including Victoria Public Market; Swans Brewery, Pub and Hotel; and Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, among others When: March 6 through March 14 Tickets: $15-$50 through Ticket Rocket (1050 Meares St.

IN CONCERT What: Beethoven 250 Where: Farquhar Auditorium, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd. When: March 7 through March 22 Tickets: $35–$58 from the University Centre box office (250-721-8480) or tickets.uvic.

ON STAGE What: Busted Up: A Yukon Story Where: The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave. When: March 10-14 Tickets: $29 from belfry.bc.

OPENING Emma (Cineplex Odeon Victoria, Landmark Cinemas University Heights, Star) The Jane Austin story of a well-meaning but selfish young woman who meddles in the love lives of her friends in 1800s England.

American Idol judges showered Nanaimo teenager Lauren Spencer-Smith with praise on Sunday night, sending her through to the next phase of the reality TV singing competition.

Of late, romantic stories about sick young people have emerged as a distinct sub-genre.

Nanaimo teenager Lauren Spencer-Smith’s career has taken giant steps in recent months, thanks to a viral hit, an appearance on U.S. network television and a Juno Award nomination. It’s about to get even better.

A houseguest from Nanaimo will be among the cast of Big Brother Canada when the eighth season of the reality TV series gets underway March 4 on Global TV.