Austin-based filmmaker Brian Poyser will be in the house Friday at the Texas Theatre for screenings of two of his films. “Lovers of Hate” is nominated for an Independent Spirit Award this year. And “Dear Pillow” was nominated in 1995.

The Bishop Arts Theater Center’s 9th annual New Play Competition runs through Feb. 27.  Audience members watch six one-act plays and vote for their favorite at the end of the night. The play with the most votes at the end of the run wins $1,000. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The plays are for mature audiences, and tickets are $15.

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The African American Success Initiative is sponsoring Dallas ISD Goes to College, a free college fair for students in middle and high school. It’s from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at the American Airlines Center.

The Kessler has the Singapore Slingers with Kristy Kruger Saturday. They performed a Valentine’s Day show together last week. Tickets are $12. What a bargain!

Want to ride with Bike Friendly Oak Cliff in the Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade March 6? If you stop by the Oak Cliff Bicycle Co. Sunday, they will screen print the BFOC logo on T-shirts or whatever you bring them.

Food & Wine Magazine has nominated Smoke chef Tim Byres for an award, The People’s Best New Chef. And he’s the only chef from Dallas nominated. On Monday, Feb. 21, Smoke is doing a little old-fashioned ballot stuffing. From 7-9 p.m., Smoke will offer free food and drinks, plus live music. But make sure you vote for Tim first!