Held in the Barbara and David Zalaznick Studio on 5, the musical theatre offerings will kick off with An Evening with Rob Berman Oct. 17 at 6:30 PM. Berman, the musical director of the City Center Encores! series, will "offer behind-the-scenes insight into the process of mounting the entire Encores! season." Special guest artists will perform selections from all three upcoming Encores! productions: Merrily We Roll Along, Pipe Dream and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

God, I Hope I Get It! is the title of the Dec. 5 program. The 6:30 PM event will feature Encores! casting director Jay Binder, who will share a "sneak peek into the behind-the-table discussions that take place when an actor leaves the audition room. Mr. Binder will talk about his experiences and host mock auditions for this season of Encores! shows to demonstrate casting techniques."

The series will conclude Feb. 6, 2012, at 6:30 PM with What’s the Buzz? The evening, according to City Center, is described as such: "Today’s hits will become tomorrow’s Encores! productions. How does musical theater change as time goes on? A panel of today’s brightest young composers and writers discuss the changes in styles and trends of this eclectic art form and try to predict how musicals will change in the decades ahead."

Tickets, which are priced $20, will go on sale Sept. 19.

Tickets for all New York City Center events can be purchased online at www.NYCityCenter.org, by calling CityTix at (212) 581-1212, or at the City Center Box Office at 131 W. 55th St. (btwn 6th & 7th Aves). For more information visit www.NYCityCenter.org.