Ipaffy -- International Performing Arts Festival for Youth will take place May 17-20 on the campus of the University of Southern California. The second annual event is co-presented by Actors' Gang, Bilingual Foundation for the Arts, Center for Childhood, Los Angeles Children's Museum, Performing Tree, Troutco and the 24th Street Theatre. The highlight of the Festival will be an adaptation by Blau Vier Theatre/Belgium and Seattle Children's Theatre of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac. It will be presented May 20 at 1 PM and 3 PM at USC's Bing Theatre. For advance tickets call (213) 740-7111.

Approximately 8,000 children are expected to attend the Festival's three "Arts in Education" days (May 17-19, 9 AM-1:30 PM). Admissions are on a reservation-only basis for students and teachers from the L.A. Unified School District. Saturday May 20 has been dubbed "Family Arts Safari Day" and will offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor performances, street entertainers, workshops and cultural activities. The emphasis is on youth-oriented presentations by professional entertainers celebrating international cultures. The two dozen workshops include interactive sci fi, theatre games, masks, improvisation, Kabuki theatre, circus skills, musical instruments, puppets and storytelling.

With the exception of Cyrano (whose tickets are children $5, adults $10) all Saturday entertainment is free to the public. Food will be available. Donations at the door will be accepted.

At the University of Southern California/University Park Campus. Saturday entry at Gate 5 on W. Jefferson Blvd, park in structure D; or Gate 3 on Figueroa St at West 35th, park in structure X. Parking fee is $3. For information call (213) 740-5679.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent