THAT'S LIFE: Honolulan Jason Tam has been co-starring on ABC's "One Life to Live" soap opera, and just accepted an offer to stay on permanently in the role of Markko Rivera. The TV gig enables him to show off his smooth dance moves, which were widely seen on Broadway when he starred as Paul San Marco in the musical "A Chorus Line." (He's left that show; his replacement, Bryan R. Knowlton, was in a "Chorus" cast that played Hawai'i in the past). Tam's soap character is in an evolving relationship with Langston, the character portrayed by Brittany Underwood. From Sept. 19 to Oct. 1, he also stars in "The Yellow Wood," an off-Broadway musical at the Acorn Theatre in Manhattan, in which he plays a 17-year-old named Adam. ...

TRADE WINDS: Attorney Jeffrey Portnoy is the new president of Manoa Valley Theatre, effective Sept. 1. It's a hat he's capably worn before — first time in 1980. He's logged nearly 17 years of service as MVT honcho; is that a record in the performing arts? ...

And Scott Rogers has assumed the managing director's role at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Harry Wong III remains as artistic director. ...

Wong directed "Titus Andronicus," the Hawaii Shakespeare Festival finale at The ARTS at Marks Garage. He said that the scene in which Lavinia (played by Kathy Hunter) appears, with tongue cut out and hands chopped off (suggested via red cloth representing blood at her mouth and limbs), prompted a man to head for the exit. "He passed out," Wong said. First, en route to the exit, then a second time in the art gallery. Theater folks gave him water; but the gent returned after intermission. Ah, the power of theater. ...

CASTING CALL: Walt Disney Entertainment is searching for Polynesian performers — dancers, fire-knife dancers, singers and actors — for roles at the Tokyo Disney Resort, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and Hong Kong Disneyland. Island resident Marian Morrison, who previously was based in Orlando, is assisting. She said there's a dire need for a comedic actress with Hawaiian-Polynesian flair and the aura of a Bloody Mary to play Aunt Wini.

Auditions will be at the Kahili Suite of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. On Sept. 8: 9 a.m. female Polynesian dancers, 11 a.m. male dancers.; noon fire-knife performers. On Sept. 9: 9 a.m. theater-jazz dancers; 11 a.m. musical theater singers-actors.

SPECIFIC NEEDS: female dance applicants must know the Maori poi ball dance; bring pareu and bikini top; all dancers should wear appropriate rehearsal attire and shoes, with ballet combination required; singers should prepare two contrasting styles and provide sheet music (an accompanist will be available); actors should prepare a one-minute comedic monologue. Applicants must be 18 or older, provide a photo and resume. Audition hot line: 407-397-3299, www.disneyauditions.com. ...

HITHER 'N' YON: UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw welcomed new freshmen and transfer students to campus last week with an Aloha Manoa event at Andrews Amphitheatre. Frank DeLima emceed; another DeLima, Kelly Boy and his Kapena, performed. Hinshaw, a new arrival herself, danced with students to Kapena's "Reggae Train," a flashback of the "Kanikapila" shows from the past. ...

The Nobriga siblings of Maui were unable to attend last week's 2007 Design & Community/Business Awards sponsored by the Wailuku Main Street Association. The kids sent dad Buddy Nobriga to pick up the award for landscaping. The Nobrigas own and operate Maui Soda & Ice Co. Ltd. and are the Coca-Cola franchisee and manufacturer of Roselani Ice Cream. Dad, technically "retired" at 80, retains the CEO title. "The only reason I keep my office," Nobriga said with a mischievous smile, "is so I can do the yard work." ...

Former Honolulan Maggie Q and present resident CaryHiroyuki Tagawa are in "Balls of Fury," opening in theaters tomorrow. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.