Controlled Chaos : ‘This Is Not a Pipe Dream’ deftly explores childhood experiences of Surrealist Rene Magritte.

Inventive, funny and definitely not the usual children’s theater fare, “This Is Not a Pipe Dream,” based on the words and work of Belgian Surrealist Rene Magritte, is an outstanding treat at Cal State Northridge for ages 8 and up.

Playwright Barry Kornhauser’s fantasy romp incorporates the images and words of the artist. It revolves around childhood experiences that fed Magritte’s unsettling artistic vision in which words become meaningless and nothing is as it appears.

Kornhauser similarly unsettles the audience, breaking theatrical conventions in a style reminiscent of Thornton Wilder.

Magritte’s signature bowler-hatted men in black coats become anarchic clowns, making comical intrusions into the proceedings. Other actors frequently question the script, indulge in grumpy exchanges and talk directly to the audience. Even the curtain call keeps the audience wondering what’s real.

It’s a challenge to pull off--instead of humorous, controlled chaos, it could be just chaos--but this fast-paced student production, tightly directed by Anamarie Garcia, doesn’t miss a beat.

The able cast is headed by Jay Pares Africa as the Interlocutor, Carlos Tesoro as Magritte, Alex LaVerde as Father and Jennifer Rennels as Mother. Cathy S. Pyles’ witty set design, David Fessenden’s lighting, Cliff Schneider’s sound design and Paula Higgins’ costumes are expressive complements to the production.

* “This Is Not a Pipe Dream,” Cal State Northridge, Little Theatre (park in Lot A at Darby Street.), Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. $5. (818) 677-2488. Running time: 1 hour.

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Heroes Veteran children’s singer-storyteller Paul Tracey and his wife, dance educator Susan Cambigue-Tracey, will again recognize some of education’s unsung heroes with the second annual Professional Artists in Schools Awards banquet on Sunday, honoring artists who have dedicated their lives to bringing the arts to children.

This year’s honorees are puppeteer Betsy Brown, who has been presenting her gentle, interactive puppet shows for more than 50 years; multicultural musical and storytelling duo Clabe Hangan & Joe Rael; percussionist Terrance Laine, whose show “Jam Man” samples music and electronics from the ‘60s to the ‘90s; ceramic artist Ramon Landivar, who specializes in pre-Columbian techniques; master storyteller Martha Stevens; and Ara and Danais Tokatlian, husband-and-wife performers and co-founders of South American folk music group Arco Iris.

Parents may not be familiar with these artists, whom Tracey refers to as “soul growers,” but thousands of schoolchildren have benefited from their commitment to expanding horizons and sparking creativity.

As a way of giving their efforts some well-deserved public recognition, Tracey, his wife and an advisory panel of independent artists and arts organizations established the award for lifetime achievement last year, in cooperation with such groups as the Music Center’s Education Division, Performing Tree, the L.A. Children’s Museum and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

The banquet awards ceremony is open to the public, although seating is limited.

* Professional Artists in Schools Awards, Empress Pavilion Restaurant, Bamboo Plaza, 988 N. Hill St., Sunday, 5:30 p.m., $30. (310) 454-4575.

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Calling Young Artists: You could see your own personal artistic statement on billboards across Los Angeles County. Children and teenagers between ages 5 and 17 are eligible to enter Friends of the Junior Arts Center’s 5th Annual Billboard Contest by creating artwork on the theme, “Imagine a Great City . . . What I Love About L.A.”

First-, second- and third-place winners, selected in each of four age categories, will receive art supply gift certificates donated by the Art Store and scholarships for Junior Arts Center classes. One child will win a chance to have his or her work of art displayed on 12-by-24-foot color billboards.

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* 5th Annual Billboard Contest. The deadline for contest submissions is Dec. 5. To receive an entry form and complete contest rules, leave your name and address at (213) 660-3362.