Tonight, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre won't be presenting some witty, experimental theater performance, but it will be having a special show titled At the Threshold of Alchemy: An Evening of Poetry and Music with John Amen. Amen, an author of three collections of poetry, including Christening the Dancer, More of Me Disappears, and At the Threshold of Alchemy will be reading and performing (He's released two folk rock albums too!). He'll also be signing his works afterwards and, even better, the event is free. Free. 7:30 p.m. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542. www.nccast.com.