Even the ominous storm clouds looming over the Scottsdale Center for the Arts couldn’t dampen the mood at Saturday’s Get Out Performing Arts Expo.

The fourth annual event, which attracted several thousand arts enthusiasts, featured performances from 17 of the Valley’s premier theater, opera, music and dance groups, including Ballet Arizona, Southwest Shakespeare Company and Arizona Opera. Also, more than 50 groups had information booths in the lobby, where people could pick up schedules, inquiry about ticket packages and volunteer opportunities and chat with performers.

According to Carol Williamson with the Arizona Theatre Company, the event offered Valley newcomers and natives alike a glimpse of what the local arts scene has to offer.

“I’ve lived here 33 years and, until I came here, I thought there were only four theater companies. You just have no idea how many great groups are out there until you come to an event like this.”

Jennifer Zehr of Mesa’s Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre agreed.

“A lot more people know who we are because of this event. We expect to see a good jump in ticket sales for our current show (“Honk!”) just from all the people here today.

“As far as expos go, this is one of the best in the Valley.”

Sally Davis, a newcomer to Scottsdale having moved here only six months ago from Chicago, said she came to the expo to determine where to invest her entertainment dollars.

“In Chicago we were season ticket holders to the ballet, the opera,” she said. “So you could say we’re here today to do a little shopping around — to see what’s out there.”

Davis and her husband Dale arrived promptly at 10 a.m. when the first performers — East Valley Children’s Theatre — took the stage. After they’d seen all the performances, Davis said they’d be “informed consumers,” and would purchase their season tickets accordingly.

Halfway through the afternoon, though, there appeared to be a few front-runners.

“I really enjoyed Ballet Arizona and the group from Fountain Hills (Fountain Hills Community Theater). I just can’t believe there are so many talented groups in (the Valley).”

According to Audrey Johnson, a parent volunteer with Desert Stages Theatre of Scottsdale, she “gets a real sense of satisfaction” from turning people like the Davises onto the local arts scene.

“We’re building up our mailing list; it’s just great” she said. “What better way to tell people about I love, about what I’m passionate about — the theater.”

Highlights of the expo included a performance by club-style dance troupe, Nebellen, and The Singing TV Guys — KPHO-TV (Channel 5) sportscaster Chris Coraggio and KTVK-TV (Channel 3) anchor Mike Chamberlin, who turned their microphone problems into a comedy routine.

“Don’t yell at us, we’re just sportscasters,” said Chamberlin, while strumming his acoustic guitar.

“Look, we’re not going to quit our TV jobs anytime soon,” chimed in Coraggio.