STOMP
THE SMASH HIT RETURNS TO
PITTSBURGH, SEPTEMBER 15 – 20, 2009
WITH NEW SURPRISES
STOMP, the international sensation, is making its triumphant return to Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center, September 15 – 20, 2009. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans.
“After creating new routines for STOMP OUT LOUD in Vegas, [co-creator] Luke Cresswell and I decided it was time to rework elements of our main production, STOMP,” said co-creator Steve McNicholas. “STOMP has evolved a great deal ever since its first incarnation at the Edinburgh Festival. Every reworking has involved losing some pieces and gaining new ones, but has always stayed true to the original premise of the show: to create rhythmic music with instantly recognizable objects, and do it with an eccentric sense of character and humor.”
The changes that can now be seen in the tour of STOMP are the biggest since the late 1990’s. A new piece “Paint Cans” evolved out of the “Boxes” routine in the Las Vegas show and “Donuts” is a piece that implements huge tractor tire inner tubes, worn around the waist on a bungee cord. For many years, the creators had looked for a STOMP equivalent of the Latin percussion instrument the guiro, a gourd-shaped open-ended instrument with ridges along the side that are rubbed by a wooden stick to create its sound. The climactic trashcan sequence “Bins” has been restructured to include a guiro-like new found instrument: strip-lighting recycling containers.
From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past fourteen years, having performed in over 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide. STOMP continues its phenomenal run with the ongoing sell-out Off-Broadway production at New York's Orpheum Theatre, a North American tour, and two productions overseas - a London company and a European tour.
STOMP, an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London's Tony Award), a New YorkObie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays. The young performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-creator/director Luke Cresswell. Stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra; Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – trashcans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots, and hubcaps – to fill the stage with compelling and infectious rhythms.
Critics and audiences have raved: “STOMP is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares “STOMP has a beat that just won’t quit!” The Los Angeles Times exclaims: “Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience.” “A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says the Chicago Tribune.
STOMP is directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.
The smash hit returns to Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center from September 15 to 20, 2009. Performance schedule is Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 5:00PM and 9:00PM, and Sunday at 3:00PM and 7:00PM. Tickets range from $21.00 - $49.00, and are available by calling 412-456-6666, visiting the Box Office at Theater Square [665 Penn Avenue] or online at pgharts.org.
www.stomponline.com
# # #
Dreamweaver Marketing Associates Blog is a Pittsburgh based press release site published by Pittsburgh based marketing company which specializes in Web 2.0 marketing and social media marketing. Press releases are for local news and client marketing of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park Celebrates 5th Anniversary
P i t t s b u r g h S h a k e s p e a r e i n t h e P a r k s
Contact:
Jennifer Tober, Artistic Director
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks
542 Gettysburg St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-404-8531
pittsburghshakespeare@yahoo.com
For Immediate Release
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks celebrates 5th anniversary with “Love’s Labour’s Lost”
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks, the city’s only free outdoor Shakespeare company, will present the Shakespeare comedy “Love’s Labour’s Lost” in Frick, Mellon, and Kennard Parks over the four weekends of September 2009.
First published in 1598, and then called “a pleasant, conceited comedy,” the story follows the young King of Navarre and his best friends who swear off love for 3 years, only to break their oaths by wooing the Princess of France and her ladies with hilarious hi-jinks and coquetry gone awry.
Melissa Hill Grande (of Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre and Phase 3 Productions) debuts with Pittsburgh Shakespeare as Director. “Grande brings her extensive directing experience and infectious energy, and approaches the play with a fresh spin,” says Jennifer Tober, PSIP Artistic Director. “Think Mt. Lebanon girls invade Upper St. Clair boys to get the Galleria back,” adds Grande.
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks was born in 2005 when Tober, then a recent transplant from New York City, was so inspired by the natural amphitheater-like space at the bottom of the sledding hill in Frick Park in Squirrel hill that she formed the company and offered the Shakespeare comedy AS YOU LIKE IT that November. “Performing free, energetic Shakespeare in interesting, found, public spaces has been such an integral part of my theatre life and training, and I love bringing that to Pittsburgh audiences, as the city’s only outdoor Shakespeare company…we challenge the ‘doublet and hose’ image of Shakespeare by creating physical, understandable, and exciting theatre for today’s audience,” Tober says.
Love’s Labour’s Lost opens in Frick Park, near the Blue Slide playground on September 5 & 6, moves to Mellon Park on September 12 & 13, Kennard Park in the Hill District on September 19 & 20, and then returns to Frick Park on September 26 & 27 with all shows at 2 PM. Admission is FREE to the public and open to all ages. Donations are encouraged. “Bring a blanket, a thermos, and a loved one,” says Tober… and expect to be a part of the action and move about the parks, as the actors rove to different settings appropriate to each scene. Audience members may want to bring along an umbrella, too, as the show is cancelled only in heavy rain or dangerous conditions. “We’ve performed in a drizzle…and in the mud,” Tober adds.
The cast includes Douglas Baker, Sara Lamb, Joanna Getting, Tonya Lynn, Michelina Pollini, Adam Rutledge, Kaitlin Mausser, Laura Lee Brautigam, Emily Kolb, Rosh Raines, Eric James Davidson, Anna Gilchrist, Gabriel Proietti, Adam Hoak, Andrew Huntley, and Deanna Tangeman. Rachel Parent is the costumer, and Kaitlin Mausser is doing the choreography.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Woodville Plantation Hosts Harvest Day
August 17, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rob Windhorst
412-221-0348
rwindhorst19@comcast.net
QUICK FACTS:
Event: Harvest Day
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Place: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017
Cost: $5.00 for Adults, $10.00 for Families
WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS HARVEST DAY
BRIDGEVILLE, PA (August 17, 2009) – Step back in time at Woodville Plantation as this living history museum treats visitors to a special look at the gardens of Woodville. On Sunday, August 30, 2009, visitors are invited to join the gardeners of Woodville Plantation as they harvest crops grown at the site during the summer season. From 1 to 4 pm, guests can meet the head gardener and learn about 18th century crops, growing techniques and tools. Admission to this special event is $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family.
Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the Era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.
Just 7 miles and 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, Woodville is conveniently located 1/4 mile north of Interstate
I-79 Exit 55 (Kirwin Heights Exit) on Route 50, near the intersection of Thoms Run Road. For further directions or for more information, please visit Woodville’s website at http://www.woodvilleplantation.org or call
412-221-0348.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rob Windhorst
412-221-0348
rwindhorst19@comcast.net
QUICK FACTS:
Event: Harvest Day
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Place: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017
Cost: $5.00 for Adults, $10.00 for Families
WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS HARVEST DAY
BRIDGEVILLE, PA (August 17, 2009) – Step back in time at Woodville Plantation as this living history museum treats visitors to a special look at the gardens of Woodville. On Sunday, August 30, 2009, visitors are invited to join the gardeners of Woodville Plantation as they harvest crops grown at the site during the summer season. From 1 to 4 pm, guests can meet the head gardener and learn about 18th century crops, growing techniques and tools. Admission to this special event is $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family.
Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the Era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.
Just 7 miles and 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, Woodville is conveniently located 1/4 mile north of Interstate
I-79 Exit 55 (Kirwin Heights Exit) on Route 50, near the intersection of Thoms Run Road. For further directions or for more information, please visit Woodville’s website at http://www.woodvilleplantation.org or call
412-221-0348.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
CD Live in Pittsburgh
CD LIve! Presents The Tragically Hip
From: Lauren Bracey (bracey@pgharts.org)
Sent: Mon 8/10/09 1:01 PM
To: jqsdreamweaver@hotmail.com
For immediate release
Monday, August 10, 2009
Contact: Lauren Bracey, 412.471.3591, bracey@pgharts.org
CD Live! Presents The Tragically Hip
8 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009, Byham Theater
Brought to you by 91.3 WYEP, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Three Rivers Arts Festival
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 91.3 WYEP and Three Rivers Arts Festival are pleased to announce CD Live! presents The Tragically Hip at 8 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009, at the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 14, at 9 a.m.
Critically acclaimed for over two decades, The Tragically Hip has been at the heart of the Canadian music scene, evoking a strong emotional connection between their music and their fans that remains unrivaled in this country. A five-piece group of friends including Robby Baker (guitar), Gordon Downie (vocals, guitar), Johnny Fay (drums), Paul Langlois (guitar) and Gord Sinclair (bass), who grew up in Kingston, Ontario, The Hip has achieved the enviable status of a band that enjoys both mass popularity with over 8 million albums sold worldwide, as well as peer recognition through 31 Juno Award Nominations and 11 wins.
The band’s 12th studio album, We Are the Same, was released in April 2009 by Universal Music. The album was recorded and mixed by Bob Rock at the band’s Bath House studio in Kingston, Vancouver and Maui. Among the 12 brand new tracks is the first single “Love Is A First.”
Tickets ($39.50, $34.50, $29.50) go on sale Friday, August 14, 2009, at 9 a.m. at the Box Office at Theater Square, by phone at 412.456.6666, and online at pgharts.org.
Calendar Listing
CD Live! presents The Tragically Hip. 8 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009, at the Byham Theater. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets: $29 - $39. On sale Friday, August 14, at 9 a.m.: online at pgharts.org, by phone 412.456.6666 or the Box Office at Theater Square. CD Live! is a project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and 91.3 WYEP.
About CD Live!
CD Live! widens the creative expression of the Pittsburgh music scene while advancing the artistry of musicians from around the world. This collaborative project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and WYEP-FM was formed to build new music audiences and to welcome these listeners to the Cultural District.
From: Lauren Bracey (bracey@pgharts.org)
Sent: Mon 8/10/09 1:01 PM
To: jqsdreamweaver@hotmail.com
For immediate release
Monday, August 10, 2009
Contact: Lauren Bracey, 412.471.3591, bracey@pgharts.org
CD Live! Presents The Tragically Hip
8 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009, Byham Theater
Brought to you by 91.3 WYEP, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Three Rivers Arts Festival
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 91.3 WYEP and Three Rivers Arts Festival are pleased to announce CD Live! presents The Tragically Hip at 8 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009, at the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 14, at 9 a.m.
Critically acclaimed for over two decades, The Tragically Hip has been at the heart of the Canadian music scene, evoking a strong emotional connection between their music and their fans that remains unrivaled in this country. A five-piece group of friends including Robby Baker (guitar), Gordon Downie (vocals, guitar), Johnny Fay (drums), Paul Langlois (guitar) and Gord Sinclair (bass), who grew up in Kingston, Ontario, The Hip has achieved the enviable status of a band that enjoys both mass popularity with over 8 million albums sold worldwide, as well as peer recognition through 31 Juno Award Nominations and 11 wins.
The band’s 12th studio album, We Are the Same, was released in April 2009 by Universal Music. The album was recorded and mixed by Bob Rock at the band’s Bath House studio in Kingston, Vancouver and Maui. Among the 12 brand new tracks is the first single “Love Is A First.”
Tickets ($39.50, $34.50, $29.50) go on sale Friday, August 14, 2009, at 9 a.m. at the Box Office at Theater Square, by phone at 412.456.6666, and online at pgharts.org.
Calendar Listing
CD Live! presents The Tragically Hip. 8 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009, at the Byham Theater. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets: $29 - $39. On sale Friday, August 14, at 9 a.m.: online at pgharts.org, by phone 412.456.6666 or the Box Office at Theater Square. CD Live! is a project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and 91.3 WYEP.
About CD Live!
CD Live! widens the creative expression of the Pittsburgh music scene while advancing the artistry of musicians from around the world. This collaborative project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and WYEP-FM was formed to build new music audiences and to welcome these listeners to the Cultural District.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Franklin Park Man to Swim Alcatraz for Charity
For Immediate Release, July 29, 2009
Pittsburgh, PA (Contact: Andre Weisbrod 412-491-1963)
Franklin Park, PA resident Andre Weisbrod has chosen an unusual way to celebrate surviving 60 years on the planet and raise some money for charity at the same time. On August 15th he will join 800 swimmers from around the world who will take a free trip by ferry to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. The catch? They have to swim back to San Francisco!
The annual 1.5 mile "Sharkfest Swim" event requires swimmers to brave current and sometimes choppy water that can be around 58 degrees. Weisbrod has two goals. First he wants to finish in the top three of his age group. Second he has dedicated his swim to support a favorite charity. Donors have pledged an amount based on his finishing the race and many will double their donations if he finishes in the top three of his age group. So far he has pledges of over $3,700 and he is hoping to raise $5,000 or more.
Weisbrod, who is President and CEO of STAAR Financial Advisors and founder of the STAAR Funds is not a stranger to this cold water swim, having completed the course in just over 35 minutes and finishing third in his age group four years ago. He is a long-time masters swimmer and has been training at the Baierl YMCA and North Park pools.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Cowboy Junkies at ByhamTheatre in October
For immediate release
Monday, August 3, 2009
Contact: Lauren Bracey, 412.471.3591, bracey@pgharts.org
CD Live! Presents Cowboy Junkies
8 pm, October 6, 2009, Byham Theater
Brought to you by 91.3 WYEP, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Three Rivers Arts Festival
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 91.3 WYEP and Three Rivers Arts Festival are pleased to announce CD Live! presents Cowboy Junkies at 8 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 7.
Cowboy Junkies formed in 1985 when Michael Timmins (guitar), Peter Timmins (drums) and bassist Alan Anton, one of Michael’s oldest friends, began jamming in a garage. Joined shortly thereafter by Michael and Pete’s sister, Margo Timmins, the band released its debut, Whites Off Earth Now!!, in 1986 on their own Latent Recordings label. The band toured the Southern and Southwestern US in support of the record, soaking up the music of Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers along the way, which, in turn, inspired their second album, The Trinity Session, self-released in 1988.
Recorded with a single microphone in Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity in one 14-hour session – at a cost of $250 – The Trinity Session featured spare, lilting originals alongside Jennings, Williams and Patsy Cline covers, as well as a haunting version of the Velvet Underground classic “Sweet Jane.” With “Sweet Jane” getting considerable airplay on college and commercial radio and reviewers lauding the band’s fresh sound, word soon began to spread and before long, the Junkies had signed to RCA Records, which reissued The Trinity Session to a wider audience and platinum sales. The band’s subsequent albums chronicle the band’s evolution, a process Michael describes as gradual and organic.
Cowboy Junkies returned to Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity for a day in November 2006, joined by Ryan Adams, Natalie Merchant and Vic Chesnutt to revisit the repertoire of The Trinity Session in celebration of the original recording’s 20th anniversary. Captured by filmmakers, Pierre and Francois Lamoureux, the resulting documentary, Trinity Session Revisited, was released as a DVD/CD in January 2008.
Cowboy Junkies are joined by special guest Lee Harvey Osmond. Tickets ($35) go on sale Friday, August 7, 2009, at 9 a.m. at the Box Office at Theater Square, by phone at 412.456.6666, and online at pgharts.org.
Calendar Listing
CD Live! presents Cowboy Junkies with special guest Lee Harvey Osmond. 8 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at the Byham Theater. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets: $35; online at pgharts.org, by phone 412.456.6666 or the Box Office at Theater Square. CD Live! is a project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and 91.3 WYEP.
About CD Live!
CD Live! widens the creative expression of the Pittsburgh music scene while advancing the artistry of musicians from around the world. This collaborative project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and WYEP-FM was formed to build new music audiences and to welcome these listeners to the Cultural District.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Contact: Lauren Bracey, 412.471.3591, bracey@pgharts.org
CD Live! Presents Cowboy Junkies
8 pm, October 6, 2009, Byham Theater
Brought to you by 91.3 WYEP, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Three Rivers Arts Festival
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 91.3 WYEP and Three Rivers Arts Festival are pleased to announce CD Live! presents Cowboy Junkies at 8 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 7.
Cowboy Junkies formed in 1985 when Michael Timmins (guitar), Peter Timmins (drums) and bassist Alan Anton, one of Michael’s oldest friends, began jamming in a garage. Joined shortly thereafter by Michael and Pete’s sister, Margo Timmins, the band released its debut, Whites Off Earth Now!!, in 1986 on their own Latent Recordings label. The band toured the Southern and Southwestern US in support of the record, soaking up the music of Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers along the way, which, in turn, inspired their second album, The Trinity Session, self-released in 1988.
Recorded with a single microphone in Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity in one 14-hour session – at a cost of $250 – The Trinity Session featured spare, lilting originals alongside Jennings, Williams and Patsy Cline covers, as well as a haunting version of the Velvet Underground classic “Sweet Jane.” With “Sweet Jane” getting considerable airplay on college and commercial radio and reviewers lauding the band’s fresh sound, word soon began to spread and before long, the Junkies had signed to RCA Records, which reissued The Trinity Session to a wider audience and platinum sales. The band’s subsequent albums chronicle the band’s evolution, a process Michael describes as gradual and organic.
Cowboy Junkies returned to Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity for a day in November 2006, joined by Ryan Adams, Natalie Merchant and Vic Chesnutt to revisit the repertoire of The Trinity Session in celebration of the original recording’s 20th anniversary. Captured by filmmakers, Pierre and Francois Lamoureux, the resulting documentary, Trinity Session Revisited, was released as a DVD/CD in January 2008.
Cowboy Junkies are joined by special guest Lee Harvey Osmond. Tickets ($35) go on sale Friday, August 7, 2009, at 9 a.m. at the Box Office at Theater Square, by phone at 412.456.6666, and online at pgharts.org.
Calendar Listing
CD Live! presents Cowboy Junkies with special guest Lee Harvey Osmond. 8 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at the Byham Theater. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets: $35; online at pgharts.org, by phone 412.456.6666 or the Box Office at Theater Square. CD Live! is a project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and 91.3 WYEP.
About CD Live!
CD Live! widens the creative expression of the Pittsburgh music scene while advancing the artistry of musicians from around the world. This collaborative project of Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and WYEP-FM was formed to build new music audiences and to welcome these listeners to the Cultural District.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre, LiveStreaming History Boys
Media Contact: Stephanie Riso
412.561.6000 x201
sriso@picttheatre.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
All Eyes on Pittsburgh – Regional theatre goes LIPLO™
Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre first to secure rights to stream August 15th, 2009, 8:00pm performance of The History Boys “live and in person and live and online”
PITTSBURGH (August 4, 2009) — Mid-way through its 2009 season, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre (PICT) has been given the green light by authors and unions to test run its “live and in person and live and online” streaming web portal, allowing people across the world to witness the live production. On Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at 8:00 p.m., anyone with a computer and high-speed internet connection can attend PICT’s live performance of the award-winning play The History Boys by Alan Bennett, being held at the Charity Randall Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pa., via LIPLO™ at www.LIPLO.com. Viewers will have the opportunity to watch the entire show live as it happens and comment on the performance. A customer service technician will be available to help troubleshoot technical problems.
LIPLO™ - the acronym for “Live and In Person and Live and Online” – was developed by PICT co-founder and operations director Stephanie Riso in conjunction with Alex Geis of 21 Productions. Between 2007 and 2008, they had great success using LIPLO™ to live stream cabaret entertainment. Riso proposed expansion of the trademarked web portal to include live theatre through her affiliation with PICT, and the idea was embraced by the staff, board, unions and authors.
Geis and Riso are both graduates of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU); Riso holds a degree in Music, and Geis holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Film and Digital Imaging. Geis returns to CMU this fall to begin studies for a Master in Music Technology – a new major offered by the School of Music, School of Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.
“I think this idea is genius” exclaimed Canadian actor Bernard Cuffling, who also plays the teacher in the production. “It is not easy to travel from Canada to see many of the theatres I’d like to see, so this option is terrific.”
Joe Warik, member of the AEA liaison committee, says “this is a great way to audition for agents and show off your work live as it is happening – nothing can beat the online option when you can’t get to the theatre.”
Christopher Lacey, Assistant Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s local chapter AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), a union which represents actors and stage managers, was enthusiastic from the start, citing the potential for this emerging medium to open up new and unique work opportunities for union members.
The History Boys LIPLO™ performance streams live on Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at www.LIPLO.com. PICT will continue the program by streaming live performances of Crime and Punishment in September and Jane Eyre in December (dates to be announced). Those wishing to participate, must have a valid email address to access the LIPLO™ portal and the minimum computer requirements, which will be outlined on the website, to properly experience the performance as it was intended. Viewers are also encouraged to comment live during the trial period and will have the opportunity to purchase LIPLO™ signature events for PICT’s 2010 season. For more information about PICT visit www.picttheatre.org.
412.561.6000 x201
sriso@picttheatre.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
All Eyes on Pittsburgh – Regional theatre goes LIPLO™
Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre first to secure rights to stream August 15th, 2009, 8:00pm performance of The History Boys “live and in person and live and online”
PITTSBURGH (August 4, 2009) — Mid-way through its 2009 season, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre (PICT) has been given the green light by authors and unions to test run its “live and in person and live and online” streaming web portal, allowing people across the world to witness the live production. On Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at 8:00 p.m., anyone with a computer and high-speed internet connection can attend PICT’s live performance of the award-winning play The History Boys by Alan Bennett, being held at the Charity Randall Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pa., via LIPLO™ at www.LIPLO.com. Viewers will have the opportunity to watch the entire show live as it happens and comment on the performance. A customer service technician will be available to help troubleshoot technical problems.
LIPLO™ - the acronym for “Live and In Person and Live and Online” – was developed by PICT co-founder and operations director Stephanie Riso in conjunction with Alex Geis of 21 Productions. Between 2007 and 2008, they had great success using LIPLO™ to live stream cabaret entertainment. Riso proposed expansion of the trademarked web portal to include live theatre through her affiliation with PICT, and the idea was embraced by the staff, board, unions and authors.
Geis and Riso are both graduates of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU); Riso holds a degree in Music, and Geis holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Film and Digital Imaging. Geis returns to CMU this fall to begin studies for a Master in Music Technology – a new major offered by the School of Music, School of Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.
“I think this idea is genius” exclaimed Canadian actor Bernard Cuffling, who also plays the teacher in the production. “It is not easy to travel from Canada to see many of the theatres I’d like to see, so this option is terrific.”
Joe Warik, member of the AEA liaison committee, says “this is a great way to audition for agents and show off your work live as it is happening – nothing can beat the online option when you can’t get to the theatre.”
Christopher Lacey, Assistant Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s local chapter AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), a union which represents actors and stage managers, was enthusiastic from the start, citing the potential for this emerging medium to open up new and unique work opportunities for union members.
The History Boys LIPLO™ performance streams live on Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at www.LIPLO.com. PICT will continue the program by streaming live performances of Crime and Punishment in September and Jane Eyre in December (dates to be announced). Those wishing to participate, must have a valid email address to access the LIPLO™ portal and the minimum computer requirements, which will be outlined on the website, to properly experience the performance as it was intended. Viewers are also encouraged to comment live during the trial period and will have the opportunity to purchase LIPLO™ signature events for PICT’s 2010 season. For more information about PICT visit www.picttheatre.org.
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