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.