PICT Invites Local Schools to Antony and Cleopatra Project

Media Contact:

Gale McGloin
412.561.6000 x204
gmcgloin@picttheatre.org




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local schools invited to participate

in Antony and Cleopatra project

Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre one of forty companies to

receive grants to bring Shakespeare to students nationwide

Pittsburgh, PA -- February 7, 2011. Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre (PICT) is seeking a minimum of ten schools in the region to participate in a theatre education initiative accompanying its May production of William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. Teachers at participating schools will receive extensive educational materials related to the works of Shakespeare and specific to PICT’s production of Antony and Cleopatra. Prior to attending the student matinee performance, teaching artists will visit the schools to prepare students for the play. PICT’s Producing Artistic Director, Andrew S. Paul will also visit the schools in April.

PICT’s production of Antony and Cleopatra is helmed by Barrymore Award-winning director James J. Christy (PICT’s 2009 King Lear), and stars nationally-known Shakespearean actor Sam Tsoutsouvas as Antony and the incomparable Helena Ruoti as Cleopatra. Participating students will have the opportunity to work with artists and educators affiliated with the production before and after attending a performance.

PICT is one of 40 nonprofit, professional theater companies that received a grant of $25,000 to participate in Shakespeare for a New Generation from June 1, 2010-May 31, 2011. Part of the NEA’s Shakespeare in American Communities initiative, Shakespeare for a New Generation introduces middle- and high-school students to the power of live theater and the masterpieces of William Shakespeare. Managed by Arts Midwest, the program has benefited more than 1.5 million students and their teachers with live performances and educational activities since the program began in 2003.

“We are proud to support bringing Shakespeare to America’s students,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “I have seen firsthand how the productions supported through Shakespeare for a New Generation have connected youth with Shakespeare – sometimes for the first time – inspiring them and creating the next generation of audiences. At the same time, this funding increases work opportunities for our theater artists.”

For more information about how your school can participate in this exciting project, contact Gale McGloin at 412.561.6000 x204 or gmcgloin@picttheatre.org.
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Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre was founded in 1996 to diversify the region’s theatrical offerings by providing Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania audiences with high-quality, text-driven, affordable productions of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights and to significantly improve employment opportunities for local talent in all facets of theatrical presentation and production. PICT is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, and a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. PICT is the Professional Theatre in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh and PICT productions at the Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres are presented in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh – Department of Theatre Arts.