PICT announces a new brand – PICT Classic Theatre –
and new faces to build a stronger organization and secure its future
Focusing PICT’s mission and place in Pittsburgh’s theatre community
Pittsburgh, PA – May 7, 2014. Aiming to broaden awareness and appeal of its market brand, the Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre will move forward under the name PICT Classic Theatre. Established in 1996, PICT Classic Theatre is the third largest theatre company in the Pittsburgh region.
Known informally as PICT for years, the company has adapted its name to help eliminate confusion about the company's mission. "In the past, people who have heard the word "Irish" in the name have made incorrect assumptions that we only present Irish theatre, and the full name was certainly quite a mouthful," notes Artistic and Executive Director Alan Stanford. He further explains that "PICT is no longer an acronym but a name in its own right, and even provides a nod to our love of the Irish, their writing which has influenced the world of theatre, and their ancient ancestors the Picts. The new logo pays homage to our original mark, which used a Celtic script; this logo takes those Celtic characters and makes them more substantial and modern. We believe it more accurately expresses the nature of the company – more substantial, more relevant, and more classic.”
This season's shows include classics such as Macbeth, Waiting for Godot, Great Expectations, and Blithe Spirit (now showing), as well as soon-to-be classics from modern Irish playwrights Marina Carr and Frank McGuinness.
In addition to creating a more solid and noteworthy brand identity, PICT is strengthening its business structure by welcoming new board and staff members. PICT is pleased to announce seven new Board members: Chuck Reynolds, Digital Strategist at Deloitte Digital; Erin Shannon-Auel, Director of Strategic Programs at Highmark; Steve Cuden, Assistant Professor of Screenwriting at Point Park University; Gail Gerono, Vice President of Investor Relations at Global Comm. Calgon Carbon Corporation; Eileen Clancy, Retired, Human Resources, Traco and Lamson & Sessions; Diane Lazzaris, General Counsel for Wesco International and Pauline Taylor-Raiff, Practice Director of Genesis Medical Associates.
PICT co-founder Stephanie Riso, who has taken the position of Managing Director, announced that several new staff members have recently joined PICT Classic Theatre: Carolyn Ludwig, Customer Relations Director & Sales Manager; Katheryn Wagner, Operations Assistant; Ryan Ferrebee, Development Manager; Jennifer Trehar, Fundraising and Events Manager; and George DeShetler, Jr., Production Manager and IT Lead.
To begin the year, PICT Classic Theatre launched a new event that met with resounding success, an evening of legal theatrics called PICT's UnCommon Pleas. Over 160 people heard advocates argue the mock appeal of the murder convictions of Macbeth and his lady before a panel of 6 federal and state judges.
Another new initiative for PICT this year is the selection of two local actors, Karen Baum and James FitzGerald, as Featured Artists for the 2014 season. This program will allow audiences to see how the same actors adapt to very different roles. PICT hopes to make its Featured Artist selection a company tradition.
Board president Charles H. (Chuck) Moellenberg commented that PICT Classic Theatre is poised for growth and enthusiastic about its new initiatives. "Under Alan's artistic direction, we will continue to look for ways to make live theatre more accessible and appealing to everyone." Alan added that PICT is focused on its mission not only to attract a broad, diverse audience across every generation, but to educate children. He noted, "The PICT Classic Theatre brand is another important step in the direction of introducing more people to the imagination and creativity of theatre in the Pittsburgh community. The look is new, but the quality is classic."
The 2014 season of plays began with Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward on May 3, 2014 and continues with a total of six plays through December 20th, 2014. PICT offers specially-priced family 4-packs, as well as variety of education initiatives including student matinees and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations. New this season, PICT is offering a 2pm Wednesday show time to help accommodate seniors and people with alternate work/school schedules. PICT recently became a Blue Star Theatre, offering special pricing for military personnel and their families. For more information, visit picttheatre.org or call 412-561-6000..
PICT Classic Theatre (formerly known as Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre) is one of a handful of theatres in the U.S. still producing large cast, classical plays, preserving and promoting an important body of creative work. Operating on a budget of $1.2 million dollars, the company employs between 90-100 theatre artists, production technicians and artisans each year that participate in the production and presentation of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights. The organization believes classic theatre is relevant to modern life, bringing context and meaning to people’s lives, and is committed to a civic role through its education and outreach programs for seniors and young people, as well as enhancing the accessibility of its programming to reach diverse audiences. PICT Classic Theatre is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and proud member of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. PICT Classic Theatre performs in The Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres inside the Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Oakland between the months of April through December.
PICT THEATRE’S 2014 SEASON QUICK FACT SHEET
Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
May 1 – May 17, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- May 14, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Tuesday, May 13)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 17 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Directed by Aoife Spillane-Hinks
The Charity Randall Theatre
June 4 – June 21, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- June 18, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Wednesday, June 4)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, June 21 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
Woman and Scarecrow by Marina Carr
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Henry Heymann Theatre
July 10 – August 2, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- July 30, 2014
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, August 2 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness
Directed by Matt Torney
The Charity Randall Theatre
September 4 – September 20, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- September 17, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Tuesday, September 16)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, September 20 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
October 8 – 25, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- October 22, 2014
(10 a.m. student matinees on Tuesday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 21)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, October 25 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (Adapted for the stage by Hugh Leonard)
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
December 3-20, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- December 17, 2014
(10 a.m. student matinees on Tuesday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 16)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, December 20 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
Michelle Belan
Marketing & Communications Director
mbelan@picttheatre.org
412-561-6000 ext. 203
picttheatre.org
Posted on behalf of
Dreamweaver Marketing Associates. Joyce
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