Skippyjon Jones

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Show Publicist: Shaunda Miles, Director of Public Relations, 412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org      
Other Contact: Diana Roth, Communications Manager, 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
Images available: TrustArts.org/press
Search: 2014 Skippyjon

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES

PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S THEATER

PRESENTS

THEATREWORKS USA IN

SKIPPYJON JONES

OCTOBER 19 ̶ 26, 2014 | SIX PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS IN PITTSBURGH!
Pittsburgh, PA ̶   Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Theatreworks USA’s Skippyjon Jones from October 19 ̶ 26, 2014, at six performance locations throughout the area.  Tickets go on sale September 8th at 9:00am.

“A popular book brought to life on stage opens our season and we are excited to host this award-winning theater company so that children and families throughout the region can experience live professional performances in their neighborhood,” commented Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Programming from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Citizens Bank is the 2014-2015 season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.
Theatreworks USA’s Skippyjon Jones, based on the book of same title by Judy Schachner, is an enchanting musical for younger audiences that tells a story about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams.  Devanand Janki is the director and choreographer for this current tour.  The scenery is designed by Rob Odorisio, with costumes by Tracy Christensen and features a libretto and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila (Drama Desk nominee for ALTAR BOYZ and Theatreworks USA’s Click, Clack, Moo!).  Theatreworks USA’s Skippyjon Jones was nominated for a 2013 Lucille Lortel Award in the Outstanding Musical category.  This 60-minute musical is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Photo Credit:  Jeremy Daniel

Skippyjon Jones tells the tale of a Siamese cat with big dreams and an even bigger will to be anything but a cat! “Holy guacamole,” Skippyjon exclaims. “My ears are too big for my head, my head is too big for my body. I am not a Siamese cat – I am a CHIHUAHUA!” Take an adventurous ride as Skippyjon Jones struggles to find himself and is faced with one of the biggest decision of his life; will he help save his “fellow” Chihuahua’s or will he soon realize that he may be the wimpy little Siamese cat that he’s been hiding from.

To view a sample of this stage production, visit: http://www.theatreworksusa.org/show_detail.cfm?show=1546

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.TrustArts.org/kids, by calling 412-456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling 412-471-6930.  Subscriptions and Flex Ticket Packages to the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater series are available by calling 412-456-1390.

Illustration from Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachter. ©Theatreworks USA.

Performance Locations

City: Byham Theater | Sunday, October 19 | 2:00 p.m.
Students only matinee | Byham Theater | Monday, October 20 | 10:15 a.m.
East: Penn Hills High School | Wednesday, October 22 | 7:00 p.m.
North: Marshall Middle School | Thursday, October 23 | 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.
West: Moon Area High School | Friday, October 24 | 7:00 p.m.
South: Upper St. Clair High School | Saturday, October 25 | 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School | Sunday, October 26 | 2:00 p.m.

Theatreworks USA
Theatreworks USA is America's largest not-for-profit theatre for young and family audiences. Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has engaged and educated over 85 million people in 49 states and Canada, now performing for about three million people annually.  Theatreworks USA has a reputation providing young audiences with their first theater experiences as well as providing young actors, writers, directors, and designers with experience and training within this field.

Read more about Theatreworks USA
Page to Stage: Turning Children's Books into Theater Productions, By Raven Snook | Publisher’s Weekly, April 5, 2013

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/56695-page-to-stage-turning-children-s-books-into-theater-productions.html

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater
Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way.  The Family Series, now in its 45th season, introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up.

The 2014 ̶ 2015 Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater series also includes:
Skink | November 16 ̶ 22, 2014 | Six locations
Big Nate (Season Special) | November 23 ̶ 24, 2014 | Byham Theater only
Click, Clack, Moo!  | January 11 ̶ 18, 2015 | Six locations
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse   | February 22 ̶ March 1, 2015 | Six locations
The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley | April 4 ̶ 10, 2015 | Byham Theater only
In addition to the Family Series, the Children’s Theater division presents the annual Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, one of only four international children’s theater festivals in the nation.  Now in its 29th year, the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival will take place May 13 ̶ 17, 2015.  For more information, visit www.TrustArts.org/kids.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts. www.TrustArts.org
Follow us on Twitter @CulturalTrust, and like us on Facebook.
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Stuck Performances Throughout City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org      
Diana Roth, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
Images available: http://TrustArts.org/press
Search: 2014 Stuck

PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S THEATER PRESENTS
THE BIG WOODEN HORSE THEATRE COMPANY (U.K.) PERFORMANCE OF
STUCK

January 12-19, 2014 | Six Performances | Various Locations

Pittsburgh, PA:  Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, announced Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company (United Kingdom) will present the area premiere of their musical production Stuck, from January 12-19, 2014, at six performance locations.  “This live musical provides young audiences the opportunity to participate in the performance along with the actors!  By bringing these award-winning performers and classic stories to the stage, it is our goal through the Family Series to bring a wide range of theater experiences to children and their families in neighborhoods throughout the region,” commented Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Programming-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director-Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater 2013-14 Family Series
It all begins when Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree.  He throws his shoe into the tree to free the kite, but the shoe gets stuck too.  He tosses his other shoe into the tree and that gets stuck along with the cat, the kitchen sink, an orangutan and a whale-among other things.  Featuring original music and audience participation, this story by Oliver Jeffers has been adapted into an exciting new production by the team behind Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.

Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company produces and presents high quality theatre for younger audiences across the United Kingdom and brings the best of British theatre craft abroad. The company believes that young people deserve the highest quality of writing, performance and production that a professional theatre company can offer.  The company strives to both entertain and inform young people –drawing inspiration from different cultures and traditions within their productions.

PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS
City: Byham Theater, Sunday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m.
East: Penn Hills High School, Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m.
North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, January 16 at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.
West: Moon Area High School, Friday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m.
South: Upper Saint Clair High School, Saturday, January 18 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Sunday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS
Single tickets can be purchasd in advance: subscribers: $9, non-subscribers $9.50; at the door: $11. Tickets can be ordered online at www.TrustArts.org/kids, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S THEATER
Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way.  The Family Series, now in its 44th season, introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up.

Upcoming performances include:  Teacher from the Black Lagoon (February 16-23, 2014), Junie B. Jones (March 15, 2014), Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch (April 11 & 12, 2014).

In addition to the Family Series, the Children’s Theater division also presents the annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.  Now in its 28th year, the Children’s Festival will take place May 14-18, 2014.  www.TrustArts.org/Kids

ABOUT THE PITTSURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.  www.TrustArts.org

Photo Credits:  Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company, sjsphoto.com

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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Pgh to Host Youth Arts Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, Director of Public Relations, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org
Diana Roth, Communications Manager, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org

PITTSBURGH SELECTED TO HOST ANNUAL
INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE FOR YOUTH

PITTSBURGH, PA – December 30, 2013. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce that Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater will host the International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) Showcase being held January 22–25, 2014, at venues throughout Pittsburgh’s downtown Cultural District.

The IPAY Showcase is in its 37th year and will bring artists from around the world to Pittsburgh to perform in eighteen productions from seven countries, including four from the United States and three from Canada.

The IPAY Showcase is presented in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival.

Photo Credit:  Cindy Marie Jenkins

The seventeen productions represent a wide range of work including theater and musical theater, dance, circus and physical comedy, puppetry and installation. Productions range from small intimate performances to large-scale spectacles and have been created for young audiences ranging in age from babies to teenagers.

Photo Credit:  Harley Stumm

“We’re constantly amazed at the diversity of our field and so proud to be showcasing an amazing list of artists and productions from the United States and Canada, as well as from Australia, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Spain,” says Boomer Stacey, IPAY Executive Director.  “We receive more and more applications each year, continuing to raise the bar on outstanding, innovative performing arts for young audiences.”

“Pittsburgh is pleased to host the IPAY Showcase for the third time in the Showcase’s history,” shared Pam Lieberman, Executive Director of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Festival.  “This Showcase is an extraordinary opportunity to see professional and quality theater created for kids.  Pittsburgh is a city that values family, art and culture.  Our city is the perfect host site for this Showcase, and I am thrilled that we were selected.”

Artists included in the Showcase will include Terrapin Puppet Theatre (Australia), Tout â Trac (Canada), Teatergroep Kwatta (Netherlands) and Teatro Paraiso (Spain) returning to Showcase with new work, and we are excited to experience productions by artists new to our event such as Cirque Alfonse (Canada), arch 8 dance group (Netherlands) and Cahoots NI (Northern Ireland).

Photo Credit:  Brant Brogan

A full list of performances scheduled for the 2014 Showcase can be found online at www.ipayweb.org/showcase.

TICKETS
Registration rates for the 2014 Showcase are available online.  Schools have access to free tickets, but capacity is limited.  Please contact Group Sales at (412) 471-6930 for information about tickets for families and schoolchildren.

More information and a full schedule are online at ipayweb.org.  There, you can find a full list of selected artists, along with information on production, target age range and artistic genre. A preliminary schedule is available, which has additional productions incorporated as well as information on Showcase events such as Kindling, Exhibition Room and Membership Meeting.

ABOUT IPAY

The annual Showcase is the premiere event in North America, dedicated to promoting the best in international performing arts for young audiences. The event presents an opportunity for the community to gather together to discuss new trends and hot topics in the field, to view work available for touring in the United States and to promote the high quality and innovation of work being created for young audiences.
Showcase is produced and presented by IPAY, an arts service organization based in Philadelphia, dedicated to this field and to promoting, supporting and advancing the community of professional performing arts for young audiences in North America.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Time for Fun Showcases Russian Puppetry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org      
 Diana Roth, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
 Images available:  http://TrustArts.org/press
Search: 2013 Time For Fun

AWARD-WINNING RUSSIAN THEATER COMPANY TO PERFORM ORIGINAL PUPPETRY
TIME FOR FUN
PRODUCTIONS SCHEDULED AT SIX LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH, PA:  Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Hand Made Theatre, from Russia, in the Pittsburgh premiere of Time for Fun, November 14-24, 2013, at six performance locations throughout Pittsburgh.   Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.  

“Presenting outstanding live theater for children to experience at an early age is at the heart of our goals. These Russian performers will delight and amaze audiences with their intricate skills of puppetry,” commented Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Theater Programming-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director-Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Ten performers from St. Petersburg take the stage with an exuberant burst of energy before rolling up their sleeves to create a captivating and unique magical world.  In Time for Fun, the performers’ hands and arms interlock and entwine to create trains, boats, ticking clocks, flocks of birds and more. Time for Fun is created by Amdrei Kniazkov under the direction of Viktoria Shepel and Ekaterina Georgievskaia.

LOCATIONS:
City: Byham Theater, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. (open to the general public) and November 18 at 10:15 a.m. (student matinee school groups only)
East: Penn Hills High School, November 20 at 7:00 p.m.
North: Marshall Middle School, November 21 at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.
West: Moon Area High School, November 22 at 7:00 p.m.
South: Upper Saint Clair High School, November 23 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate School, November 24 at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS: Single tickets can be purchased in advanced by subscribers at $9, and non-subscribers at $9.50.  Tickets can be purchased at the door for $11. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.TrustArts.org/kids, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

ABOUT HAND MADE THEATRE
Hand Made Theatre, based in St. Petersburg, Russia, was formed in 2009 by a group of actors from the State Theatrical Academy of Puppetry.  The company’s creative expression through puppetry and ability to choreograph uniqueness in ordinary things is at the heart of their performance.  Hand Made Theatre has performed throughout Europe.  In 2009, the company represented Russia in the Cannes Russian Season and received an official invitation to open The Carnival of Venice in Italy. In August 2012, Hand Made Theatre debuted in the United Kingdom performing at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  In September 2012, the company was recognized for their performance excellence at Poppenspel Festival in Meppel, Netherlands.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S THEATER
Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way.  The Family Series, now in its 44th season, introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up.  Upcoming performances in the 44th Family Series include:  Stuck (January 12-19, 2014), Teacher from the Black Lagoon (February 16-23, 2014), Junie B. Jones (March 14 & 15, 2014), Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch (April 11 & 12, 2014).

 In addition to the Family Series, the Children’s Theater division also presents the annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.  Now in its 28th year, the Children’s Festival will take place May 14-18, 2014.  www.pghkids.org

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity.  Using the arts as an economic catalyst, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.

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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Theatreworks USA Peter Pan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: September 16, 2013
Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, (412) 471-1578, miles@TrustArts.org
Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717, roth@TrustArts.org
Electronic artwork is available: http://trustarts.org/press
Search: Peter Pan

Theatreworks USA in Peter Pan
October 20-27, 2013
Six performance locations throughout Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA:  Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Theatreworks USA in the Pittsburgh premiere of Peter Pan October 20-27, 2013 at six performance locations throughout the area. Performance locations include: City: Byham Theater, October 20 at 2:00 p.m.; East: Penn Hills High School, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.; North: Marshall Middle School, October 24 at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.; West: Hopewell High School, October 25 at 7:00 p.m.; South: Mt. Lebanon High School, October 26 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; and Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate School, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.  

Theatreworks USA’s live stage performance of Peter Pan, is based on John Caird and Trevor Nunn’s adaptation of Peter Pan or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, which was developed for London’s Royal Shakespeare Company in 1982. In the spirit of J.M. Barrie’s, original tale, Theatreworks USA’s production tells the story through the eyes of a group of children who are living in Edwardian England (circa 1910), and decide on Peter Pan for that evening’s play-acting.

The stage performance follows faithfully to the classic (with the omission of Tiger Lily and her tribe). Astonished by Peter Pan’s appearance in the nursery, young Wendy, John, and Michael are intrigued by his tales of Never Land, the home of fairies, mermaids, pirates, and the poor Lost Boys who need a mother. With the help of a little fairy dust, they fly off to Never Land with Peter.  As they continue on their adventure and try to escape the evil Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, they recognize the importance of friendship as well as the value of being part of a family. This production encourages children to let their imaginations take “flight” and to create their own adventures using household objects as props and puppets as characters.  This 60-minute play is recommended for children ages 3 to 10.

Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada.  The company tours approximately 16 shows from its ever-growing repertoire of 117 plays and musicals, performing for about four million people annually.  Under the direction of Barbara Pasternack (Artistic Director) and Ken Arthur (Managing Director), Theatreworks USA is the only children's theatre to receive both a Drama Desk and a Lucille Lortel Award, and they are known for an extensive multi-cultural guest artist roster, including storytellers, puppeteers, poets, and magicians.

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.TrustArts.org/kids, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way.  Each year Pittsburgh International Children's Theater presents a Family Series and the Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, which is one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support.  The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.  www.TrustArts.org



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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Pgh Int'l Children's Theater New East Venue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Revised)
Today's date: June 11, 2013
Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles – Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 412-471-1578 / miles@TrustArts.org
Diana Roth – Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 412-471-8717 / roth@TrustArts.org

Electronic images are available: http://trustarts.org/press
Search: 2013-2014 Children's Theater
East: New Location: Penn Hills High School

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

announces the 44th season

Pittsburgh International Children's Theater 2013-2014 Family Series

Featuring award-winning theater companies from

Canada, Russia, United Kingdom and the USA.

Six perfomance locations throughout the Pittsburgh area. 

PITTSBURGH, PA:  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce the 2013-2014 Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater Family Series.  Now in its 44th season, the Family Series will present award-winning, professional theater companies featuring live performances for young audiences ages 3 and up.   Performances based on prize-winning and popular children’s books adapted for the stage by  Theatreworks USA (USA), Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada), and Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company (UK) can be seen at various locations throughout the Pittsburgh area.   Hand Made Theatre (Russia) will present a U.S. premiere choreography that creates a magical world of trains, boats, ticking clocks, flocks of birds and more.  New to the 2013-2014 Family Series is a series special, Junie B. Jones by Theatreworks USA.  School matinee performances for some shows will be held on Mondays at 10:15 a.m., at the Byham Theater.

Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater 2013-14 Family Series.

“Through the tradition of performing arts, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater is proud to bring the 44thFamily Series, featuring timeless storybook favorites-old and new- along with a US premiere from Russia. Bringing these artists and performances to the Pittsburgh area for children and their families to enjoy and experience live- some for the first time- is at the heart of our goals,” commented Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Programming-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director -Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way.  The series introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up.  In addition to the Family Series, the Children’s Theater division also presents the annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival (May 14-18, 2014, 28th year; details to be announced Fall 2013), one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.

Tickets and Information
Season Tickets: TrustArts.org/kids • 412-456-1390
Single Tickets: TrustArts.org/kids • 412-456-6666
Group Tickets: TrustArts.org/groups • 412-471-6930

Five-show season subscription ($42) includes Peter Pan, Time for Fun, Stuck, Teacher from the Black Lagoon, and Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch.  Season Ticket holders can order extra tickets, when available, to any show at a reduced rate of $9.

Flex Ticket Package ($55.50) includes a package of six tickets.   Flex tickets are vouchers that can be exchanged for tickets to any available performance during the season. Additional vouchers can be added on at the time of purchase for $9.25.

Single Tickets: $9.50 in advance • $11.00 at the door, if available.
Group Tickets (10 or more): $8 per person

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater 2013-2014 Family Series

Theatreworks USA (USA), Peter Pan
Peter Pan has never been told like this! This production encourages children to let their imaginations take “flight” and to create their own adventures. Watch as a group of children playing in an old attic morph into the classic characters of Peter Pan right before your eyes!

October 20-27, 2013, Ages 3 and up
•         City:  Byham Theater, Sunday, October 20, 2pm
•         East: Penn Hills High School, Wednesday, October 23, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, October 24, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Hopewell High School, Friday, October 25, 7pm
•         South: Mt. Lebanon High School, Saturday, October 26, 11am & 2pm
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Sunday, October 27, 2pm

Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada.  Theatreworks USA is the only children's theatre to receive both a Drama Desk and a Lucille Lortel Award, and they are known for an extensive multi-cultural guest artist roster, including storytellers, puppeteers, poets, and magicians.

Hand Made Theatre (Russia), Time for Fun, US Premiere
Time for Fun delights children with wonderfully choreographed hands and arms interlock and entwine to create trains, sailboats, ticking clocks, flocks of birds and more in this St. Petersburg production making its U.S. Premiere!

November 17-24, 2013, All Ages
•         City: Byham Theater, Sunday, November 17, 2pm
•         East: Penn Hills High School, Wednesday, November 20, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, November 21, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Moon Area High School, Friday, November 22, 7pm
•         South: Upper St. Clair High School, Saturday, November 23, 11am & 2pm
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Sunday, November, 24, 2pm

Hand Made Theatre from St. Petersburg, Russia presents a unique performance through skilled puppetry, imagination, humor, and storytelling, performers use their hands to a create a magical world on stage.  The company’s actors are trained in puppetry at Russia’s State Theatre Arts Academy.

Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company (UK), Stuck
Floyd got his kite Stuck in a tree! To get the Kite down, he tosses his shoe in the tree to shift if… but that getsStuck, too! Soon, Floyd’s other shoe, his cat, a ladder, the kitchen sink, and an orangutan are Stuck in the tree, too! This brand new story by Oliver Jeffers has been adapted into an exciting production by the team behind Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and The Way Back Home.

January 12-19, 2014, Ages 3-10
•         City: Byham Theater, Sunday, January 12, 2pm
•         East: Penn Hills High School, Wednesday, January 15, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, January 16, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Moon Area High School, Friday, January 17, 7pm
•         South: Upper St. Clair High School, Saturday, January 18, 11am & 2pm
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, January 19, 2pm

Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company presents high quality theatre to younger audiences in the United Kingdom and represents the best of British theatre craft abroad.  The company believes that young people deserve the highest quality of writing, performance and production that a professional theatre company can offer.  They strive to both entertain and inform young people, drawing from difference cultures and traditions.

Theatreworks USA (USA), Teacher from the Black Lagoon
This musical revue based on the books Teacher from the Black Lagoon, Dogzilla, I Want My Hat Back, Love, Splat, and more show outrageously funny ways that our imagination can get the best of us! These stories promise to have you laughing in the face of fear and singing along!

February 16-23, 2014, Ages 3-10
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Sunday, February 16, 2pm
•         East: Penn Hills High School, Wednesday, February 19, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, February 20, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Moon Area High School, Friday, February 21, 7pm
•         South: Mt. Lebanon High School, Saturday, February 22, 11am & 2pm
•         City: Byham Theater, Sunday, February 23, 2pm

Theatreworks USA: June B. Jones (Series Special), Ages 3-10
Junie B. Jones: Hooray, hooray! This musical (that is, a play all jumbled together with singing and dancing) is all about Junie B. Jones, who you know and love from her books written by Barbara Park!

Friday, March 14, 11am & 7pm
Saturday, March 15, 11am & 2pm
•          City: Byham Theater only.


Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada): Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch, Ages 3-10
These exquisitely crafted Caldecott Honor Books by Leo Lionni come to life in a colorful way! Learn all about Swimmy, a tiny fish, Frederick, a poetic mouse, and a loveable inchworm through puppetry and gentle storytelling which has earned national acclaim!

Friday, April 11, 11am & 7pm
Saturday, April 12, 11am & 2pm
•         City: Byham Theater only

###

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

44th Season of Pgh International Children's Theater Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: May 15, 2013
Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles – Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 412-471-1578 / miles@TrustArts.org
Diana Roth – Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 412-471-8717 / roth@TrustArts.org

Electronic images are available: http://trustarts.org/press
Search: 2013-2014 Children's Theater

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
announces the 44th season
Pittsburgh International Children's Theater 2013-2014 Family Series
Featuring award-winning theater companies from
Canada, Russia, United Kingdom and the USA.

Six perfomance locations throughout the Pittsburgh area.

PITTSBURGH, PA:  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce the 2013-2014 Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater Family Series.  Now in its 44th season, the Family Series will present award-winning, professional theater companies featuring live performances for young audiences ages 3 and up.   Performances based on prize-winning and popular children’s books adapted for the stage by  Theatreworks USA (USA), Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada), and Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company (UK) can be seen at various locations throughout the Pittsburgh area.   Hand Made Theatre (Russia) will present a U.S. premiere choreography that creates a magical world of trains, boats, ticking clocks, flocks of birds and more.  New to the 2013-2014 Family Series is a series special, Junie B. Jones by Theatreworks USA.  School matinee performances for some shows will be held on Mondays at 10:15 a.m., at the Byham Theater.

Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater 2013-14 Family Series.

“Through the tradition of performing arts, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater is proud to bring the 44th Family Series, featuring timeless storybook favorites-old and new- along with a US premiere from Russia. Bringing these artists and performances to the Pittsburgh area for children and their families to enjoy and experience live- some for the first time- is at the heart of our goals,” commented Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Programming-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director -Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way.  The series introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up.  In addition to the Family Series, the Children’s Theater division also presents the annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival (May 14-18, 2014, 28th year; details to be announced Fall 2013), one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.

Tickets and Information
Season Tickets: TrustArts.org/kids • 412-456-1390
Single Tickets: TrustArts.org/kids • 412-456-6666
Group Tickets: TrustArts.org/groups • 412-471-6930

Five-show season subscription ($42) includes Peter Pan, Time for Fun, Stuck, Teacher from the Black Lagoon, and Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch.  Season Ticket holders can order extra tickets, when available, to any show at a reduced rate of $9.

Flex Ticket Package ($55.50) includes a package of six tickets.   Flex tickets are vouchers that can be exchanged for tickets to any available performance during the season. Additional vouchers can be added on at the time of purchase for $9.25.

Single Tickets: $9.50 in advance • $11.00 at the door, if available.
Group Tickets (10 or more): $8 per person

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater 2013-2014 Family Series

Theatreworks USA (USA), Peter Pan
Peter Pan has never been told like this! This production encourages children to let their imaginations take “flight” and to create their own adventures. Watch as a group of children playing in an old attic morph into the classic characters of Peter Pan right before your eyes!

October 20-27, 2013, Ages 3 and up
•         City:  Byham Theater, Sunday, October 20, 2pm
•         East: Linton Middle School, Wednesday, October 23, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, October 24, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Hopewell High School, Friday, October 25, 7pm
•         South: Mt. Lebanon High School, Saturday, October 26, 11am & 2pm
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Sunday, October 27, 2pm

Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada.  Theatreworks USA is the only children's theatre to receive both a Drama Desk and a Lucille Lortel Award, and they are known for an extensive multi-cultural guest artist roster, including storytellers, puppeteers, poets, and magicians.

Hand Made Theatre (Russia), Time for Fun, US Premiere
Time for Fun delights children with wonderfully choreographed hands and arms interlock and entwine to create trains, sailboats, ticking clocks, flocks of birds and more in this St. Petersburg production making its U.S. Premiere!

November 17-24, 2013, All Ages
•         City: Byham Theater, Sunday, November 17, 2pm
•         East: Linton Middle School, Wednesday, November 20, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, November 21, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Moon Area High School, Friday, November 22, 7pm
•         South: Upper St. Clair High School, Saturday, November 23, 11am & 2pm
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Sunday, November, 24, 2pm

Hand Made Theatre from St. Petersburg, Russia presents a unique performance through skilled puppetry, imagination, humor, and storytelling, performers use their hands to a create a magical world on stage.  The company’s actors are trained in puppetry at Russia’s State Theatre Arts Academy.

Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company (UK), Stuck
Floyd got his kite Stuck in a tree! To get the Kite down, he tosses his shoe in the tree to shift if… but that gets Stuck, too! Soon, Floyd’s other shoe, his cat, a ladder, the kitchen sink, and an orangutan areStuck in the tree, too! This brand new story by Oliver Jeffers has been adapted into an exciting production by the team behind Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and The Way Back Home.

January 12-19, 2014, Ages 3-10
•         City: Byham Theater, Sunday, January 12, 2pm
•         East: Linton Middle School, Wednesday, January 15, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, January 16, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Moon Area High School, Friday, January 17, 7pm
•         South: Upper St. Clair High School, Saturday, January 18, 11am & 2pm
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, January 19, 2pm

Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company presents high quality theatre to younger audiences in the United Kingdom and represents the best of British theatre craft abroad.  The company believes that young people deserve the highest quality of writing, performance and production that a professional theatre company can offer.  They strive to both entertain and inform young people, drawing from difference cultures and traditions.

Theatreworks USA (USA), Teacher from the Black Lagoon
This musical revue based on the books Teacher from the Black Lagoon, Dogzilla, I Want My Hat Back, Love, Splat, and more show outrageously funny ways that our imagination can get the best of us! These stories promise to have you laughing in the face of fear and singing along!

February 16-23, 2014, Ages 3-10
•         Butler: Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Sunday, February 16, 2pm
•         East: Linton Middle School, Wednesday, February 19, 7pm
•         North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, February 20, 5:30 & 7:30pm
•         West: Moon Area High School, Friday, February 21, 7pm
•         South: Mt. Lebanon High School, Saturday, February 22, 11am & 2pm
•         City: Byham Theater, Sunday, February 23, 2pm

Cover Illustration by Denis Brunkus

Theatreworks USA: June B. Jones (Series Special), Ages 3-10
Junie B. Jones: Hooray, hooray! This musical (that is, a play all jumbled together with singing and dancing) is all about Junie B. Jones, who you know and love from her books written by Barbara Park!

Friday, March 14, 11am & 7pm
Saturday, March 15, 11am & 2pm
•          City: Byham Theater only.


Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada): Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch, Ages 3-10
These exquisitely crafted Caldecott Honor Books by Leo Lionni come to life in a colorful way! Learn all about Swimmy, a tiny fish, Frederick, a poetic mouse, and a loveable inchworm through puppetry and gentle storytelling which has earned national acclaim!

Friday, April 11, 11am & 7pm
Saturday, April 12, 11am & 2pm
•         City: Byham Theater only

###

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Premiere of Martha Speaks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: January 11, 2013
For Immediate Release   Revised:  East Location

Media Contact: Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717, roth@trustarts.org

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater

presents

Theatreworks USA

in the Pittsburgh premiere of

 Martha Speaks

February 10-17, 2013

Six performance locations throughout Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA:  Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Theatreworks USA, in the Pittsburgh premiere of, Martha Speaks, from February 10 - 17, 2013, at six performance locations throughout the area.  Performance locations include: City: Byham Theater, Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. & Student Matinee: Monday,  February 11 at 10:15 a.m.; Workshop:  Grow Up Great, Wednesday, February 13; East: Linton Middle School, Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.; North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, February 14 at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.;West: Hopewell High School, Friday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m.; South: Mount Lebanon High School, Saturday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; and Butler: Seneca Valley Senior High School, Sunday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m.  Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Martha Speaks is a musical based on the books Martha Speaks and Martha Calling written by Susan Meddaugh.  The books were adapted for the stage by Kevin Delaguila, and set to lyrics by Jill Abramovitz with the music of composer Brad Alexander.  The play follows the adventures of Helen, her family, and their dog Martha.  One day Martha eats a bowl of alphabet soup and begins to talk! Martha shocks everyone and quickly learns to use the telephone. Even though she is forbidden, she calls into a radio station for a trivia contest and wins the family an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxurious hotel. There is only one problem – the hotel has a no pets allowed policy.  Will Martha’s family go on vacation without her or will Martha’s clever way with words save the day?  The performance is approximately 55 minutes and recommended for children ages 3-10.

Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 78 million people in 49 states and Canada.  The company tours approximately 16 shows from its ever-growing repertoire of 117 plays and musicals, performing for about four million people annually.  Under the direction of Barbara Pasternack (Artistic Director) and Ken Arthur (Managing Director), Theatreworks USA is the only children's theatre to receive both a Drama Desk and a Lucille Lortel Award, and they are known for an extensive multi-cultural guest artist roster, including storytellers, puppeteers, poets, and magicians.  

About the author:

Author and illustrator Susan Meddaugh has written and illustrated many books including the Martha series based on her own dog, Martha.  Meddaugh knew she wanted to draw since elementary school and graduated from Wheaton College majoring in Fine Arts and French Literature.  She worked for a publishing company for about 10 years and then branched out on her own as a freelance illustrator and creator of children’s books.  She was inspired to write theMartha books when her son asked if their family dog would be able to speak if she ate alphabet soup.  Since then Meddaugh has written many more books about Martha and Martha Speaks was chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book for 1992.  Her work also inspired the PBS television series “Martha Speaks.”  Popular with children and parents, Meddaugh’s work continues to delight all ages.

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online atwww.trustarts.org/kids, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. Each year Pittsburgh International Children's Theater presents a Family Series and the Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, which is one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.  www.TrustArts.org    ###

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and The Hare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: October 11, 2012
Contact: Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717, roth@trustarts.org

The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and The Hare

November 11-19, 2012, six performance locations, Pittsburgh International Children's Theater series.

Pittsburgh, PA:  Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents CORBiAN Visual Arts and Dance in the Pittsburgh premiere of The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and The Hare from November 11-19, 2012, at six performance locations throughout the area.  Performance locations include: Butler: Seneca Valley Senior High School, Sunday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m.; East: Gateway High School, Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m.; North: Marshall Middle School, Thursday, November 15 at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.; West: Moon Area High School, Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m.; South: Upper St. Clair High School, Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.;City: Byham Theater, Sunday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. & Student Matinee: Monday, November 19 at 10:15 a.m.  Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

In an age when television, computers and video games reign supreme, Lightwire Theater (in conjunction with Corbian Visual Arts and Dance) brings the use of cutting edge technology, moving sculpture, and dance to another unforgettable theatrical experience. Using electroluminescent (EL) wire attached to puppets, the show acts out the classic tales of The Ugly Duckling written by Hans Christian Anderson and The Tortoise and the Hare an Aesop’s Fable.  The Ugly Duckling offers hope and inspiration as the audience roots for the rejected, ugly duckling while he exemplifies resilience and heroism on his way to becoming a beautiful swan.  The Tortoise and the Hare continues to illustrate the age old adage, “slow and steady wins the race.”  Lightwire Theater, with its dazzling visuals, poignant choreography and creative use of music ranging from classical to jazz to pop, literally brings these beloved tales into a new and brilliant light.  The production is 55 minutes and recommended for ages 3-adult.

The use of EL wire to create the puppetry-based creatures makes the production truly unique.  EL wire, powered by batteries, illuminates walkways and signs, and creatively forms the outline for the glow in the dark puppet frames.  The show is performed in almost total darkness onstage with only the colorful, glowing puppets for light as actors and dancers handle the human-sized puppets, making them come to life for the audience.

The show’s creators, Corbin Popp and Ian Carney, met during Twyla Tharpe’s Broadway show Movin’ Out and bonded over their love of art, theater, and technology.  When Corbin showed Ian electroluminescent wire (EL wire), their creative partnership was born.  They relocated from New York to New Orleans to develop and perform their first show, Darwin, which was a huge success and recipient of the Jim Henson Foundation grant.    Ian and Eleanor Carney went on to form Lightwire Theater and, in conjunction with CORiBAN Visual Arts and Dance, began working on The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and The Hare.  They continue to use their signature electroluminescent puppetry to create innovative performances using technology, puppets and dance.

Individual tickets ($11 at the door; $9.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.Trustarts.org/kids, by calling (412) 456-6666, or in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. Group tickets can be ordered by calling (412) 471-6930.

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way. Each year Pittsburgh International Children's Theater presents a Family Series and the Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, which is one of only four international children's theater festivals in the nation.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.   www.Trustarts.org

###

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh