27th Annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents:
 The 27th Annual Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
May 15-19, 2013
Preview Opportunities:
Monday, May 13 & Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Festival Information: www.PGHKIDS.org | Box Office: 412-456-6666

Festival Overview
The Festival is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and programming division, Pittsburgh International Children's Theater.  Pittsburgh currently hosts one of only four international theater festivals for children in the United States.  Over 100 performances and activities draw upwards of 20,000 visitors each year with the goal of promoting an understanding of and appreciation for different cultures. The Children’s Festival has presented over 500 performing arts companies from over 40 countries.

Giant Eagle is the presenting sponsor of this year's Pittsburgh International Children's Festival with the generous help of Citiparks, the University of Pittsburgh, the Parks Conservancy and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.  This year, the Festival is pleased to welcome featured performers from Australia, Russia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and United States.  Each performance will be as educational as it is fun, and throughout the Festival, children are encouraged to participate in the process.  Additionally, the Festival will have free hands-on activities and performances at two free outdoor Community Stages.  The Festival will once again take place in the beautiful green spaces surrounding Schenley Plaza and the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland.

Below is a list of various media opportunities during the Festival.  Additional interview opportunities may be available upon request.

Monday, May 13 (Preview)
The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly
In Studio Interview with Louis Lovette, Co-Founder of Theatre Lovette (Ireland)

*Louis Lovett leads the audience on an adventure that crosses snowy lands and wild seas. All the while, Peggy sings with the voice of an angel—a grossly unfortunate angel, who can’t sing at all. As Peggy desperately tries to save the day, we learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats, and the courage to sing gloriously on-or off-key.

In Studio Interview with Pam Lieberman, Executive Director-Pittsburgh International Children's Theater / Manager of Children's Theater Programming-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Tuesday, May 14 (Preview)
The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly
In Studio Interview with Louis Lovette, Co-Founder of Theatre Lovette (Ireland)

Tuesday, May 14 (Preview)
Preview Reception
Time: 6:30-7:00 pm - Preview of Exxopolis by Architects of Air(Nottingham, UK)

Location: Mazeroski Field, Corner of Clemente Drive & Schenley Drive (Across from the Frick Fine Arts Building)

*Join us for this preview of Architects of Air outdoor luminaria installation: Exxopolis.  This installation was inspired from natural geometry and architecture and occupies half of a soccer field and rises to the height of a 3-story house!  This giant structure will astonish you with its colorful domes and beautiful stained glass effects.  Appropriate for all ages.

RSVP opening reception, Tuesday, May 14:
Diana Roth / roth@trustarts.org / 412-471-8717


Wednesday, May 15th
Opening Ceremonies
Time: 9:30am -  Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Location: Mazeroski Field, Corner of Clemente Drive & Schenley Drive (Across from the Frick Fine Arts Building)

*Photo/video/interview opportunity and media guests will be invited to walk through the installation.

Wednesday, May 15th
Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Time: After 2 pm
In Studio Interview with the artists from Erth Visual & Physical Inc.(Australia)

*Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo transports you to the Australian outback where a rugged ranger and trusty dino keeper introduce you to a menagerie of Mesozoic monsters from around the world. Operated by supremely skilled puppeteers, every dino responds instantly to the audience for an intimate, authentic encounter.

Thursday, May 16th
Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Time: Before 8:15am or Between 2-5pm
In Studio Interview with the artists from Erth Visual & Physical Inc. (Australia)

Thursday, May 16th
Aga-Boom
Time: TBD
On set photo and interview opportunity with artists from 1 to 1 Entertainment (Russia/USA)

Location: Charity Randall Theatre, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Oakland

*Jump head-first into unbridled silliness with the clown clean-up crew—three former starts of Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers and the Moscow Circus. Rooted in the unique style of theatrical clowning, Aga-Boom brings together the best traditions of circus arts, physical comedy and European avant-garde.

Thursday, May 16th
Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Time: Before 8:15am or Between 2-5pm
On set photo and interview opportunity with artists from Erth Visual & Physical Inc. (Australia)

Location:Bellefield Hall Auditorium, 315 South Bellefield Avenue, Oakland

*****

RSVP opening reception, Tuesday, May 14:
Diana Roth / roth@trustarts.org / 412-471-8717

Media contacts:
Shaunda Miles / miles@trustarts.org / 412-471-1578
Saul Markowitz / Markowitz Communications / saul@markowitzcommunications.com /
(cell): 412-977-8517 / (office): 412-577-5140
Diana Roth / roth@trustarts.org / 412-471-8717

Pittsburgh International Children's Festival press release and event photos are available at: http://www.TrustArts.org/press
Search: Children's Festival 2013

Complete Festival schedule is available at www.PGHKIDS.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

Tickets on Sale for Pgh International Children's Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: April 18, 2013
Contact:
Shaunda Miles, 412-471-1578, miles@trustarts.org
Diana Roth, 412-471-8717, roth@trustarts.org

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents the 27th Annual
Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
May 15-19, 2013
Tickets are on sale for featured performances.

PITTSBURGH, PA:  The Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, Wednesday, May 15, through Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the University of Pittsburgh theaters and Schenley Plaza. Programming will showcase international and local theater premieres, including a brand new interactive luminarium installation from Architects of Air (UK). Giant Eagle is the lead sponsor of the 2013 Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival. Additional partners include Citiparks, University of Pittsburgh School of Arts & Sciences, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Parks Conservatory.

The Festival will feature performances and artwork by artists from the U.S. and around the globe, including Australia, Russia, Ireland, and the UK. “The 27th annual Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival presents a wide variety of unique performances and is a way for people to see many shows back-to-back or over the span of a few days,” comments Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Theater Programming with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater. “It highlights a combination of art forms that are inspiring, not only for children, but for adults as well.”

Charlotte Blake Alston, featured narrator and story teller of African Pourquoi Tales, provides an interactive experience by tweaking her stories based on the audience’s participation and according to Lieberman, her performances are “engaging and amazing.” In addition, Alston is PennPAT funded, allowing her to make the most of every performance.

Back by popular demand, Aga-Boom (Russia/USA) returns to the festival and will delight audiences with their art of clowning, comedy and theater performance.

This year’s Festival will feature extended hours for the evening shows on Friday, May 18 & Saturday, May 19. Friday evening performances include Aga-Boom and Dinosaur Zoo at 6 p.m.; Saturday performances include Dinosaur Zoo at 5 p.m., and The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly and African Pourquoi Tales at 6:16 p.m.

In addition to the featured ticketed performances, the Festival will include 30+ free hands-on academic, cultural and international activities, as well as performances at the free outdoor Community Stages located in Schenley Plaza and on the front lawn of the Carnegie Library.  Participants can enjoy stories and activites from the Citiparks Alphabet Trail and Tales and the Roving Art Cart.  Free outdoor activities and performances are 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   Plenty of bus, lot and street parking is available in the area.

For information and tickets, visit the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh, or visit: www.PGHKIDS.org
Lynette Asson  412.973.9828   lynette@newplace.us
Yvonne Hudson   412.512.0589   yvonne@newplace.us

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 International Children's Festival Schedule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: March 5, 2013
Contact: Diana Roth, 412-471-8717, roth@trustarts.org



The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents the 27th Annual
Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
May 15-19, 2013

PITTSBURGH, PA:  The Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, Wednesday, May 15, through Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the University of Pittsburgh theaters and Schenley Plaza. Programming will showcase international and local theater premieres, including a brand new interactive luminarium installation from Architects of Air (UK). Giant Eagle is the lead sponsor of the 2013 Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival. Additional partners include Citiparks, University of Pittsburgh School of Arts & Sciences, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Parks Conservatory.

The Festival will feature performances and artwork by artists from the U.S. and around the globe, including Australia, Russia, Ireland, and the UK. “The 27th annual Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival presents a wide variety of unique performances and is a way for people to see many shows back-to-back or over the span of a few days,” comments Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager of Children’s Theater Programming with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Executive Director of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater. “It highlights a combination of art forms that are inspiring, not only for children, but for adults as well.”

Charlotte Blake Alston, featured narrator and story teller of African Pourquoi Tales, provides an interactive experience by tweaking her stories based on the audience’s participation and according to Lieberman, her performances are “engaging and amazing.” In addition, Alston is PennPAT funded, allowing her to make the most of every performance.

Back by popular demand, Aga-Boom (Russia/USA) returns to the festival and will delight audiences with their art of clowning, comedy and theater performance.

This year’s Festival will feature extended hours for the evening shows on Friday, May 18 & Saturday, May 19. Friday evening performances include Aga-Boom and Dinosaur Zoo at 6 p.m.; Saturday performances include Dinosaur Zoo at 5 p.m., and The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly and African Pourquoi Tales at 6:16 p.m.

In addition to the featured ticketed performances, the Festival will include free hands-on academic, cultural and international activities, as well as performances at the free outdoor Community Stages located in Schenley Plaza and on the front lawn of the Carnegie Library. Free outdoor activities and performances are 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For information and tickets, visit the Box Office at Theater Square, www.PghKids.org
 or call 412-456-6666. Ticket packages and single tickets are available. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free but require a lap pass for theater performances.  Groups of 10 or more, please call 412-471-6930. Festival hours are Wed-Thurs.: 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Fri., Sat. and Sun.: 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. To ensure everyone is able to engage in the art pieces, all performances are fully handicapped accessible.

The featured performances of the 2013 Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival include:

Dinosaur Zoo (Erth Visual & Physical Inc., Australia) Bellefield Hall Auditorium, single ticket $8; Ages 5 and up, Performances May 15: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 16: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 17: 9: 45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.; May 18: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.; May 19: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo transports you to the Australian outback where a rugged ranger and trusty dino keeper introduce you to a menagerie of Mesozoic monsters from around the world. Operated by supremely skilled puppeteers, every dino responds instantly to the audience for an intimate, authentic encounter. You just might find yourself over 65 million and a half a world away!

Aga-Boom (1 to 1 Entertainment, Russia/USA) Charity Randall Theatre, single tickets: $8; Ages 3 and up, Performances May 17: 11: 30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.; May 18: 9:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.; May 19: 9:30 a.m. & 3:15 p.m. Jump head-first into unbridled silliness with the clown clean-up crew—three former starts ofCirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers and the Moscow Circus. Rooted in the unique style of theatrical clowning, Aga-Boom brings together the best traditions of circus arts, physical comedy and European avant-garde. Get ready for a live-action cartoon, exploding with sophisticated slapstick, outlandish chases and the most chaotic finale ever.

African Pourquoi Tales (Charlotte Blake Alston, USA) Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, single tickets $8; Ages 5-10, Performances May 15: 11:30 a.m.; May 16: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.; May 17: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 18: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 6:15 p.m.; May 19: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. There are tales that make you say, “Hmmmm, Why?” You may find yourself asking, “What will Turtle do next?” and “What would I do in that situation?”. This tradition followed Africans to America where Brier Rabbit, Brier Fox and company were born. Come listen, laugh, join in, tap your finger on your temple and say “Hmmm?”, then go back to your classroom (or back to your home) and talk!

Exxopolis (Architects of Air, Nottingham, UK) Mazeroski Field, single tickets $8; All ages, Entry every half hour May 15-16: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; May 17-19: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Artist Alan Parkinson is back for the third year in a row in celebration of Architects of Air’s 20th anniversary! Exxopolis takes its inspiration from natural geometry and architecture. The completed structure occupies half of a soccer field and rises to the height of a 3-story house! This giant structure will astonish you with its colorful domes and beautiful stained glass effects. This is a work of art that must be seen to be believed!

Egg and Spoon (Lyngo Theatre, UK) Studio Theatre, single tickets $8; Ages 1-5, Performances May 15: 9:45 a.m., 11: 30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; May 16: 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; May 17: 9: 45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.; May 18: 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.; May 19: 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3:15 p.m. You and your chickadees will be taken from summer to winter to spring in this multisensory, highly interactive celebration of nature. The youngest theater-goers will be delighted with peek-a-boo puddles, fluffy snowflakes, blowing leaves, bursting cherry blossoms, a birdie egg that just might hatch and other splendiferous surprises. You won’t want to miss the magic of zipping through a magical year of seasons in just 40 minutes. Don’t wait to get your tickets for this sell-out performance.

The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly (Theatre Lovett, Ireland) Charity Randall Theatre, single tickets $8; Ages 7 and up, Performances May 15: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 16: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 17: 9:45 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.; May 18: 12:30 p.m. & 6:15 p.m.; May 19: 12:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Louis Lovett leads the audience on an adventure that crosses snowy lands and wild seas. All the while, Peggy sings with the voice of an angel—a grossly unfortunate angel, who can’t sing at all. As Peggy desperately tries to save the day, we learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats, and the courage to sing gloriously on-or off-key.

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

Pittsburgh International Children's Festival Enfolds Pitt, Schenley Plaza

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: April 26, 2012
Media Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@trustarts.org
Diana Roth
(412) 471-8717
roth@trustarts.org

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents the 26th Annual

Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival 

May 16-20, 2012 

Pittsburgh, PA:  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and programming division Pittsburgh International Children's Theater, presents the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, Wednesday, May 16, through Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the University of Pittsburgh theaters and green spaces surrounding Schenley Plaza in Oakland. Programming will showcase international and local theater premieres, including a brand new interactive luminarium installation from Architects of Air. Giant Eagle is the lead sponsor of the 2012 Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival.

For information and tickets, visit the Box Office at Theater Square, pghkids.org or call 412-456-6666. Ticket packages and single tickets are available. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free but require a lap pass for theater performances.  Groups of 10 or more, please call 412-471-6930. Festival hours are weekdays Wed.-Fri.: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; weekend Sat./Sun.: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.   In addition to the featured ticketed performances, the Festival will include free hands-on academic, cultural, and international activities (Wed.-Sun), as well as performances at the free outdoor Community Stage (Wed.-Sun.), located in Schenley Plaza. Free outdoor activities and performances are 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. weekdays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival is pleased to feature performances by artists from around the world that will engage children with different cultures and perspectives.  The 26th annual Children’s Festival showcases a variety of mediums for expressing ideas and stories, such as puppetry, soundscapes, music movement, dance and so much more.  Our ongoing goal is to provide a Festival where children and their families can learn about world cultures through their enjoyment of the performing and visual arts,” remarks  Pamela K. Lieberman, Manager-Children’s Theater Programming, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust & Executive Director-Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Featured, ticketed performances by artists from Scotland, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States include:

World of Rhythm (Drums United, Netherlands) BellefieldHall Auditorium, single tickets: $8; Ages 6 through adult, Performances May 18: 11:15 a.m.; May 19: 11:15 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.; May 20: 11:15 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Drums United is an exciting world-percussion group composed of performers from the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Senegal, Spain, Germany, Surinam, Venezuela. Blending African drumming, Dance, Hip Hop, Indian tablas, Cuban rumbas and more, this ensemble is more than just a drum group – Drums United features quality drumming in celebration of the unifying power of music. This performance is also a part of the Distinctively Dutch Festival.

Dudes (Beumer and Drost, Netherlands) Charity Randall Theatre, single tickets: $8; Ages 6 through adult, Performances May 16: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 17 & 18: 9:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.; May 19: 9:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.; May 20: 9:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Dudes is a hilarious mix of song, dance, juggling, puppetry, slap-stick comedy and more! The action takes place in the confines of a small locker room where the limitless possibilities of the imagination unfold. Among the thousands of locker rooms in Black & Gold Country, this might be the zaniest of them all! Join the “Dudes” and be amazed by how funny sports can be behind the scenes. This performance is also a part of the Distinctively Dutch Festival.

Plop! (Windmill Theatre, South Adelaide, Australia) Studio Theatre in the Cathedral of Learning, single tickets: $8; Ages 1-5 years, Performances May 16 & 17: 9:45 a.m.; May 18: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m., May 19: 9:30 a.m. & 2:45 p.m., May 20: 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. This is a tale of true bravery when the smallest and most frightened creature summons up some rabbit courage to confront the terrible Plop! Specially crafted to provide our youngest audiences with an intimate, non-threatening first theatrical experience, this production explores the fear of unknown things that sometimes aren’t so scary after all.

Mirazozo (Architects of Air, Nottingham, UK) Festival Grounds, single tickets: $5; All ages, Entry every half hour May 16, 17 & 18: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; May 19 & 20: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Artist Alan Parkinson is back by popular demand with a brand new Luminaria! Enter a unique labyrinth of light and color equivalent to the size of a Steeler’s football field! A melding of architecture styles from across the globe, this giant inflatable structure will astonish you with its colorful domes and shimmering reflective panels. This is a work of art that must be seen to be believed! This installation is sponsored by Equitable Gas.

Cinderella (Shona Reppe Puppets, Scotland) Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, single tickets: $8; Ages 5 and up, Performances May 16, 17 & 18: 11:15 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 19 & 20: 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. In this innovative, award-winning puppet show, Cinderella must find a dress, get to the ball and fall in love with the most handsome Prince in the world—all before midnight! This classic fairy tale is beautifully re-imagined with secret hatches, hidden drawers, jazz, and a handbag full of magic.




Origami Tales (Kuniko Theater, Japan/USA) Bellefield Hall Auditorium, single tickets: $8; Ages 4 and up, Performances May 16: 9:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.; May 17 & 18: 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; May 19: 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.; May 20: 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.In Japanese, ori- means “to fold” and -gami means “paper.” Using origami, music and audience participation, Kuniko Yamamoto provides a magical entry into Japanese culture. In her new show “Origami Tales,” mythological character masks and puppets, amazing flowers and a dragon—all made from origami—set the stage while Kuniko shares heartfelt stories from ancient Japan. Origami Tales is presented in memory of Cas Welch, a dear friend and volunteer of the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Festival.
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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