Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to Premiere Autism-Friendly Performance of The Nutcracker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Contact: Meghan McNamara
Marketing Coordinator
412-454-9117
mmcnamara@pittsburghballet.org

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to Premiere First-Ever Autism Friendly Performance of The Nutcracker

(Pittsburgh, PA) –  Marking the final day of Autism Awareness Month, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre announces the 2013 premiere  of its first-ever autism-friendly production of The Nutcracker, the first of its kind in the country to make the magic of the holiday classic accessible to children on the autism spectrum and their families. The autism-friendly performance will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2013 at the Benedum Center.

“The Nutcracker is a holiday staple in ballet companies across the country and an annual tradition for many families here in Pittsburgh, so we are particularly excited to pilot this program with a timeless story that reaches so many people year after year,” said PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr. “With this special performance, we want families to know that we are performing with them in mind and welcome them to experience this production in a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere.”

To be autism-friendly, the entire theater will be reserved for families with individuals on the autism spectrum to create a fully supportive audience environment. Autism-friendly accommodations will include designated quiet areas and activity stations in the lobby, adjustments to potentially startling light, sound and special effects and opportunities for families and children to familiarize themselves with the production in advance. Throughout the performance, the house lights will remain dimly lit and audience members will be free to come and go from their seats as needed. In advance of the performance, PBT will distribute online an illustrated guide, or social story, to walk audience members through the theater experience from the layout  of the Benedum Center to the characters, scenery and music of  The Nutcracker production.

“This is a performance where families can come as they are and be who they are. Whether they are looking for a new artistic experience, bonding time with their family, or simply an escape into a magical world, we can offer all of that through this performance, “said PBT Education Director Alyssa Herzog Melby, who heads Accessibility Initiatives at PBT. “We hope that we can become a model for other ballet companies across the country to open their doors to people on the autism spectrum, sharing the beauty of what we do with all people in our community.”

Autism Spectrum Disorders affect 1 in 88 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The effects of autism are unique to every individual, though ASD characterizations usually include difficulties with social interaction and communication.  Many children with autism  have sensory sensitivities in response to sounds or sights, which is one of the focused areas of adaptation for autism-friendly productions.

Although autism-friendly productions have begun to establish a foothold in the theater world, autism-friendly performances are relatively new to ballet. This year, for example, New Jersey Ballet presented an autism-friendly version of Pinocchio; but, to date, no other U.S. ballet company has presented an autism-friendly version of The Nutcracker, according to PBT research.

“Very few times in our careers as dancers will we get the chance to do something this important. The autism-friendly performance will join Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project as one of those defining moments for me,” said PBT Dancer Stephen Hadala, who has performed in all 11 seasons of Terrence S. Orr’s The Nutcracker. “This performance gives us an opportunity to use our art form to do something for the community, and it’s exciting to be able to share ballet with children who might not ordinarily experience a production.”

In order to adapt the ballet, PBT worked with a focus group represented  by local autism advocacy groups – including Autism Speaks  of Greater Pittsburgh and ABOARD’s Autism Connection of Pennsylvania – parents of children with autism and individuals on the autism spectrum. After watching the production and learning about characters, music and scenery, the group submitted recommendations to adapt the production to viewers on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities.

 PBT also looked to other organizations as models, including the Theatre Development Fund’s Autism Theatre Initiative, which presented the first autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show in October 2011 with Disney's musical The Lion King. PBT thanks TDF’s Autism Theatre Initiative for serving as an advisor during the planning process. Locally, PBT acknowledges The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for its leadership in establishing best practices and providing Benedum Center staff training for autism-friendly performances. Lead funding support for PBT’s autism-friendly production of The Nutcrackercomes from the Edith L. Trees Foundation.

PBT will kick off the  first fundraising event for the initiative on May 20, with a special edition of “No Menu Monday” at Bar Marco in the Strip District. PBT dancers will be serving signature dishes prepared by a featured guest chef. All proceeds will benefit PBT’s autism-friendly performance of The Nutcracker.

TICKETS
Tickets for the autism-friendly performance will be available at a  discounted rate to families with members on the autism spectrum, and will go on sale September 3, 2013 with  regular single ticket sales. Information to purchase the tickets will be distributed through PBT’s partners within the autism community. For more information about tickets, please call 412-454-9107.

ABOUT PBT ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES
The autism-friendly performance fits into PBT’s overarching Accessibility Initiative, which made several significant strides during the 2012-2013 Season. 2012-2013 accessibility accomplishments included the introduction of PBT’s Audio Description for Dance program, large-print and braille programs and other accommodations for people with visual impairments and special needs. For more information about Accessibility at PBT, please visit www.pbt.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility.

Media Note: For interviews and photos, please contact Meghan McNamara at 412-454-9117 or mmcnamara@pittsburghballet.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

PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest Announces Local Winners

May 4, 2013                                                                                      
CONTACT:    Maria Pisano,   mpisano@wqed.org, 412-622-1459

TRI-STATE STUDENTS HONORED IN
WQED PITTSBURGH PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST

-- Local First Place Winners will Enter National Contest to be Judged This Summer --

PITTSBURGH – WQED Pittsburgh is proud to announce local winners for the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest sponsored by EQT Corporation. All first place winners will be entered into the national PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, where they will compete against other winners from across the country. WQED was one of 12 public television stations across the country that participated in this year’s contest.  WQED partnered locally with Penn State Public Broadcasting (WPSU) which serves central Pennsylvania and West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) which serves West Virginia statewide.

For the first time this year WQED introduced an online voting portal and invited the public to view and listen to finalists read their stories aloud and choose the Kid’s Choice Award. The winner of the 2013 Kid’s Choice Award was If I Ran the Circus by Griffin Snowberger of Martinsburg, PA with 816 votes. All of the winners’ stories may be viewed and heard at writeonkids.org.

WQED Headquarters in Oakland

All finalists were invited to WQED’s Fred Rogers Studio in Oakland May 4 to celebrate their efforts. Twenty-two 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention winners had the opportunity to see their stories turned into a puppet play called “Recipe For A Clue” created and performed by Pittsburgh Puppet Works and could even get their face painted. Children in Kindergarten, grades 1, 2 and 3 submitted over 1,600 stories this year.

The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest is produced annually by PBS KIDS and managed and created by WNED-TV Buffalo/Toronto, and is a part of PBS KIDS Raising Readers, a national initiative that uses the power of public media to build the reading skills of children ages two to eight.  More information on PBS KIDS Raising Readers and the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest can be found at pbskids.org/read.
 
KINDERGARTEN
First Place: Vic the Chick by Caitlin Joyce of Pittsburgh, PA
Second Place: Shiney Dolphin and Cutey Cat Play All Day by Savana Libecco of Rimbersburg, PA
Third Place: Brave Animals on the Farm by Rakshitha Murugan of Oakdale, PA

Honorable Mentions
• Too Fancy, Miss Mouse! by Chloe McGee of Mt. Lebanon, PA
• Princess Lila’s Adventure by Ava Zalewski of Latrobe, PA

FIRST GRADE
First Place: Little Possom’s Big Adventure by Cricket Branstrom of Russell, PA
Second Place: The Adventures of Me and My Dog Gizmo by Sophia Klonowski of Grove City, PA
Third Place: Mr. Meask, Beak, and the Little Bird by Ava Pacheco of Pittsburgh, PA

Honorable Mentions
• The Three Shark Detectives and the Missing Clownfish by Alexander Smaroff of Bethel Park, PA
• If I Ran the Circus by Griffin Snowberger of Martinsburg, PA
• Dan’s Exciting Night by Tharun Sunthar of Wexford, PA

SECOND GRADE
First Place: Willie and Hannah by Haruka Doi of Pittsburgh, PA
Second Place: A Snake Tale by Liam Ellis of Sewickley, PA
Third Place:  The Lonely Tractor by Alyssa Hunt of Somerset, PA

Honorable Mentions
• Jamaica by Mia Lynch of Pittsburgh, PA
• Planet Gumdrop by Jack Sabo of Bridgeville, PA
• Scooter’s Dig Through Time by Rebecca Walter of Carnegie, PA

THIRD GRADE
First Place: BFF’s Forever by Marlana Howard of Pittsburgh, PA
Second Place: The Soccer Sleuth and the Missing Playbook by Keller Dorgan of Edgewood, PA
Third Place: Bloggermouth 360 by Kaylie Heming of Johnstown, PA

Honorable Mentions
• The Case of the Missing Peacocks by Isabella Penrose of North Huntington, PA
• Nita Lite’s Crash by Lizzy Sultz of Uniontown, PA
• Little Red Agent Hood by Cayden Wright of Roaring Spring, PA

About WQED Pittsburgh
WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster.  The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

About EQT Corporation
EQT Corporation is an integrated energy company with emphasis on Appalachian area natural gas production, gathering, transmission, and distribution. EQT is the general partner and majority equity owner of EQT Midstream Partners, LP.  With more than 120 years of experience, EQT continues to be a leader in the use of advanced horizontal drilling technology – designed to minimize the potential impact of drilling-related activities and reduce the overall environmental footprint. Through safe and responsible operations, the Company is committed to meeting the country’s growing demand for clean-burning energy, while continuing to provide a rewarding workplace and enrich the communities where its employees live and work. Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange as EQT. Visit EQT Corporation at www.EQT.com.

About Penn State Public Broadcasting
Penn State Public Broadcasting serves central Pennsylvania with programming, educational services and community outreach. Its public media services produce, acquire and distribute programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of an audience within central Pennsylvania.

About West Virginia Public Broadcasting
West Virginia Public Broadcasting nurtures personal growth, promotes civic responsibility and inspires lifelong discovery through high-quality programming and services. West Virginia Public Radio, West Virginia PBS, wvpubcast.org and Ready To Learn® are all services of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

The Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting is a 501(c)3 organization responsible for receiving donated funds from individuals for annual membership to West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Friends serve as ambassadors in their communities on behalf of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

All of the licenses for West Virginia Public Broadcasting are held by the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, Kay Goodwin, Secretary.

About Saturday Light Brigade
SLB Radio Productions, Inc. (SLB) uses radio and audio to encourage, amplify, share and archive the ideas, stories, and feelings of children, youth and families. SLB believes in radio and audio because these technologies enable a sense of intimacy, engagement and self-directed imagination that is often lacking in other media, while also promoting opportunities for privacy (given that children need not be photographed), equal access (audio has fewer barriers for participation than other media), and sharpening of important life skills (i.e., speaking and listening, imagination, creative expression, and critical thinking, respect for others, confidence and cooperation, and technical curiosity).

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online, mobile and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including the PBS KIDS video player, now offering free streaming video accessible on computer- and mobile-device-based browsers. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

About Easy Student Publishing
Meet writing standards and motivate students using book-making tools and resources from Easy Student Publishing.  With Classbook and Storybook options, free programs, online or mail-in production and expert resources, we have publishing solutions designed for educators.  Enhance curriculum, support literacy and promote creativity.  Every student can be a published author!

About Highlights for Children, Inc. (www.Highlights.com)
Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose," family media brand Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. Its flagship publication, Highlights magazine, the most recognizable and widely read children's magazine in the nation, has printed more than a billion copies. Other Highlights offerings include a version for younger children, High Five magazine; a new magazine for babies and their caregivers, Highlights Hello magazine; Highlights for Children book clubs; and mobile applications like My First Hidden Pictures. Highlights can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at its blog for thoughtful parents, Highlights Aha. Corporate offices are in Columbus, Ohio, and editorial offices are in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Fun with a Purpose, Goofus and Gallant, and Hidden Pictures are trademarks of Highlights for Children, Inc.

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

2013 - 2014 Dance Council Season Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: May 5, 2013
Contact: Shaunda Miles / 412-471-1578 / miles@trustarts.org
              Diana Roth / 412-471-8717 / roth@trustarts.org

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Dance Council 

Season Announcement 

Pittsburgh, PA (For Release: May 5, 2013):  The Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, announces an outstanding array of dance from around the world that will grace our stages this season!  Paul Organisak, Executive Director, comments “Pittsburgh Dance Council is pleased to continue to present some of the finest companies whose diversity of artistic expression and culture are certain to captivate, challenge and entertain you during the 2013-2014 Season.  With a focus on delivering new and fresh experiences and international flair, the Dance Council brings a snapshot of contemporary dance and performance.”

The Pittsburgh Dance Council will be featured prominently during the return of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s International Festival of Firsts with the US premiere of a work by the remarkable Marie Chouinard and the US premiere presentation of Switzerland’s ground-breaking physical theatre of Zimmerman & de Perrot.  Three Pittsburgh premieres fill out the second half of the season with the incredibly dynamic Compagnie Käfig from Brazil, the gorgeous performers of Ballet Genève, and the rare opportunity to see an evening of dance featuring Wendy Whelan.  The season will close with the return of a popular Dance Council series performance by Wayne McGregor’s Random Dance.

2013-14 Pittsburgh Dance Council season:

Compagnie Marie Chouinard
Friday, September 28, 2013
8pm, Byham Theater

 Two featured presentations are also part of the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts

-Henry Michaux: Mouvements

- Gymnopedies (U.S. Premiere)

Marie Chouinard creates dance conceived from primeval dreams— earthy and strong, yet shaped by irrepressible secrets and unseen dimensions in time. Selected to launch the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts, the evening's program will include the U.S. premiere of Gymnopedies, set to the glorious solo piano pieces of Eric Satie and Henri Michaux:Mouvements, inspired by a book of poetry and drawings by Belgian artist Henri Michaux. In HenryMichaux: Mouvements, the dancers form a stunning silhouette to projections exuding a haunting sense that they, in the artist’s words, are connected to “the strangeness of natural things and the naturalness of strange things.”

"It felt like experiencing an event rather than watching a performance. Marie Chouinard breaks boundaries…" -The Vancouver Sun

Zimmermann & de Perrot
Friday, October 18, 2013
8pm, Byham Theater

 -U.S. Premiere – Featured presentation of the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts
- Hans was Heiri

With a great deal of mischief but at the same time, anger and depth, the duo Zimmermann & de Perrot present a disconcertingly original marriage of theatre, circus and dance.  Supported by five circus artists and dancers, these two directors, who now enjoy dazzling success, have far exceeded all expectations in their new work.  Poets as well as magicians, they keep a piece overflowing with humor regulated to the nearest millimeter.  The stage design, which revolves on a horizontal axis, forces the performers into the most unlikely positions.  All this is put at the service of a caustic story, which makes Hans was Heiri a work that has broken down barriers among the public to an extent rarely seen.
“ 4 STARS. Boisterous, off-the-wall humour and fizzy, rollickingly good entertainment” – The Times

“Zimmermann & de Perrot create absurd, surreal masterpieces of visual theatre” –Total Theatre Review

Compagnie Käfig
Saturday, February 1, 2014
8pm, Byham Theatear

-CORRERIA

-AGWA

This innovative hip-hop ensemble has become an international phenomenon, touring the world with sold out performances and rave reviews.   Inspired by an encounter with eleven young dancers from the shantytowns of Brazil, director and choreographer Mourad Merzouki  created Correriaand Agwa—two heart-stopping works that showcase a sensational combination of athletic samba, hip-hop, and capoeira dance styles. The all-male company from Brazil exhibits theatrical intelligence and is gifted with irresistible personality and astonishing dancing.  Bursting with fun, humor, and vitality, this show is set to an energetic soundtrack of samba and bossa nova music.
 “Compagnie Käfig… a.k.a.: the cure for pretty much anything that ails you.” --The Boston Globe
“One of the most innovative troupes on the experimental dance scene.”  --The New York Times

Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève
Saturday, March 8, 2014
8pm, Byham Theater

-Glory

-Sed Lux Permanet

Directed by Philippe Cohen, the Geneva Ballet is known around the world for its exquisite dancers and exciting artistic collaborations. The Pittsburgh premiere presentation of will also feature the premiere of two major emerging choreographers in the international contemporary dance scene:  Andonis Foniadakis and Ken Ossola.  Glory, choreographed by Andonis Foniadakis, allows the dancers’ bodies to come together in various modes of symbiosis, either fluid or tense, expansive or minimalistic which demonstrates the mastery and quality of Handel’s flamboyant music.  The hypnotic quality of Sed Lux Permanet and its sculpted shadow play enhance the delicate nature of bodies wreathed by the sensitive, ethereal sweetness of Fauré’s Requiem.

“Divine … this company has established itself as one of the most original and inventive in Europe.” -La Presse de Tunisie

Wendy Whelan Project
Saturday, March 22, 2014
8pm, Byham Theater

-Restless Creature

 “America’s most celebrated contemporary ballerina” (The New York Times) has joined forces with four of today’s top male choreographers, Pittsburgh’s own Kyle Abraham, Joshua Beamish, Brian Brooks, and Alejandro Cerrudo. Arguably the finest ballet dancer of our time, Whelan has danced with New York City Ballet for more than 25 years. She embarks on a new dance adventure with this vibrant suite of four contemporary duets, each with its own distinct style and artistry.

Wayne McGregor | Random Dance
Saturday, April 26, 2014
8pm, Byham Theater

-FAR

Award-winning, anatomy-defying British choreographer Wayne McGregor’s groundbreaking vision embraces dance, science, film, music, visual art and technology to create intriguing, expansive works. And FAR is no exception. Staged in a mesmerizing environment of shadow and light, FARbinds innovative design with choreography inspired by radical cognitive research process. It will make you think differently about dance.
“Wayne McGregor is doing some of the most exciting work on the planet.”-The New York Times
“If any artist has defined the decade, it’s Wayne McGregor.”- The UK Times


Subscription Information
Subscription packages for the Pittsburgh Dance Council 2013-14 season include:  Super Subscriber: six-show series (receive 6 performances for the price of 5) are available for: $96-$240; and Four Performance Package (pick 4 performances of your choice and save up to 20%) are available for $64-$160.  To subscribe, call 412-456-1390 or TrustArts.org/dance; groups of 10 or more tickets, call 412-471-6930. Single tickets for Pittsburgh Dance Council performances will go on sale to the general public in mid-August.  For information, call 412-456-6666 or visit TrustArts.org/dance.

Text Dance to 76274 for special offers and reminders. Standard text messaging rates apply.
Like the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for up-to-the-minute news, links and more: facebook.com/CulturalTrust

About The Pittsburgh Dance Council
The Pittsburgh Dance Council joined Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as a programming division 2002. The mission of Pittsburgh Dance Council is to bring the best contemporary dance companies from around the world to the Cultural District. Each season, Pittsburgh Dance Council presents diverse, world-class contemporary works, including U.S. and world premieres.

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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