Legendary Broadway, film, and television star Betty Buckley will launch the Trust’s new Cabaret Series on Monday, October 15 at the Cabaret Theater with an evening of stories and songs. Such a unique performance in the Cabaret’s intimate setting will make for a very special night not to be missed! Additional performances in the series include: • Christine Andreas: Nov. 5, 2012 • Elaine Paige: March 12, 2013 • Christine Ebersole: April 8, 2013 • Karen Akers: May 6, 2013 Tickets for the Cabaret Series are now on sale and can be purchased for single shows or as a package. This newest line up of programming is being presented thanks to generous support from the Benter Foundation and Richard Rauh.
TRUSTARTS.ORG — THE OFFICIAL TICKET SITE! The past year revealed a dramatic increase in tickets purchased from unauthorized online sources—some that are fraudulent and others that deceive patrons into paying several hundred percent over the face value of our tickets.
Volume 4 | Issue
12 2 :: September 20
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How can the theatergoers protect themselves? • Only purchase tickets from authorized sources — • online at TrustArts.org and CulturalDistrict.org • by phone, call 412-456-6666 • at the Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Ave. • Do not click on search engine ads when buying tickets — Fraudulent and broker sites pay top dollar to be listed at the top of the screen with search ads, hoping that you will select them over Trust-authorized ticketing sources. • Stay connected — Through our email list, Facebook, and Twitter, stay in-the-know about what is coming to our stages and galleries. As a non-profit organization, we hope that the community benefits from affordable ticket prices accompanied by the best possible customer service experience. Thank you for attending events in the Cultural District and helping to spread the word about this growing concern. Hanna Chait volunteering at Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh
Linda and Rich Ruffalo at BLUE MAN GROUP meet and greet
Volunteers play an important role at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust by providing critical support for our venues and programming. Over 1,000 people donate their time to the Trust on an annual basis, spending countless hours at the Children’s Festival, Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, and Gallery Crawls. The smiling faces that greet and seat you in our theaters make up a corps of more than 400 active volunteer ushers. This year, the Trust is fortunate to have additional help from the Cinderella Ball debutantes. As part of a tradition of supporting non-profits through charitable fundraising, the Cinderella Ball Women’s Committee selected the Trust as the 2013 beneficiary of their proceeds. Leading up to the ball, each debutante will fulfill a minimum of 30 volunteer hours as part of this support. 2013 Cinderella Ball Debutante, Hanna Chait, shares her experience as a volunteer: Debutantes volunteering at the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival (from left to right: Caroline Stamy, Caroline Muse, Campbell North)
“Ever since I was young, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has been a big part of my life, especially when performing on stage at the Benedum. When I found out that the 2013 Cinderella Ball beneficiary was the Trust, I was overjoyed to give back to an organization that has given me so much. My first volunteer experience was at the Children’s Festival and it was so exciting to see all of the things the Trust does to educate children about the arts. I loved being able to engage with and help the kids make crafts and play with animals, seeing the joy on their faces was the greatest feeling. My next volunteer opportunity was for Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh, the Trust’s annual fundraiser. I spent a week painting, building, and getting to know my fellow Cinderella’s. All of the hard work really paid off when I got to be a passport stamper for the Gallery Crawl before the event began. It was really exciting to meet and talk to some of the people that help to support the Trust. I’m so happy the 2013 Cinderella Women’s Committee chose such a deserving and hardworking group to be the beneficiary. I can’t wait to begin my work as an usher in the theaters!”
VOLUNTEER
JACKIE
JONES
Twenty years ago while reading a newspaper article about the Trust, Jackie Jones became impressed with the work the organization was doing to transform downtown and the community. As a business woman (Jackie had been in sales for most of her career), she knew donating to the Trust was a smart investment for both the city and for the businesses. “We believe in supporting a majority of the arts organizations and what they do for our region, but what the Trust has done is fantastic,” she explained. Jackie and her husband Ley are avid theater-goers and enjoy attending Trust performances and events. Several years ago while at an event, Jackie inquired about volunteering in the Trust office and was gladly accepted. Jackie’s behind-thescenes glimpse of the fundraising efforts motivated her to increase her support, not only as a donor, but also as a volunteer. Today, Jackie spends one day per month volunteering on office projects in the Development department. Thank you, Jackie, and all of our hard-working, selfless volunteers. These wonderful individuals work to strengthen community awareness about the Trust, contribute to its financial strength, and provide vital support services. If you would like to volunteer and become a member of the Trust family, email volunteer@trustarts.org.
Clyde Jones and Janis Burley Wilson at the PITTSBURGH JAZZ LIVE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 3001
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT With the fall fast approaching, we are thrilled to share with you the outstanding line-ups for 2012-2013 PNC Broadway Across America—Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Dance Council and Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater seasons. In particular, this season’s Broadway line-up truly promises to be one of our most exciting yet with WAR HORSE, winner of five Tony Awards including Best Play, opening in November and THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, saying “hello” in March. Your support continues to help make these high-quality programs possible on the Trust stages and galleries, creating a tremendous impact on our ability to sustain the valuable cultural amenities that engage and inspire audiences of all ages. Thank you for playing a vital role in making all of what we do possible.
STAFF J. Kevin McMahon, President & CEO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST GALA
REAL ESTATE UPDATES IN THE CULTURAL DISTRICT
Guests came by plane, train and automobile to the sixth annual Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh party on July 13th, raising over $50,000 for the Trust Partners membership program. Cosmo-goers started the evening by exploring the Trust’s Gallery Crawl and collecting stamps designed by local artists in limited edition passport booklets. VIP guests stopped at two exclusive galleries featuring entertainment, art, food and drink. After the Crawl, the former Bally’s building on Sixth Street was transformed into a tri-level, travel-inspired setting designed by event architect Thommy Conroy. A classic midcentury airport featured local restaurants, along with the Trust’s Wine Flights, Beer School, and dance lessons. A “drive-in” theater showcased local bands and open-road astrologers reading fortunes. Guests finished the evening at the underground train station dance party. Special thanks to event co-chairs Katie Leech Vollen and Doug Kassab (shown at right), the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Partners Board and presenting sponsors UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.
DISTRICT DESIGNS In an effort to reduce the waste produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Trust entered into a partnership with District Designs. Local artist, Lorraine Balawejder, salvages the old vinyl banners that the Trust produces and repurposes that fabric into limited edition tote bags and purses. Keep an eye out for these recycled, wearable pieces of art at our events. The first batch were introduced at this year’s Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival and we hope to offer more soon! For more information about the bags, visit District-Designs.com.
Downtown Pittsburgh’s first dedicated yoga studio recently opened in the Cultural District. Bend Yoga, founded by entrepreneur Marcie Callan, serves to further the economic and retail development of the Cultural District. Located on the second floor of 808 Penn Avenue, the yoga studio also hosts a retail space featuring HARD TAIL Clothing, Gaiam yoga merchandise, and ultimately local artists and sustainable clothing designers. Bend Yoga offers over 20 classes each week, incorporating many yoga styles including Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Yin and Hot Yoga and is intended to be a non-intimidating place for all experience levels. Additionally, Bend Yoga has a social enterprise component—10% of all revenue will be donated to charity. Visit bendyoga.com or call 412-339-9838 for more information.
DAY OF GIVING 2012—OCTOBER 3
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Mark your calendar on Wednesday, October 3 for PittsburghGives Day of Giving! PittsburghGives is an initiative of The Pittsburgh Foundation, which aims to educate and encourage individual funding for regional nonprofits. The Day of Giving is a 24-hour donation match campaign, wherein every gift made between midnight and 11:59pm on October 3 will be matched with a portion of the match pool funded by The Pittsburgh Foundation. What a great way to renew your Trust membership and encourage family or friends become new members with the biggest bang for your buck. Anytime on October 3, visit pittsburghgives.org to make your contribution by Visa or MasterCard to the Trust!
Happy Birthday Benedum! Don’t miss one of the city’s most anticipated events of the year – the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s annual gala. This 25th Birthday Celebration for the Benedum Center will feature cocktails in the Cultural District and a seated dinner on stage at the Benedum, culminating with an amazing private performance by Megan Hilty. Ms. Hilty is a Carnegie Mellon graduate currently starring in NBC’s musical drama Smash and we are pleased to welcome her back to Pittsburgh. Corporate sponsorships and individual tickets are still available. Please contact Denice Shilling at 412-471-1497 for more information.
Cookie & Other Story Books at the Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh. Refreshments and activities will be included. Open to members at the Sustaining Partner level and above.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
WAR HORSE LECTURE DEMONSTRATION Learn the historical background of this incredible story with a panel discussion and special appearance. More details coming soon. This event is open to all members at the Sustaining Partner level and above.
Institutional Development Staff Nick Gigante, Vice President of Development Jenniffer Burke, Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving Lauren Etters, Development Assistant Melissa Goodfriend, Development Intern Heather Masterson, Manager of Individual Giving Aimee J. Plotz, Assistant Manager of Individual Giving Jennifer Schooley, Membership Acquisitions Coordinator Denice Shilling, Assistant Manager of Corporate Giving Anne Sylvain, Assistant Manager of Foundation and Government Giving Sadie Treese, Development Systems Coordinator Joy Deborah Robison, TRUSTOvations Design & Layout
CONNECTONLINE facebook.com/CULTURAL TRUST twitter.com/CULTURAL TRUST
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
To purchase tickets visit
CHILDREN’S THEATER SEASON KICK-OFF EVENT
TRUSTARTS.ORG
Join us immediately following the 2:00pm performance of If You Give a Mouse a
412.456.6666 Trust members at the BEAUTY AND THE BEAST wardrobe event in April
MEMBER
VISUAL ARTS UPDATE The next Gallery Crawl will take place on Friday, September 28, showcasing art and entertainment throughout the heart of the Cultural District. All Crawl events take place at a variety of galleries and spaces and are free and open to the public. The event is ongoing between 5:30 and 9:00 pm, and patrons may start at any location.
FEATURED EXHIBIT
MATCH PITTSBURGH
CULTURAL
TRUST
MEMBERS MATTER. MEMBER MATCH. You can still take advantage of the Trust’s Member Match program and make your membership gift go even further! Find out more about Member Match at TrustArts.org/Support or call 412.471.6086.
THE CITY & THE CITY: ARTWORK BY LONDON WRITERS WOOD STREET GALLERIES Guest curator Justin Hopper For the artists in The City & the City, London, England is both hometown and inspiration. This groundbreaking exhibition brings together visual artwork by renowned authors of experimental poetry, fiction, history and geography, exploring new ways to combine literature and art in an examination of the modern city. Artists and writers Caroline Bergvall, Rachel Lichtenstein, Tom McCarthy & Rod Dickinson, Iain Sinclair & Chris Petit, and
Members Matter.
Rod Dickinson & Tom McCarthy Greenwich Degree Zero
Sukhdev Sandhu explore ways of presenting their works in non-book form through multi-media expression. More information about the Gallery Crawl can be found at trustarts.org.