For Immediate Release: August 10, 2005
Media Contact: Phillip Matthews, Theatre Communications Group, 212.609.5900 x230

Theatre Communications Group (TCG) is proud to announce THEATER IS ALIVE, an exciting new theatre collaboration slated to debut simultaneously in Austin, Philadelphia and San Francisco on October 20, 2005. Local theatre companies -- large and small -- in these three communities will open their doors to new patrons for the initiative's pilot program, Free Night of Theater.

Free tickets will be given to individuals visiting a participating theatre for the first time -- a strategy designed to introduce theatre to non-theatre goers, and to expand the range of experiences to existing patrons by encouraging them to visit new organizations. Local coordination of efforts has been spearheaded by the Austin Circle of Theatres, the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and Theatre Bay Area, in partnership with TCG, the national theatre service organization headquartered in New York City. Each local theatre service organization has garnered enthusiastic support from individual theatre companies in its metropolitan area to help launch this free night of theatre. TCG anticipates that this year's pilot effort will lead to a larger campaign involving many more communities in 2006.

In explaining the choice of the three pilot locations, Ben Cameron, Executive Director of TCG, stated, "We knew we wanted three cities that would represent different parts of the country, would represent a wide variety of theatres and would clearly represent a high standard of theatrical quality. And we knew we needed cities with strong local service organizations."

Cameron expressed great enthusiasm in announcing TCG's partners in this exciting new program, "After reviewing more than 30 potential partner cities, we were extremely pleased to extend the invitation to the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. This is a testament, not only to the theatres in Greater Philadelphia, but the arts community and service organization that they have created."

James Haskins, Executive Director of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia stated, "We're very pleased to partner nationally with the Theatre Communications Group, Theatre Bay Area and the Austin Circle of Theatres to reveal the possibilities available to everyone through the experience of live theatre. Free Night of Theater follows closely on the heels of our annual Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre ceremony, making October a perfect month for new audiences to explore the Philadelphia area's dynamic theatre offerings."

For more information on participating theatres, shows and how to obtain free tickets in the Philadelphia region please visit www.theatrealliance.org. For information on the national campaign please visit www.theaterisalive.org.

The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia is a member-based service and leadership organization composed of non-profit professional theatres, individuals, and other affiliated organizations within the Greater Philadelphia region. With more than 90 member organizations and 200 individuals, the Theatre Alliance serves to strengthen and lead the region's richly diverse theatre community by promoting positive awareness and serving as a resource for information, professional development and advocacy.

The Greater Philadelphia region is home to a wealth and variety of producing theatres. Some are nationally renowned, and manage multi-million dollar budgets. Others are small, and endeavor to nurture and create new works. Each and every one contributes its unique voice to Philadelphia's arts community, adding to its richness and diversity, and helping to maintain its creative vitality. The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia is dedicated to serving the discipline of theatre by promoting positive awareness of the art form, building audiences and strengthening the theatre community. For further information, visit www.theatrealliance.org or call the Theatre Alliance at 215-413-7150.

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, offers a wide array of services in line with its mission: to strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American theatre. Artistic programs support theatres and theatre artists by awarding $3 million in grants annually, and offer career development programs for artists. Management programs provide professional development opportunities for theatre leaders through workshops, conferences, forums and publications, as well as industry research on the finances and practices of the American not-for-profit theatre. Advocacy, conducted in conjunction with the dance, presenting and opera fields, includes guiding lobbying efforts and providing theatres with timely alerts about legislative developments. The country's leading independent press specializing in dramatic literature, TCG's publications include American Theatre magazine, the ArtSEARCH employment bulletin, plays, translations and theatre reference books. As the U.S. Center of UNESCO's International Theatre Institute, a worldwide network, TCG supports cross-cultural exchange through travel grants and other assistance to traveling theatre professionals.

Through these programs, TCG seeks to increase the organizational efficiency of its member theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field, and promote a larger public understanding of and appreciation for the theatre field. TCG serves over 430 member theatres nationwide.

Go to News Releases»