Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents Free August Performance At Hartwood Acres

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre kicks off the 2018-2019 ballet season with its free and al fresco "Ballet Under the Stars" performance Sunday, Aug 19, at the Middle Road Concert Area in Hartwood Acres park. Pre-show family fun - and a ticketed Picnic in the Park - start at 5 p.m. The free performance follows at 7:30 p.m.

The free outdoor event is part of Allegheny County's Summer Concert Series.

During the event, audience members will receive a special promo code to save 30 percent on any 2018-2019 Season production, including "Mozart in Motion" (Oct. 26-28), "The Nutcracker" (Nov. 30-Dec. 27), "The Great Gatsby" (Feb. 8-17), "Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre + Dance Theatre of Harlem" (March 15-24) and "The Sleeping Beauty" (May 10-12).

Free pre-show family activities // 5-7 p.m.

PBT encourages guests to arrive early to stake out a prime spot and enjoy free pre-show activities, from food trucks to kids stations featuring craft and dance activities, photo opportunities with costumed dancers and more.

Picnic in the Park // 5-7 p.m.

Guests are invited to join PBT dancers and artistic leaders under the VIP tent for pre-show drinks and dinner by DiAnoia's Eatery. Tickets cost $60 and benefit PBT repertory, student scholarships and community education programs. Tickets are available at www.pbt.org/hartwood or 412-454-9127.

Free Mixed Repertory Performance // 7:30 p.m.

As the sun sets, PBT will present a mixed repertory performance featuring classical and contemporary showpieces. Among other works, the program will feature corps de ballet dancer JoAnna Schmidt's colorful and quirky "Lightworks" as well as principal dancer Yoshiaki Nakano's contemporary ballet "Infusion." Both premiered in March at the company's "PBT: New Works" program at the August Wilson Center.

For more information about "Ballet Under the Stars," visit www.pbt.org/hartwood or call 412-454-9127.