The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents the 27th Annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival, 5/15-19

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 27^th 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.

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