TULL FAMILY THEATER OPENS TO PUBLIC
The Tull Family Theater , a newly constructed independent film center in Sewickley , opened its two screening rooms and event / performance space with an extended soft opening on Friday , Feb . 17 .
“ Our inaugural films — and the movies and events that follow — will expand Pittsburgh ’ s robust cultural scene ,” says Carolina Pais- Barreto Beyers , Executive Director of The Tull Family Theater . “ It is important to note that while the theater is in Sewickley , it is an asset for our entire region . The Tull Family Theater will enrich lives and cultural accessibility , perhaps serving as an introduction to the textured world of independent , arthouse films to communities beyond the city of Pittsburgh .”
The theater offers state-of-the-art technology and acoustics to enhance audience experiences in :
• The Huntington Bank Screening Room , an intimate setting for up to 77 patrons
• A 169-seat screening room , with a stage available for curtain talks , speakers and presentations
• The Esmark and Bouchard Family Community Room , flexible space for small-scale music , comedy and black box performances , speakers , classes and private rentals .
The theater opened with the latest Oscar nominees including “ La La Land ,” “ Fences ” and “ The Eagle Huntress .” In addition , the theater ’ s ZIP Over incentive will welcome residents from specific ZIP codes across Allegheny , Beaver , Butler and Washington counties in different weeks , Monday through Thursday . Besides being recognized in a special shout-out welcome , patrons from featured communities will sample free popcorn . The ZIP Over schedule will be shared on Facebook , Twitter and at thetullfamilytheater . org .
Starter special programs include :
• Classic Tuesdays – Hollywood ’ s best , shown on the first Tuesday of each month , and international classics screened on the third Tuesday of each
month . The initial Hollywood classic “ To Kill a Mockingbird ” will kick off the series on Tuesday , March 7 .
• Family Fun – screenings of familyfriendly films on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month . The series will start on March 11 , with the film to be announced .
• Cultural Screenings – films showcasing music , dance and art around the world on the third Thursday of each month . The series will begin on March 16 , exploring Russia ’ s artistic treasures with “ Hermitage Revealed .”
As programming evolves , the theater will continue to plan collaborations with other nonprofits , schools and universities to leverage the benefits of the arts and is actively seeking funders to bring outreach programs to life .
“ We are strategically located at the intersection of Allegheny County with Beaver , Butler and Washington counties ,” Beyers says . “ We offer residents of northern communities a close-to-home option for cultural events typically only seen in metro areas . This accessibility broadens the reach and impact of the arts .”
The theater has come to life because community leaders initiated a grassroots effort that evolved into this nonprofit , independent theater and persisted in realizing their vision . “ I speak for the entire board of directors when I share how rewarding it is to see The Tull Family Theater launching as a regional cultural asset . What started as a grassroots idea five years ago is ready to break onto the arts scene , drawing people of different backgrounds together for culture and entertainment ,” says Brian F . Duggan , President of the Board of Directors . “ We ’ re heartened that so many people have stepped forward with us to support this vision . The theater will fulfill a cultural void in cinematic arts for communities northwest of Pittsburgh . And we couldn ’ t be more pleased to see the limitless possibilities it will bring to the region .”
The Tull Family Theater , an initiative of Village Theater Company , a 501 ( c )( 3 ) Pennsylvania nonprofit , is a film-based arts organization created to strengthen cultural , educational and entertainment experiences in the region northwest of Pittsburgh . It offers two screening rooms and flexible performance / event space for businesses , nonprofit organizations and community members . For more information , visit thetullfamilytheater . org .
PLANS FOR 2017 AT VERLAND
Verland has a great schedule of events in store for 2017 ! This year ’ s lineup features one additional , new event — the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community — as well as four recurring events :
• 7th Annual Verland / John Siciliano State-of-the-Heart Memorial Golf Tournament
• 35th Annual Verland Open Golf Tournament
• 2nd Annual State-of-the-Heart 5-K Race / Walk
• 5th Annual “ Shoot for our Stars ” Sporting Clays Shoot
All proceeds from these events support Verland ’ s ability to meet the daily needs of 256 individuals with severe physical and / or intellectual disabilities . Verland sincerely appreciates the community ’ s support in past years in the form of sponsorships , donations ( monetary , in-kind and auction items ), participation and / or volunteer time . In order for these events to continue to be successful , Verland is asking for community support again this year . For more information , contact Ellen Skakalski , Events Manager , at 315.882.6139 .
PAINTING WITH A TWIST HOSTS FREE SCAVENGER HUNT
Painting with a Twist will be hosting a free local neighborhood scavenger hunt on April 29 . All studios in the western Pennsylvania region will be participating , making it a great way to meet your local studio owners as well as local businesses — and have fun doing it ! Each studio will have its own unique set of rules and prizes to promote the fun in their respective neighborhoods . An afterparty will follow to keep the night alive ! Even if you ’ ve never Painted with a Twist , contact the studio nearest you to find out what all the fun is about ! What Twist will they throw your way ?
Teams will be groups of two , three or four , and drivers must be 18 years or older . Bring a person who has never before Twisted and score extra points ! Neighborhood knowledge will win you the most points , so contact your local studio for more information . Pittsburgh- North in Wexford ( 724.426.2935 ). n
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