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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