AT&T Performing Arts Center Announces 2018/2019 ELEVATOR PROJECT

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce the 2018/2019 season of The Elevator Project, featuring the work of small and emerging arts groups performing on the Center's campus in the Dallas Arts District. The Elevator Project's new season will feature productions from eight Dallas-based performing arts companies. The five year-old project has been hailed for the resources the Center provides new artists, including top-quality stages, operations teams, marketing, ticketing and mentoring support.

"Elevator Project has become a passion for us here at the AT&T Performing Arts Center," said Debbie Storey, interim president and CEO of the Center. "It lets us discover and partner with some of the new and emerging talent in Dallas, and provide them with meaningful resources and a platform in the Arts District. It is an impactful collaboration on a new level."

The 2018/2019 season of The Elevator Project, produced by Dallas theatre veteran David Denson, will feature weekend and multi-week engagements from eight of Dallas' smaller and emerging companies beginning October 2018 with Aladdin presented by Dark Circles Contemporary Dance. December 2018 brings SvaBhava presented by Indique Dance Company. The Elevator Project continues February 2019 with 88 Keys Unlock Joan Miró's Flamenco Dancer's Heart presented by The Flame Foundation. Pastry King, a new play by Scott Zenreich performs April 2019. May 2019 brings City Dionysia by GiANT Entertainment and SANADORA teatra presented by Teatro Flor Candela directed by Patricia Urbina. June 2019 features Felabration Dallas: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Afrobeat King, Fela Kuti presented by Iv Amenti. The final production of the season, Sex Ed, is presented by Cry Havoc Theater Company in July 2019.

Two of the productions will be staged in the Studio Theatre located on the 6th floor of the Wyly Theatre, five productions in Hamon Hall at the Winspear Opera House and one production in Annette Strauss Square on the campus of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. All shows are $25 general admission.

"The Arts District is the ideal spot for local artists to take risks, premiere new work and attract new audiences," said David Denson, creator and producer of The Elevator Project. "And The Elevator Project is the ideal series for Dallas audiences to discover and experience the most engaging performances going up across North Texas."

This is the fourth season of The Elevator Project, which started in 2014 to provide much-needed performance space in the Arts District for small and emerging Dallas-based performing arts groups. Many of the artists involved say Elevator Project has become a critical partner for emerging arts groups.

"[The Center's staff] were always eager to help and went out of their way to ensure my project's success," said Jake Nice, whose production of We're Gonna Die was part of the 2017/2018 season. "It was such a gift to have access to AT&T PAC's top-of-the-line spaces, equipment, and publicity team. This program is truly invaluable for emerging artists."

"This project gave us a platform to not only showcase our talents but share our love and passion with a wider audience base," said Ixchel Frierson with Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble, also part of the 2017/2018 season. "The Elevator Project gives small arts organizations an opportunity to be seen and heard in an industry where they're often overlooked."

The Center presents this innovative series with support from the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, TACA, Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts

The 2018/2019 season of The Elevator Project was curated by a five-person panel of arts professionals and advocates. From a January call-for-entries from Dallas-based artists and arts groups, 39 proposals were submitted. Some of the guiding criteria included placing an emphasis on new works; diverse genres, artists and subject matter; unusual use of performance space; supporting groups without a home; and more.

Individual tickets for each Elevator Project production will be available beginning today, Monday, July 23 at 3:30 p.m. General admission tickets for each show are $25 each. With the purchase of five or more shows, the ticket price is $20 for each show. With the purchase of seven shows, for $140, the eighth show is FREE, representing a total savings of $60. Handling fees are additional.

Purchasers of five or more shows may also purchase a discounted parking option for only $5 per show.

Tickets will be available online at www.attpac.org, by telephone at 214-880-0202 or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Winspear Opera House Box Office at 2403 Flora Street. The Box Office will open 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and before performances - closed Saturdays and Sundays.

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