A.C.T. Announces Events Celebrating Lorenzo Pisoni's HUMOR ABUSE

To enhance audiences' experience of Humor Abuse, Lorenzo Pisoni's one-man show cocreated with director Erica Schmidt, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) has announced a series of special events celebrating the legacy of San Francisco's Pickle Family Circus.

"Lorenzo's story of growing up as a performer in this incredible San Francisco institution begged for a true celebration of the many gifts we all received from the Pickle Family Circus," says A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff. "Our audiences grew up attending Pickle performances, and we're thrilled that Humor Abuse has allowed us to create a forum for audiences and fans alike to share personal photos and stories detailing their experiences seeing the Pickles perform throughout the Bay Area and beyond." A.C.T. has set up a special email address at pickles@act-sf.org where audiences can email their personal Pickle Family Circus memories and photos to be displayed online and in the American Conservatory Theater during the production's run. Those who send their photos and stories by January 22 will be entered into a drawing for a VIP package that includes a backstage meeting with Humor Abuse star Lorenzo Pisoni.

To further the celebration, A.C.T. is presenting the San Francisco premiere of the acclaimed documentary, Stage Left: A Story of Theater in San Francisco. Directed by Austin Forbord, Stage Left celebrates more than 50 years of extraordinary Bay Area theater, including the beginnings and legacies of both A.C.T. and the Pickle Family Circus. This free screening will be held in the American Conservatory Theater on Sunday, January 29, at 6:30 p.m. The film will be preceded by a conversation between Forbord and Perloff.

Although tickets are free, reservations are recommended. To reserve seats, visit www.act-sf.org/humor and click on the "Stage Left" tab.

As part of the new A.C.T. Family Series program, Paoli Lacy, celebrated clown and former director of the Clown College at the famed Circus Center in San Francisco, will lead a family-friendly interactive workshop designed to give attendees a glimpse into the physical art of clowning. The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 4, at 1 p.m. This workshop is free for ticketholders to the matinee performance at 2 p.m. that day. The A.C.T. Family Series is a brand-new subscription program which introduces young people (ages 11–19) and their parents to the wonders of live performance. Enjoy Saturday matinee performances and lively, behind-the-scenes workshops led by A.C.T. and Bay Area artists designed to give all members a fun, hands-on experience with each production. For more information, visit www.act-sf.org/family.

A.C.T. hosts a series of postshow discussions, and Humor Abuse star and cocreator Lorenzo Pisoni is scheduled to sit down for several one-on-ones with members of A.C.T.'s artistic team throughout the production's run. These Audience Exchanges are scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, following the 7 p.m. production, Sunday, January 29, following the 2 p.m. production, and Wednesday, February 1, following the 2 p.m. production.

About the show: A humorous and heartfelt event that will delight audiences of all ages, Humor Abuse dazzles with unforgettable memories and mesmerizing routines-all performed by the "one-man whirlwind" (WOR Radio) Lorenzo Pisoni. Humor Abuse performs January 12–February 5, 2012, at the American Conservatory Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco). Press night is Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 8 p.m. Tickets (starting at $10) and family four-packs (four tickets for the price of two for select performances) are available by calling the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or at act-sf.org.

The creative team for Humor Abuse includes lighting designer Ben Stanton (Seminar on Broadway, Angels in America at the Signature Theatre), sound designer Bart Fasbender (over 100 productions, including work at The Public Theater, Brooklyn Academy Of Music, and Atlantic Theater Company), and composer Randy Craig (who is an original Pickle Family Circus member and composed and performed the music for A.C.T.'s production of Scapin last season). Humor Abuse is stage-managed by Hannah Cohen.

A.C.T. will offer numerous InterACT events-many of which are presented free of charge-in association with Humor Abuse that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while making a whole night out of their evening at the theater:

• Audience Exchanges: Tue., Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. / Sun., Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. /
Wed., Feb. 1, at 2 p.m.

After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists who create the work onstage.

• OUT with A.C.T.: Wed., Jan. 25, following the 8 p.m. performance

The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and enjoy free drinks and treats at this popular afterparty. Visit www.act-sf.org/out for information about how to subscribe to OUT nights throughout the season.

· Free movie screening! Stage Left: A Story of Theater in San Francisco: Sunday, January 29, at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a cinematic celebration of 50 years of Bay Area theater! The screening takes place at the American Conservatory Theater. Tickets are free but must be reserved. Visit www.act-sf.org/humor and click on the "Stage Left" tab to reserve tickets.

· A.C.T. Family Series (NEW this season!): Sat., Feb. 4, before the 2 p.m. performance

Join us at 1 p.m. for a fun and lively preshow event! Paoli Lacy will lead a lively, interactive workshop on clowning and physical theater. Visit www.act-sf.org/family for information about how to subscribe to the A.C.T. Family Series throughout the season.

A.C.T.'s production of Humor Abuse is made possible by producer Marilee K. Gardner. A.C.T. would also like to acknowledge its 2011–12 season company sponsors Ray and Dagmar Dolby, Frannie and Mort Fleishhacker, Ambassador James C. Hormel and Michael P. Nguyen, Koret Foundation, Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation, Burt and Deedee McMurtry, Patti and Rusty Rueff, Mary and Steven Swig, Doug Tilden, and Jeff and Laurie Ubben.

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