Showcase 2009

International Performing Arts for Youth presents the
31st International Showcase of Performing Arts for Young People, "Showcase 2009," January 21-24, 2009

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The International Showcase of Performing Arts for Young People (Showcase 2009), presented by International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY), is returning to PlayhouseSquare in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, January 21-24. This annual event, held in a different city each year since 1979, attracts more than 400 artists, agents and presenters from across North America and the world. Showcase 2009 features 15 professional performing arts companies from around the world that create dance, music and theater specifically for young people. The companies are selected by an international committee comprised of experts in the field of performing arts for youth, including accomplished artists and artistic or programming directors, arts education directors, children's festival directors, and artist managers. This year's companies come from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Israel, Republic of the Congo, Scotland, The Netherlands, and The United States. Showcasing artists include Cas Public (Canada), Compagnie Punta Negra (Republic of the Congo), Corbian Visual Arts & Dance (USA), CORONA LA BALANCE - Danish National Ensemble for Children's Theatre (Denmark), Dream Jam Band (USA), Introdans Ensemble for Youth (The Netherlands), Jessica Wilson Productions (Australia), Nephesh Theatre (Israel), Nightswimming (Canada), Off Broadway Booking (USA), Puppet State Theatre Company (Scotland), Rennie Harris Puremovement (USA), Slingsby Theatre Company (Australia), Spare Parts Puppet Theatre (Australia), and Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience (USA.)

"The Arrival is such a special show... so warm and heartfelt... and it is a great privilege to get to present it at the IPAY Showcase," says Cathcart Weatherly, General Manager of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, one of Australia's leading producers of theatre for children and families. "Coming from Perth, Western Australia, the most isolated city on the planet, this is a great opportunity for [us] to show off our premier work at the Showcase and look to building a tour of North America"

Showcase features an exhibit area that provides display information and video material on touring productions. As an educational service to the field, the conference offers professional development learning communities which engage current issues and trends. Of particular significance this year, IPAY will present a plenary session led by Teresa Eyring, Executive Director of Theatre Communications Group.

"In hosting Showcase in 2005, 2007, and now 2009, I have had a unique perspective in watching the conference grow in size and scope," says Colleen Porter, Director of Arts Education at PlayhouseSquare. "With artists from more countries around the world applying and performing each year, the shows presented continue to reach new heights in artistic excellence. Furthermore, the professional development has grown from a one day event to a plethora of sessions and topics that run the length of Showcase. Our attendees' response to the performances is reflected in their dialogue during the learning communities, allowing for a truly integrated and thought-provoking conference experience."

Since 2001, International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) has created professional and educational opportunities supporting meaningful performing arts experiences for young audiences in North America. IPAY is proud to be the only service organization devoted exclusively to the entire performing arts for youth industry, including all forms of theatre, dance, and music. It exists to serve its membership consisting of presenters, artists, and agents/managers from throughout the world by providing meaningful engagement with, and support of, the presentation and creation of new and established work for young audiences in North America.

"We are both proud and excited to host our colleagues throughout North America and indeed from around the world, in this world-class facility at PlayhouseSquare", says IPAY Board President, Boomer Stacey. "This global community meeting place provides a spark to stimulate international dialogue and collaboration, a hub for artists, presenters, educators and promoters to connect and work together, as well as creating a portal to look at what and how we produce or program for young audiences here in North America - and it all stems from the work that is happening on-stage. "

Registration for Showcase 2009 or membership to IPAY is available at www.ipayweb.org. Register to exhibit before October 1 or register to attend Showcase before November 1 and save $50. Contact Daniel Student, Administrative Director, at 267-690-1325 or daniel@ipayweb.org for any questions regarding the conference.