off the WALL productions at Carnegie Stage A Pittsburgh Theater

Wondering what we do after our theater season officially ends? You might think that we sit back, relax, and enjoy some time off. Although that sounds delightful, it’s certainly not reality. Not when we’re committed to bringing some of the best that theater has to offer to Pittsburgh Theater and to the Carnegie community. Where better to find out first-hand the latest happenings in the world of theater? Why New York of course! That’s why we scour the streets, read the reviews, talk with the artists, and learn about the new and upcoming playwrights, directors and plays. We’re always searching for the next great production to bring to you! So you can be sure that we’re working our way through the Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway circuits. We’re excited about all the options to consider, and look forward to sharing some of our finds on our stage in the future. off the WALL Performing Arts Center | a Pittsburgh Theater 25 West Main, Carnegie, PA 15106 | 6 miles from downtown Pitts...

Admission (\əd-ˈmi-shən, ad-\) – the act of admitting or allowing something; a statement or action by which someone admits a weakness or fault; the right or permission to enter a place. This is the Merriam-Webster definition of admission. Elisa-Marie Alaio’s newest dance show Admission portrays these meanings, and so much more. fireWALL dance theater - Photo by Grace Cohen Admission is an energetic dance production that explores the various facets of womanhood. Interpreting aspects ranging from the mysteriousness to the emotional to the chaotic ‘order’ that at times permeates our lives, along with the need to both challenge and support one another, Elisa-Marie brings a depth of thoughtful representation to the myriads of women. Only when we admit our flaws and weaknesses to ourselves, are we truly able to accept the helping hand of others, to allow others to support us through our ups and downs. Through dance, Admission demonstrates the intense power of lifting each other up. A...

Admission, our current dance production conceived and choreographed by Elisa-Marie Alaio, promises to be another success for our talented fireWALL dance troupe. Based on the theme of women empowerment, Admission explores the battles that women face, the spirit of women lifting one another up, and both the similarities and the uniqueness of women. fireWALL dance theater- Photo by Grace Cohen But success doesn’t come easy. The dancers have been hard at work for months. So how does “My Journey of Four Counts of Eight” come into play? Having sat in various rehearsals, these few words sum up the dancers’ dedication to perfection. For every small segment, the dancers will work, rework, collaborate and rework that segment again until it perfectly represents their vision. My Journey of Four Counts of Eight During one particular rehearsal, the dancers worked 32 counts (four counts of eight) over and over to get it ‘just right’ – so “My Journey of Four Counts of Eight” represents One,...

fireWALL Dance Theater will once again be performing a world premiere under the direction of Elisa-Marie Alaio.  We took a few moments to learn about Elisa-Marie’s newest work, Admission.  This is Elisa-Marie’s second original show which she personally conceived and produced. Her first was the well received On The Rox, performed in May of 2014. She also produced the dance production Uproar, which loosely paralleled and ran simultaneously to our off the WALL Production OR,. Elisa-Marie Alaio - Photo:by Grace Cohen ELISA-MARIE ALAIO SHARES HER PERSPECTIVE ON “ADMISSION”   Admission is about 6 strong, fierce and intense women facing individual self battles. Together these women unite and become one powerful force ready to take over any challenge thrown their way. We are constantly being compared to one another but in reality, we are more alike than we realize. All the dancers are dressed in simplistic black business suits keeping our look very clean and sharp with...