THEATER COMPANY SENDS PUPPIES TO JAIL

NEW YORK - Oct 23, 2006 - Theater Forum is thrilled to announce a unique partnership with local non-profit Puppies Behind Bars. The theater company is offering free admission to Monday night performances of its comedy BAD DOG in exchange for donations of supplies to benefit PBB. These Monday “give-back” nights are an integral part of Theater Forum’s mission, making theater tickets accessible to art lovers on a budget, while giving practical support to local charities.

Since 1997, Puppies Behind Bars has been successfully training prison inmates to raise service dogs for the disabled. This creative program allows young puppies to fully mature and socialize while being taught obedience by the inmates. After 16 months the dogs return to guide dog school to complete their training, and are finally paired with a visually impaired or disabled individual. Puppies Behind Bars fosters unique and sustaining benefits for the both prison inmates and the disabled. PBB’s primary objective is to raise the most highly trained, healthy, and happy-to-work guide dogs possible, which allows the disabled a chance at feeling independent, dignified and free. Its second objective is to show prison inmates how they can contribute to society in a significant, meaningful way, even from behind bars. PBB allows both inmates and the disabled to achieve a greater sense of self-respect and independence and receive unconditional love from the dogs in their care. PBB also raises explosive detection dogs for law enforcement, allowing inmate/trainers to contribute to a safer society for us all.

Ellen Seltz, Executive Producer of Theater Forum, says that PBB was an easy choice for partnership on this project: “This group is, as we say in theater, a ‘triple-threat.’ It’s good for the dogs, the inmate/trainers, and the recipients. We also support PBB’s work promoting personal freedom and independence, even for those currently incarcerated.” PBB’s website is www.puppiesbehindbars.com.

PBB has especially requested the following supplies: Kongs, Booda Rope Toys, Nylabone Durable Bones, Nylabone Flexible Bones and Natural Bones. Donations of supplies will be accepted at the theater door in lieu of the regular ticket price on the following dates: October 30, November 6, 13, and 20.

BAD DOG runs October 27 – November 20 at 417 West 57th Street in Manhattan. Fridays-Saturdays 8pm, Sundays-Mondays 7pm. Tickets are $18 ($15 students/seniors) and may be purchased online at www.theatermania.com, by phone at 212-352-3101, or at the door. For reservations or more information, call 212-696-6467 or visit www.cfan.net/html/TheaterForum.

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SOURCE: "Theater Forum"