FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2005

Press/media contact: Philip Sokoloff, (626) 683-9205

"AMERICAN STANDARD" EMPLOYS INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR A VERY DIFFERENT THEATREGOING EXPERIENCE; WORLD PREMIERE ENGAGEMENT AT EDGEFEST BEGINS OCTOBER 6

Firefly Entertainment Interactive Theatre Initiative presents "American Standard," a new show in which the method of presentation is as crucial to the theatergoing experience as the story itself.

"American Standard" explores three characters who con, steal and murder their way through the narrative in the hopes of hiding a deadly secret that will change their lives and the course of American politics. The story premise is just the beginning, however.

Producer Ryan Dixon explains: "After entering the theater and taking their seats, the audience will find a headset and small switch device dubbed a 'thought box' that will allow them to enter the inner thoughts of the characters onstage during the play. During the performance, audience members can choose which character's thoughts to listen to, switch back and forth between them or simply take the headset off and watch the 'play' transpire on stage. No matter how they choose to view it, audience members will get a complete and unique story."

Audience members are reassured not to be apprehensive about the technology involved: "The devices are user-friendly, even for those who might consider themselves technologically challenged. In fact, the method of presentation is based on the ability of the average person to multi-task at home or at work while utilizing one or several devices (which could be as simple as reading a magazine while talking on the phone; all the while absorbing information).

The show and technology are designed to provide a different experience for the audience member at each performance (and to encourage repeat attendance).

"American Standard: is written and produced by Ryan Dixon and R.B. Ripley. Dixon also directs.

Ripley is a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama's Dramatic Writing Program. His plays have been produced throughout the U.S. and in Germany. His previous works include "Reciprocity," "The Game," and "Among Cannibals."

Dixon's recent directing work includes an acclaimed L.A. production of "All In The Timing," the Pittsburgh premiere of "Copenhagen" and assistant directing the national tour of "Casper: The Musical" starring Chita Rivera. As a co-founder of Fifrely Entertainment Interactive Theatre Initiative, he's collaborated on interactive technology theatre projects ("Virtual Meditation #1" and "The Virgin Island") that have been seen at New York's Ensemble Studio Theatre and at the Humana Festival of New Plays at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Ryan graduated from Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama and Entertainment Technology Center.

The cast of ?American Standard? includes Mark Englehardt, Katy Mixon and Tyler Moore.

This production is part of the EdgeFest 2005, The 7th Annual Edge of the World Theatre Festival. For more information, call (310) 281-7920 or visit www.edgefest.org <http://www.edgefest.org/>

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WHAT: "American Standard," World Premiere engagement of a new play employing  interactive technology. A selection in the 7th Annual Edge of the World Festival.

WHO: Written and produced by Ryan Dixon and R.B. Ripley. Presented by Firefly Entertainment Interactive Theatre Initiative. Directed by Ryan Dixon.

WHERE: Los Angeles Theatre Center, Theatre 4, 514 S. Spring St., downtown Los Angeles.

WHEN: Thursday October 6, Mondays through Thursdays October 10-13, 17-20. All performances begin at 10:15 p.m.

ADMISSION: $12; With EdgeFest Passport, $8.

RESERVATIONS: 1 (866) 811-4111.

ONLINE TICKETING: www.edgefest.theatermania.com <http://www.edgefest.theatermania.com/>