Previous Press Release | Press Release 3 of 10 | Next Press Release Contact: Linda Rose Mongell Data In Action (714) 578-1756 BLENDING CULTURE WITH COMPUTERS: DATA INTO ACTION LAUNCHES ITS TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS PRACTICE TO FACILITATE CONNECTION IN THE VIRTUAL COMMUNITY Fullerton, Calif., September 1999 - - While the explosive penetration of new technologies may leave some of us feeling that we have lost our sense of grassroots community, many visionaries embrace the electronic superhighway as an exciting convergence of intellectual capital, social capital, and camaraderie. It's not surprising then, that an odyssey into the arts is a natural evolution for technology innovator and cultural creative Doug Simao, whose successful decision-support consulting group Data In Action, has launched its Technology In The Arts Practice as a business unit dedicated to delivering on the promise of information in the age of communication by facilitating connection. "By providing progressive tools that facilitate connection, technology can greatly enhance the impact of the arts as a place of self-expression, communication, and innovation. We also hope that it will encourage the development of 'cultural hearths.' Our practice was built upon our ability to provide a place where people can express what is important to them, so that we can design solutions for their business problems. Merging the arts and technology is absolutely complementary to our purpose and our values," states Doug Simao, president of Data In Action. In response to the interests of employees and their families, and as an extension of its corporate purpose, Data In Action has been an active supporter of musical theatre in the southern California area, as well as nationally. Leveraging its technology expertise, Data In Action has already developed several unique programs. One is Show Pro, an out-of-the-box, box-office software, which is an advanced program for order taking and ticketing for the theatre. This software is unique in its ability to track the trends and supply information that is vital for both marketing and financial analysis. Show Pro is currently being offered free of charge to all 80 member theatres of the National Alliance of Musical Theatres. Additionally, Data In Action has designed and maintained a non-profit web site called cabaret.org, which provides up-to-date information for cabaret artists, theatre-buffs, and venues. Recently acquiring Cabaret Hotline Online, a New York-based hub for cabaret and club news, cabaret.org combines Data In Action's techno-savvy with the industry knowledge and professional network of Cabaret Hotline Online, to become the premier site linking performers, venues and cabaret lovers around the world. Recognizing the importance of arts education, Data In Action has also been a primary sponsor of a new high school performing arts program called Team Cabaret. Beginning with a pilot project at Fullerton Union High School Academy of the Arts, this program develops performing arts skills, leadership, and teamwork, by teaching students to choose song material, study interpretation, speak extemporaneously, and develop an act with fellow participants. The program facilitators are professional performers who work side-by-side with faculty sponsors. Each two-week experience culminates with a public performance. Garnering national attention, graduates of Team Cabaret were recently invited to perform in New York City. With a history of arts patronage and technology leadership, the formation of its Technology In The Arts Practice punctuates Data In Action's sustained commitment to the advancement of self-expression and connection through the marriage of technology with the arts. Using technology as a tool that enables the exchange of ideas to unlock boundless opportunities for innovation and collaboration, the Technology In The Arts Practice focuses first and foremost on people. "Because technology has become an intrinsic part of the fabric of our everyday lives, we define it as the art of applying science to personal, commercial, or industrial objectives," notes Simao. "Therefore, we must assertively influence technology to serve humanity, not enslave it. Traditionally, civilizations have grown from the richness of their cultures. In this age of globalization, we can now create connections through the evolving richness or our dynamic cultural exchanges." With the formation of its Technology In the Arts Practice, Linda Morata-Proske has been appointed its Chief Operating Officer. Her responsibilities include the refinement of its vision and the development and execution of strategic initiatives that can harness technology for the advancement of communication and cooperation in the global community.