Eight joins "nerd-dom" at Phoenix Comicon, offering role-playing adventure – May 28-31

PHOENIX — (April 27, 2015) Eight, Arizona PBS issues PBS Nerd Alert, inviting Arizona’s public television enthusiasts to grab their capes, cosplay and creativity, joining Eight at Phoenix Comicon, the Southwest’s preeminent pop-culture event, May 28 through 31 at Phoenix Convention Center, (100 N. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004).

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Eight, in partnership with PBS Digital Studios, kicks off its second appearance at Phoenix Comicon with an exclusive Dungeons & Dragons-style role-playing game hosted by Webby Award-winning host Mike Rugnetta of the popular online show “PBS Idea Channel,” Saturday, May 30 at 6 p.m. Rugnetta and fellow PBS Digital Studios YouTube stars, including Joe Hanson of “It’s OK to Be Smart” and Jamin Warren of “PBS Game/Show,” will cast themselves as a group of travelers on a quest to vanquish a knowledge-hating evil entity. Throughout the pursuit, the hosts will use their specific areas of real-life knowledge to solve in-game problems while interacting with members of the live audience. “Last year was my first-ever real Comicon experience, and I discovered there was a sense of excitement but also of community,” says Rugnetta. “The motivation for our live D&D game is to invite everyone to be a part of the Digital Studios family by playing together. Hopefully the quest will accomplish the same outcomes as a question and answer panel but with the kind of fun context and intimacy you can only experience while playing a game with someone.” Eight, Arizona PBS will also unveil a PBS Nerd-inspired booth on the convention floor at Phoenix Comicon, featuring a selfie photo station where guests may capture their unique convention attire, whether it is a Doctor Who suit, Princess Leia hair or Spider-Man spandex.
During the Con, Eight encourages public media crusaders to collect a set of exclusive 2015 limited edition PBS Nerd/Phoenix Comicon pins or a PBS Nerd t-shirt, both available at the booth for a donation to Eight in support of its public programming, community events and educational initiatives. “As an organization committed to educational programming that inspires curiosity and wonder, Eight is thrilled to return to Phoenix Comicon for another year,” says Bob Beard, Promotions Coordinator and ‘Nerd-in-Chief’ for Arizona PBS. “Everyone’s a nerd for something, and we’re happy to share in this celebration of knowledge and enthusiasm.” This year’s plans expand upon Eight’s involvement at Phoenix Comicon in 2014. “With all of the events planned this year, we could not be more excited about the partnership between Eight, PBS Digital Studios and Phoenix Comicon,” says Jillian Squires, Director of Marketing for Phoenix Comicon. “Together we offer the perfect opportunity for the super-smart fans of Phoenix Comicon and PBS to celebrate being nerds, geeks, fans and enthusiasts.” For more information visit www.azpbs.org/nerd and www.phoenixcomicon.com. About PBS Digital Studios
The PBS Digital Studios network on YouTube includes more than 60 online original series, including more than a dozen co-productions with PBS member stations across the country, designed to engage, enlighten and entertain online audiences. The PBS Digital Studios network has more than 4 million subscribers and has generated more than 320 million views. Series include the multiple Webby Award-winning PBS Idea Channel, as well as popular series such as Blank on Blank, It’s Okay to Be Smart, Everything But the News and more. About Phoenix Comicon
Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the southwest, inviting friends and families of all ages to enjoy a full weekend of events and activities. Comicon presents guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, TV, and gaming industries. Entering its thirteenth year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw more than 75,000 attendees to its May 28-31, 2015 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.

Media Contact:  Colleen O’Donnell Pierce
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(602) 496-0579
(602) 478-3867 (cell)

About Arizona PBS

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