Dear Friends of the Theater,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with anticipation for the promising months ahead. As we embark on the midpoint of our fiscal year, I am delighted to share with you an update on the progress and achievements we have attained at your Pittsburgh Public Theater
This year has been a testament to our collective resilience and unwavering commitment to the arts despite the challenges we have faced. From navigating the complexities of a shifting landscape to finding innovative ways to engage our community, our theater has continued to shine brightly, thanks to the dedication of our talented staff, volunteers, patrons, and supporters like you
In this mid-year report, you will find a comprehensive overview of our accomplishments thus far, including highlights from our productions, engagement initiatives, educational programs, and financial stewardship efforts. It is through your steadfast support and partnership that we have been able to make significant strides in fulfilling our mission to enrich the cultural fabric of our city and beyond
As we reflect on our achievements, we also recognize that there is still much work to be done. Looking ahead, we are committed to building upon our successes, addressing areas for growth, and continuing to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.
I invite you to review the enclosed report at your convenience and celebrate with us the impact we have made together. Your feedback and insights are invaluable as we navigate the path forward, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Pittsburgh Public Theater family, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Together, we will continue to inspire, entertain, and enrich the lives of all who experience the magic of live theater.
See you in the seats,
Angela Blanton
Chair, Pittsburgh Public Theater Board of Trustees
The mission of Pittsburgh Public Theater is to provide artistically diverse theatrical experiences of the highest quality. As we embark on our 50th year of service to our community, we continually strive to serve, challenge, stimulate and entertain while operating in a fiscally responsible manner. The Public shares its resources with the community through education and engagement initiatives intended for a wide range of people with the goal of expanding and diversifying the audience while enriching the community. You are at the center of all we do. Thank you for 50 exceptional years!
We work to create experiences that are accessible to all audiences. We offer American Sign Language interpretation, assistive listening, I-Caption®, and D-Scriptive® services at select performances. As we improve on the accessibility of The Public, we have also added two new Accessibility Concierge positions to our staff. These dedicated team members provide on-site support at every performance, helping guests access services and navigate the theater safely and comfortably, as well as offer feedback for continued accessibility improvements.
Our Racial Justice Committee works actively with the Board’s Executive Leadership team, with the aim of integrating our priorities into every facet of the organization.
Include IDEA values in our foundational documents (such as by-laws, mission statement, and other institutional forms) and model an active reporting structure at the Executive Committee of how IDEA values are guiding our work across the organization.
Promote trust and support of new staff
Create opportunities to serve and engage emerging and established leaders from across Pittsburgh.
Intent to create a culture of continued progress, the committee identified phases of racial justice commitments. Having completed the first phase, we are now progressing through phase two, which includes a professional third-party evaluation and formal recommendations, setting a roadmap for the work ahead We are fortunate to have received proposals from four talented firms, two of which will meet with the full Board of Trustees in March. The selected firm will begin work immediately. We are enthusiastic for what we can learn, do, and become as this work continues. Learn with us and share in our progress at PPT.org.
As part of our ongoing commitment to equity and justice, Pittsburgh Public Theater honors Indigenous peoples, their tribal and national sovereignty, and their stewardship of this earth. Please read our full statement regarding land acknowledgment and full commitments to equity and justice by visiting PPT.org/Mission.
SEP 19 - OCT 11, 2023
Music & Lyrics by Billy Strayhorn
Book by Rob Zellers w/ Kent Gash
Musical Direction by Matthew Whitaker
Choreography by Dell Howlett
Directed By Kent Gash
DEC 7 - DEC 23, 2023
Written by Philip Grecian
Directed by Michael Berresse
FEB 7 - FEB 25, 2024
Written & Performed by Sara Porkalob
Directed by Andrew Russell
By Oscar Wilde
Adapted & Directed by Jenny Koons
By Mark Clayton Southers
Directed by Monteze Freeland
“Creative decisions at The Public truly are centered around our community
We receive feedback from staff, trustees, community members, subscribers, and artists This eclectic mix of input helps us to choose productions that offer artistic exploration, diverse representation, family favorites, and distinctly local stories,” said Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director “Together, we are building the campfire for our community to gather around I am extremely optimistic for the future of The Public!”
ittsburgh Public Theater was chartered in 1974, founded by Margaret Rieck, Ben Shaktman, and Joan Apt At the time, Pittsburgh’s performing arts were all but lost after multiple venue closures, prompting a broad-based community effort to support the successful opening of Pittsburgh Public Theater. The opening was complete with funding for its first season, a strong volunteer organization, community engagement programs, 7,100 subscriptions, and sold-out shows that deeply resonated with the local audience. This impressive first year was a testament to the community’s appetite for theater, spurring continued growth and exciting creative endeavors for years to come. Since our founding, we have produced new work, hosted world premieres, and offered a destination for acclaimed regional and national productions.
For 50 years, The Public has set the standard for excellence and entertainment in our region. Your participation and support have fortified that legacy. As we reflect on this remarkable history, we also look to our future. With you at the center, we have developed a strategic vision that will help Pittsburgh Public Theater evolve and connect with new audiences through new productions, technology, and outreach – all governed by a new level of fiscal responsibility. WecallthisplanTruePublic,anditspillarsare:
Artistic Excellence
Community Relevance
Fiscal Responsibility
PRESENTED BY
TTheaters across the country continue to grapple with the lingering effects of the pandemic. Just as relief funding dissipates, new audience behavior patterns of reduced attendance are emerging. This, in conjunction with staffing shortages and surging costs, are forcing many theaters nationwide to produce fewer productions, reduce the number of performances, and in some cases, close. Despite these very real challenges, Pittsburgh Public Theater has persisted.
For many organizations, investments in capacity and change are vital to the reimagined future we all are seeking to manifest. Pittsburgh Public Theater would like to acknowledge the local foundation community for their generous support, especially:
In the face of these difficulties, we have worked thoughtfully to renew our focus on our core mission and vision. We’ve worked collaboratively within our community to find creative solutions and efficiencies with our partners at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and aligned our objectives with those of our local foundation community to support our continual advancement and financial sustainability," said Shaunda McDill, Managing Director. "We are proud of what we’ve come to accomplish and look forward to a very bright future for The Public "
At the core of it all is an exceptional season of performances that showcase the distinct talent of the community and bring audiences of all ages and walks of life together for entertainment, enrichment, and art
Two Accessibility Concierge positions have been added to The Public’s staff, providing on-site support at every performance for guests seeking accessibility tools and services.
Professional Development is essential. The Public implemented Predictive Index (PI) assessments for our team through a new engagement with the Center for Victory. As a certified PI partner, the Center for Victory supports hiring, leadership development, and team building, emphasizing a culture-centric approach The program provided tools and guidance, including senior management training, that enabled us to better execute evaluations, encouraging our team to abide by the Platinum Rule: Treat others the way they want to be treated.
An exciting new partnership involving Create PA and the Pittsburgh Film Office was forged to support Pittsburgh’s growing entertainment arts environment The first-of-its-kind initiative will attract high quality talent and develop their skills for behind-the-screen and behind-the-stage crew positions. The announcement of the innovative program was received with great fanfare and was attended by local dignitaries and project partners. To date, over 400 people have joined the mailing list, 94 people have been trained, and 10 have been placed for work, including Angel Thomas, a hair training graduate who worked on FRIDA at Pittsburgh Public Theater as her first of several endeavors into theater. “The hair training has helped catapult my career to a new level,” said Thomas. “The hair classes not only taught skills to do the job, but they also taught us the importance of networking and developing relationships in the industry.”
A contemporary, cloud-based platform was integrated into The Public’s accounting system, improving the timeliness and quality of the theater’s financial reporting, as well as integrating budgeting processes. These improvements through Sage Intacct support every facet of the organization and create capacity for continued financial success into the future. Special thanks to Eden Hall Foundation for recognizing the importance of this modernization effort.
Streamland brings the magic of live theater into classrooms nationwide with cinema-quality digital versions of The Public’s mainstage productions. Each is accompanied by curriculum-based educational materials, reducing barriers and supporting access to theater education. In addition to classrooms, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s partnership with The League of Live Stream Theater (LOLST) is a first in the organization’s nearly 50-year history. The Public recently live streamed the final four performances of DRAGON LADY from Broadway’s Sara Porkalob (1776). The Public joins the nonprofit The League of Live Stream Theater (LOLST) as a Charter Member in the dynamic venture’s 2023/2024 digital season
Little Amal is a symbol of human rights. This 12-foot-tall puppet depicting a Syrian refugee girl has embarked on an epic journey spanning more than 100 cities around the world to raise awareness and funds to support displaced children
In partnership with August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Learn more at chooselove.org/theamalfund.
The Public forged a new partnership with New Horizon Theater, presenting their 32nd season in the Helen Wayne Rauh Hall, and on The O’Reilly stage This exciting partnership between mission-aligned organizations, offers audiences from both organizations opportunities to share space, meet people, and witness new art.
This season, the beloved program, Creative Dramatics, took on a new model, offering participants a chance to enact a classic and create something entirely original! Boasting 121 students from five school districts, this season’s cohort performed an abridged version of Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and wrote their own original scenes inspired by the classic. The outcome was a phenomenal demonstration of talent and creativity and a testament to The Public’s service to our inspiring, young community
The artists we serve deserve a home-away-from-home that helps them feel comfortable and safe. In fall of 2023, we took the initiative to enhance the accommodations for the artists we host and relocated to apartments at Penn Garrison Lofts. Although downsizing the number of apartments overall, new upgrades help our guests feel valued and supported during their time in town for performances. Special thanks to PMC Property Group.
Striking new digital displays in The O’Reilly lobby share content ranging from current production information, what’s up next, donor acknowledgements, and more via economic and environmentally friendly means.
With more than 750 participants across 80 school groups, our annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest remains one of The Public’s most recognizable and beloved arts education events. In the culminating event after weeks of prelims, students will compete for the titles of Best Monologue and Best Scene in front of an esteemed panel of judges, including First Lady of Pittsburgh, Michelle Gainey, and the originator/former Director of Education at The Public, Rob Zellers. Learn more at PPT.org/ShakespeareNation.
Pittsburgh Public Theater recently unveiled Public Summer Sessions Summer Camps and Workshops for all ages at the O’Reilly Theater June 18 - August 1, 2024. A new Public partnership with Arcade Comedy headlines nine new offerings, including Fight Club, Dream Life of Pets, and Shakespeare Through Hip-Hop. Registration is now open at PPT.org/Summer.
tory & Hopes for the Future / Ongoing ders at The Public, Shaunda McDill and Marya Kaminski firmly believe that to realize their vision ecoming a true public theater, they must begin internally, with the artists and staff. In spirit, an artistic pursuit began at The O’Reilly Local agencies and artists created nning murals using paint and vinyl to refresh the third floor hallway, beloved pub, tipurpose room, and redesigned the greenroom to ensure artists have a comfortable ce to relax and enjoy during performances. Additional upgrades and installations an in October 2023 and are slated for completion in May 2024.
cial thanks to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, & agency partners: Casey Droege ural Productions, Alma | Lewis, & Boccella Productions. Featured Artists & Works: Sean Morrisey, Marvin Touré, Alecia Young, Demeatria Boccella, & Gavin Benjamin
Pittsburgh Public Theater partnered with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to merge box office and group sales operations. Patrons can now purchase tickets at the Cultural District’s central box office, the Theater Square Box Office, and access customer service agents in person and by phone on weekends and evenings We also welcomed the Trust’s group sales department to our team and look forward to a great future together for both staff and audiences. Concurrently, The Public is launching a Patron Services department and charting a loyalty path to fully comprehend stakeholder engagement and evolution from awareness to advocacy.
Angela Blanton, Chair*
Bal Srinivasan, Secretary*
S Rebekah Kcehowski, Vice Chair*
Jeffrey M Kulbieda, Treasurer*
Michelle Aloe
Johnnie Bettis, III
Dr. Quintin Bullock
Kristen Clendaniel Clark
Robert E. Cochran
Susan Corbett
Michael R. Daniels
Dorothy A. Davis
Michelle Gainey
Kyle Haden*
Lynn Hyde
Josie Innamorato
William Jenkins
Marya Sea Kaminski**
Krysia M Kubiak*
Conor Lamb
Eleni Lucido
Michael R. Martorella
Shaunda McDill**
Erin McLaughlin
Ayisha A. Morgan-Lee, EdD
Daniel A. Onorato
Eric Perelman
Jessica Priselac
Peter D Robinson*
Arthur J Rooney II
Miriam Shapira
Andrea Clark Smith*
Joseph B Smith*
James D Snyder*
Kate Sphar
F Connelly Thieman
Jeremy Waldrup
TJ Young
* Member of the Executive Committee
** Ex-Officio Member
Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director
Shaunda McDill, Managing Director
Brian Pope, Casting & Literary Director
Justin Emeka, Resident Director
Demeatria Boccella, Artist in Residence
José Pérez IV, Resident Fight & Intimacy Director
Mora V Harris, Brian Pope, Kelly Trumbull, Alec Silberblatt, TJ Young, Resident Playwrights
Stewart Urist, Director of Finance & Administration
Lisha Logan, Director of Human Resources
Jim Overton, Finance Manager
Anna Skeels, Accounts Payable Manager
Fred Noel, Systems Coordinator
Meleana Felton, Talent & Equity Coordinator
Lindsay Barr, Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
Morgan Overton, Workforce Director
Devan Mercurio, Senior Manager of Development
Milton Melendez, Development Associate
Parag S Gohel, Director of Education & Engagement
Jalina McClarin, Engagement Manager
Jenny Malarkey, Education Manager
Dominique Briggs, Summer Camp Education Consultant
Jamie Dawson, House Manager
Shawn Israel, Assistant House Manager
Jay Chapman, Accessibility Concierge
Alana Moye, Accessibility Concierge
Aja Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications
Lucy Chen, Graphic Designer
Ben Geibel, Digital Content Manager
Christie Snyder, Marketing & Communications Manager
Fred Frances, Associate Director of Patron Services
Ali Mohammed Srour, Patron Services Data Associate
Monica Bowin, Director of Production & Operations
Trent Wolfred, Associate Director of Operations
Savannah Merrill, Company Manager
Rob McLeod, Technical Director
Lisa Harshbarger, Scene Shop Manager
Drew Palajsa, Head Shop Carpenter
Sean DeKonty, Joe Paski, Shannon Seibel, Shop Carpenters
Celeste Parrendo, Charge Scenic Artist
Adalgisa Bosonetto-Schwerin, Assistant Charge Artist
Gay Kahkonen, Properties Head
Kelly Yann, Properties Coordinator
Venise St Pierre, Costume Shop Head
Christyann Trbovich, Costume Shop Coordinator
Kyle Huber, Costume Shop Associate
Joshua Beumer, Head Electrician
Zach Moore, Head Sound Engineer
Mikey Abate, Head Stage Carpenter
Philip Cassidy, Production Key
Christina Dragan-Dima, Production Key
The very establishment of Pittsburgh Public Theater in 1974 was only possible because of our passionate community of supporters. We are humbled by the generosity of our donors, subscribers, ticket holders, artists, and friends. You are at the center of what we do.
Anonymous (3)
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