Kelly-Strayhorn Theatre - A Community Performing Arts Center

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

May 10–13, 2012

Some of the country’s most exciting choreographers and dancers fill the Kelly Strayhorn stage during newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival. Expect bold new works as more than 15 choreographers, including Bloom Dance Company from Hungary, showcase a variety of works. A Sunday matinee will feature a line-up of youth dancers from Pittsburgh area schools and programs. Complete details will be announced on our website. 

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Friday & Saturday, April 6 & 7 | 8 PM

In this Pittsburgh premier, Hirano performs his autobiographical solo piece about trying to keep it “real” while trying to keep the show going. Infused with dance, poetry, theater, and stand-up comedy, Hirano’s thoughtful, humorous style collides with his gritty urban side as he wrestles with questions about identity. For more experienced dancers, Hirano will teach a Master Class on Wednesday, April 4 from 10 to 11:30 am. Boom Bap Tourism is part of KSTmoves. For ticketing information or to register for the Master Class, visit our website.

TICKETS
Advance | $20
Door | $25
15206 Residents | $15
Students & Artists | $10 

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Fridays, March 16 | 4 PM

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater joins students from Community College of Allegheny County for The Big Read, a celebration in song, interpretive dance, and literary readings inspired by the classic novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, by influential African-American novelist, Zora Neale Hurston.

More details soon! 

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Fridays, March 2, 9, 23 & 30

Diverse and vibrant, the SUNSTAR Music Series celebrates the best female emerging and established music makers through concerts, storytelling, parties, and discussions, as well as a workshop specially-designed for young women. This series previews the SUNSTAR Music Festival to take place in 2013.

More details soon!

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Friday & Saturday, February 24 & 25 | 8 PM

Celebrated Odissi choreographer Sreyashi Dey and her company collaborate with The Spilling Ink Project to premiere Samudra:Churning Oceans, which mixes traditional Indian dance with contemporary techniques. Colorfully costumed dancers lead audiences on a rich cultural journey as memorable tales from Indian folklore unfold through performances that feature intricate, rhythmic creative movements with stunning and bold visuals. Sristhi Dances of India with The Spilling Ink Project is part of KSTmoves.

TICKETS
Advance | $25
Door | $30
15206 Residents | $20
Students & Artists | $15

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

February 20 | 7-9 PM

Be a Money Magnet
Money comes from many sources—foundation grants, individual donations, ticket sales, touring income, fees for services, and… your pocket. Learn how to grow your funding without shrinking your pocket.

Monday Night Rounds FAQ

• For: Artists and Arts Managers, emerging to seasoned, visual or performing, producing or creating
• When: Monthly, October-June, 7-9 PM
• Facilitator: Susan Blackman
• Questions: susan@kelly-strayhorn.org
• Regular attendance entitles a participant to reduced KST rental fee
• Registration via Participant Profile or at the door

Monday Night Rounds brings professional artists and arts managers together with individual artists and smaller companies for discussions about successes—and challenges—of presenting art to the public. Seasoned and emerging artists and producers explore topics in depth from their individual experiences. 

Free | Pay What You Can

Presented by Dreams of Hope and Kelly Strayhorn Theater

February 18 | 2–4 PM

The Web Poets workshop, aptly named speaq, has traditionally been an online-only space for queer and allied young people to log in and explore their worlds through a poetry medium. Now on the hunt for new talented leadership to build both a physical and online community of young poets and spoken word artists, the speaq workshops seek to find youth interested in sharing their art with each other, the world, and speaq their minds.

The free-of-cost, once-a-month series of poetry and spoken word workshops and performance events for queer youth in the Pittsburgh area will be an opportunity to hone in young people's craft, while building a supportive community of art. Artists Vanessa German and Luke Niebler will co-lead the workshops. German has been an artist-mentor for the organization, and her work has been featured all over the city of Pittsburgh, including the Carnegie Museum of Art.

All workshops held at The Alloy Studios, 5530 Penn Ave in Friendship.

speaq is a co-production of Dreams of Hope & Kelly Strayhorn Theater

More info

Presented by Hope Academy of Music and Arts

February 18 | 7:30 PM

A love-themed evening of music in the spirit of Valentine's Day to benefit Hope Academy of Music and the Arts. This family-friendly event features singer/songwriter/piano player Kelley Hunt and her band laying down some blues-heavy R&B tunes with passion and soul. Hope Academy's HAT Co band will open for Kelley Hunt, with Rev. Randy Bush sitting in on keys. Bring the entire family and share the love!

Gen. Admission | $15
Students, Seniors, & Artists | $10

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Wednesday, Feb 8 | 10-11:30 AM
The Alloy Studios 
5530 Penn Ave

Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents a master class series to connect pre-professional and professional dancers with important contemporary choreographers. This is an opportunity for the Pittsburgh dance community to learn from local seasoned dance professionals and visiting artists presenting new contemporary work at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Designed for professional and pre-professional dancers to explore their fullest potential through movement, this series includes material from varied somatic practices and at times leaves space for improvisation, giving an opportunity to access and cultivate presence. Explore the use of weight and momentum, clarity of initiation, pathways of energy through the body and space, and breath as a vehicle for timing and phrasing. Special guest choreographers are announced throughout the season.

Gwen Hunter Ritchie received her dance training at SUNY Purchase, and graduated with a B.A. in Dance from the University of South Florida. She has danced with companies including: Dance Exchange (DC), Lower Left Dance (San Diego), Kevin Wynn Collection (NYC), and Pennsylvania Dance Theatre. Gwen was dancer and assistant to the director at Malashock Dance and Company (San Diego) before dancing with Dance Alloy, 1998-2003. She served as Artistic Director of Laboratory Company Dance (LABCO) until 2009. Dance Alloy Theater, James Madison University, and University of Pittsburgh have commissioned her choreography. Gwen teaches at Slippery Rock University and freelances as a performer and choreographer.

$10 per class

Presented by A co-production by Steel City Improv Theater & Kelly Strayhorn Theater

February 3 | 8 PM

Trust them, they’re professionals. At long last, Kelly Strayhorn Theater welcomes Steel City Improv Theater (SCIT) to the East End. This hour-long comedy bash is part of the Unblurred First Friday festivities and will feature two of SCIT’s most dynamic troupes: The Union and The LuPones. The audience will experience improv comedy at it finest with spontaneous plot lines, absurd characters, and an impromptu musical with live accompaniment—all based on a single audience suggestion! Don’t miss this special event, because like all good improv, you’ll never see the same performance twice. 

The Union is a long-form improv troupe comprised of the teaching faculty (and founders) of the SCIT. They take an audience suggestion and run through a series of games and scenes that explode every facet of that suggestion and its associations. Their sets usually start with longer scenes and eventually spiral into a run of hilarious one-liners, call backs to previous ideas, and heightened characters.

The LuPones are a long-form musical troupe that feature improvisors from their faculty, Totally Free Mondays House Teams, and other special performance groups. Off of a single audience suggestion, they build an entire two-act 30 minute improvised musical, with live improvised accompaniment. Some of the songs border on ridiculous, some of them are legitimate tear-jerking ballads, but they're always impressively handled. Better than CATS.

This event is for audiences 16 and up. For more information about SCIT, visit SteelCityImprov.com. 

Gen. Admission | $5

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

December 2012

Go East this season and make the holidays brighter with exclusive discounts from East End shops and restaurants! Just text GOEAST to 76274 to participate - you'll receive a Welcome 2 Go East text message reply that you can use to redeem special offers from the Go East partners.  You'll also be entered to win prizes in the Go East Holiday Raffle.

Redeem the Special offers by showing your Welcome 2 Go East text message. Go East Holiday Raffle winners will be chosen via text message at 3 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.

Go East Partners, Prizes & Discounts

• Abay Ethiopian Cuisine | 130 South Highland Ave
  10% discount for all Go East participants

• Kazanda’s Café | 5943 Penn Ave
  $1.00 off all sandwiches or one free small coffee with a sandwich order for all Go East participants

• Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave
  Raffle Prizes: 1 Dance Card good for eight classes at Dance Alloy Theater; 2 tickets to the Gene Stovall Holiday Concert; 1 Membership to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (3 winners total)

• Panache Boutique | 6008 Penn Circle South
  10% discount for all Go East participants

• Pittsburgh Glass Center | 5472 Penn Ave
  Raffle Prizes: Gift Certificates for workshops and a fused-glass magnet (3 winners total)

• Tana Ethiopian Cuisine | 5929 Baum Blvd
  10% off Dinner Menu for all Go East participants (excludes drinks)

• Shadow Lounge/AVA | 5972 Baum Blvd at Highland Ave
  Raffle Prize: 6-month Passes for free admission to Shadow Lounge/AVA on selected nights (3 winners total)

• Union Project | 801 North Negley Ave
  Raffle Prize: Ceramic artpiece

• Vanilla Pastry Studio | 6014 Penn Circle South
  Raffle Prize: $25 gift certificate 

• Zeke’s Coffee | 6012 Penn Ave
  Special discounts on coffee by the pound or get 1 Free cup of coffee - open to all Go East participants
  Raffle Prize: Coffee Gift Bag

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

November 18 & 19 | 8 PM
Pre-Show Mixer | 7 PM

Pittsburgh native Kyle Abraham brings his dance company to KST for the world premiere of his new ensemble dance work, Live! The Realest MC. Inspired by Pinocchio's plight to be a "real boy," Live! The Realest MC, references our own humanity in this digital age, creating an abstracted and humorously dark narrative that places the iconic childhood character in an industrial dystopia.

Investigating gender roles in the black community and the quest for acceptance in the world of hip-hop celebrity, Live! will be packed with fresh beats and moves with the emotional resonance that only A.I.M. can deliver.

Presented as part of Kelly Strayhorn Theater's KSTmoves contemporary dance series. 

This project is supported by The MAP Fund, which is generously supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This work was created, in part, during a Creative Development Residency at the Bates Dance Festival and was created by Kyle Abraham to benefit Dancers Responding to AIDS, with generous support from Major Choreographic Sponsor Rockefeller Brothers Fund and from Choreographic Sponsors David DeMuro& Chris Longobucco.

This work was developed, in part, through a Danspace Project residency at the Institute for Curatorial Practice in Performance (ICPP) at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and through a 651 ARTS, Artist Development Initiative residency at the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn, NY. Live! The Realest MC is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation Fund Project co-commissioned by Miami Dade College in partnership with On The Boards, Bates Dance Festival, Dance Place, 651 ARTS and National Performing Network. 

TICKETS
Advance | $20
Door | $25 
15206 Residents | $15 
Students, Artists | $10

Presented by Bodiography Contemporary Ballet

November 11 & 12 | 8 PM
November 13 | 2 PM 

Bodiography Contemporary Ballet’s artistic director, Maria Caruso, showcases the Pittsburgh arts community's collaborative choreographic and artistic work in the 10th season performance of Multiplicity. Former company member Lauren Suflita returns to set a new work on the company in addition to the premieres of eclectic works in the genres of ballet, modern, and jazz by company members Meghan Dann, Kirstie Corso, Melissa Tyler, Chelsea Shott, and Amanda Fisher. Kelly Basil and Nicole Cerilli will also be presenting premiere works in collaboration with Autumn House Press authors Michael Simms, Romella Kitchens, and Sheryl St. Germain. 

Sectional Sentiments
Friday, Nov. 11 | 8 PM

Gen. Admission | $20

Mutiplicity
Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 PM

Sunday, Nov. 13 | 2 PM

Advance | $20
Door | $25

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

October 29 | 12–4 PM

Halloween Mayhem returns to KST for another madcap, interactive afternoon of music, performances and merriment. Make masks with Creative Reuse, meet Mr. McFeely, and show off your costume in the Costume Parade on the scariest day of the year!

Free!

Presented by The Zombie Opera

Thursday, October 27 | Opening Night
V.I.P party | 6:30 PM
Performance | 8 PM (Doors @7:30) 

Friday, October 28 | 8 PM Performance (Doors @7:30)

Saturday, October 29 | 8 PM Performance (Doors @7:30)

Sunday, October 30 | 2 PM Matinee Performance + Talk-Back Q&A (Horror-lovers 10+ welcome)

Evenings in Quarantine: The Zombie Opera is a hybrid film-and-stage production created by Pittsburgh local artists to be an operatic homage to zombie films of the past. A projected film runs throughout the entire show, as well as a musical accompaniment track of instruments and choral vocals. In this opera, we acknowledge Pittsburgh’s role as the ‘birthplace of the zombie,’ and feature filmed locations from iconic parts of town.

As the Zombie Epidemic ravages through the streets of Pittsburgh, we follow three college friends in this contemporary classical horror opera. Ronnie Tomaston has been asked by her father, Sergeant Tomaston, to escort as many civilians to safety as possible. Izzie Bower wants nothing more strongly than the safety of her little brother, Aidan. Charles McKeelis struggles with his secret affections for Ronnie and his desire to protect her at any cost. While traveling together, our three heroes encounter friends and foes in the form of the ambitious Professor Thalamus, the reckless party girl, Angela, and the kindly Commander Fletcher. Guiding us through this adventure is the ever-attentive Newscaster, with the latest updates and survival tips.

Performance Length - 1.5 hours, with intermission
$25 General Admission, $15 students, seniors, and project participants

Made possible through fiscal sponsorship from New SunRising. For details visit www.thezombieopera.com.

Presented by Alumni Theater Company

October 14 |7 PM
October 15 | 7 PM

Part of the "I Am Artist" Performance Series.  

This dark musical revue blends hip hop, rock, and Broadway music with an original comic book adventure. A story of a struggle for power and identity, ATC vs. The World explores the way people behave in a time of crisis and vulnerability. In this world of chaos and ever changing landscape, only the strongest will survive. These teen warriors desperately try all modes of defense in a search to find the strength that lies within them.  Some of them make it  others get left behind.  This show is appropriate for patrons 10 and up. 

For more information about "I Am Artist" and to purchase a series pass, please visit our website:  www.alumnitheatercompany.org. 

Alumni Theater Company thanks the following corporate sponsors for their generosity:  PNC, BNY Mellon, PJ Dick, Cost Company, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Fifth Third Bank, UPMC's Center for Inclusion, and Giant Eagle!

General | $10
Student | $5

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

October 14 & 15 | 9 PM 

This show is presented at Dance Alloy Theater, 5530 Penn Avenue.
Limited Seating 

THE WORD is the Truth...with sex, drugs, and chili.

It's a back-yard, house party for Jesus – a non-stop, mile-a-minute solo theatre piece created and performed by Brian Osborne and directed by co-conspirator Whit MacLaughlin of New Paradise Laboratories. A stand-up comedy routine with an eloquent, soul-searching heart. A profane reflection on cosmic themes. A stream-of-consciousness rant set to rave-up dance music. THE WORD has been playing in backyards, empty warehouses, vacant lots, and sites of ill-repute throughout the east coast. The Pittsburgh encampment follows extended runs in Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles and precedes engagements in Brooklyn, Austin, and Chicago.

Brian Osborne (Performer/Writer) is a collaborative theater artist who makes highly interactive physical comedies inspired by real people. His work has been produced in New York by David Binder (Delicious Vaudeville), by Darren Lee Cole at The Soho Playhouse, in Philadelphia at The Live Arts Festival and The NET Micro Festival (THE WORD: A House Party for Jesus).  He is the Artistic Director of The Elastic Theater, for which has created and performed in 5 original works. He studied Theater at Marquette University, has trained with Alfred Molina, Ada Brown Mather (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), and Second City. He studied playwriting with Alvin Eng and received the 2007 Jilline Ringle Solo Performance Award for the development and production of THE WORD.

Written and Performed by Brian Osborne
Direction and Additional Text by Whit MacLaughlin
Presented in conjunction with New Paradise Laboratories.
Photo Credit: Johnny Osborne

housepartyforjesus.com

TICKETS
Advance | $10 
Door | $15

Allergy Notice: A live cat will appear briefly in THE WORD. There may be another 1 or 2 cats on the premises as we have asked Animal Rescue League to provide feline actors in the hopes that they may be adopted at the performances. If you have severe allergies to cats, please plan accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Presented by Hiawatha Project

Please note this performance is at Dance Alloy Theater (5530 Penn Ave)

September 15-17; 21-24 | 8PM
Sunday, September 18 | 2PM

Hiawatha Project, a new theatre company dedicated to creating new and original performances exploring specific social questions, is proud to announce its debut theatrical work: Camino, an epic tale of immigrants in contemporary Pittsburgh, 

Two men missing. Two women risking everything to find them.  And a lost flock of migrating birds just trying to make it home. Their paths collide in surprising, desperate, and hilarious ways as they navigate an imagined near future permeated by GPS maps, outrageous red tape, and preconceived borders of race and belief.  A poetic exploration of the consequences of laws such as Arizona SB 1070, Camino exposes the profitable business of private immigrant detention centers in the U.S.  In doing so, it illuminates questions of survival and connectedness in our increasingly digitized world.

Due to adult language and implied violence this performance is suggested for mature audiences.  Suggested minimum age is 11 year and older.

Post-Gazette covers Camino

General Advance | $25
General Door      | $30
Student Advance | $12
Student Door      | $15

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

September 9–10, 2011 | 8PM
Pre-show Mixer | 7PM

Skulls and rose petals. Chaos and order. A sweetly sad and bitterly amusing contemplation of the beauty, humor and sorrow of living.  

Join us for the Pittsburgh premiere of por la blanda arena, an exciting new work from Andre Koslowski, artistic director of Pennsylvania Dance Threatre. Koslowski shared por la blanda arena, an intense dance theatre work with an international cast of innovative, dark humored collaborators, as a work in progress during KST's 2011 newMoves festival. Experience the beautifully dark debut this fall 2011 when it kicks off KSTmoves contemporary dance series. 

Advance | $20
Door | $25
15206 Residents | $15
Students, Artists | $10

Presented by Deryck Tines Group

Thursday, September 1 | 8PM
Friday, September 2 | 8PM
Saturday, September 3 | 2PM & 8PM
Sunday, September 4 | 2PM & 7PM

Created by Dr. Vernell Lillie, this two hour musical embarks on a journey of the life of Mahalia Jackson. From her childhood in New Orleans, Louisiana to Chicago with Thomas Dorsey, Carnegie Music Hall, and the March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Come enjoy an evening of good ole hand-clapping, foot stomping, soul-stirring traditional gospels, hymns and spirituals arranged by musical director, the Reverend Deryck Tines

Read City Paper's article

Advance | $20
Door | $26.50

Tickets available at HOBO (Downtown), the Afro-Ameican Music institute (Homewood), Dorsey Records (Homewood), and Stedefordes Records (North Side)

Presented by Renaissance City Choirs

April 29 & 30, 2011 | 8PM

Renaissance City Choirs’ 2011 spring concert, on April 29^th and 30^th, is entitled Love of Nature/Nature of Love.  As part of this concert, the choirs will perform the beautiful and opulent Dido and Aeneas, a three-act English tragedy opera by Henry Purcell.  The musical accompaniment will be played on period instruments by Chatham Baroque.  The performance also features renowned soprano Stephanie Weiss of the Berlin State Opera in the role of Dido, Queen of Carthage.

General Admission tickets are $25. Student tickets (require a valid student ID) are $10.
Available through choir members, at Showclix.com or by calling 412.362.9484

Presented by City Charter High School

March 17-19, 2011 | 7PM

The City Charter High School presents their sixth annual "Evening of One-Act Plays" here at KST!

The evening is filled with six dynamic one-acts from a large cast of students grades 9-12.  Join us as the City Charter High School presents an eclectic  and dynamic variety of one-act performances.

$5 Students | $8 Adults

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

February 18 & 19, 2011 | 8PM

Chris Ivey, a seasoned filmmaker in Pittsburgh, first started working on the project in May 2005. “I was hired to document the tearing down of the high rises. At the same time I interviewed some of the residents who lived in the high rises and they weren’t happy at all because of the spectacle that was before them. They were really angry. It was their home, it was where they used to live, some for 30 years or more. And so began a journey of investigation in which previous silent rage was given space to talk. This third installment, East of Liberty in Unlivable Times" steps beyond the boundary of East Liberty, and is a film that focuses on youth culture and violence throughout the city.

General $10
Students $5

Presented by The Heinz Endowments

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 | 4PM

The Small Arts Initiative provides funding for professional arts organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania with annual budgets less than $250,000.

The initiatives are designed to advance a particular organization or consortium of artists' ability to carry out well-defined artistic opportunities or challenges, thus encouraging the development of local organizations, technical staff, and professional artists.  

Justin Laing, the Heinz Endowments' Arts & Culture program officer, will review the key components of the Small Arts Initiative grants program and will be available to answer questions from potential applicants. 

Free.
To RSVP, please contact Cindi Stueber at cstueber@heinz.org or 412.338.2693.

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater and AVA Lounge

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 | 5PM

sunset series
...at sunset the stars come out to play!

Come to AVA Lounge and spend an evening with Pittsburgh's great women in music.
mix, mingle, connect and re-connect
a party for women musicians and all who love them

@ AVA Lounge, Highland Avenue
East Liberty

This is one in two of the series; look for it again Wednesday, February 23

RSVP to maritza@kelly-strayhorn.org
This program is sponsored by the Kelly-Strayhorn's Theater's SUNSTAR Women in Music Festival

FREE!

Presented by Bodiography Contemporary Ballet Pittsburgh

November 6, 2010 | 8PM
November 7, 2010 | 2PM

Eclectic works in the genres of ballet, modern, and jazz will be presented from company members Kelly Basil, Nicole Cerilli, Kaitlin Dann, Meghan Dann, Kirstie Corso, and Joshua Sweeney. Additionally, Caruso has collaborated with Pittsburgh painter Philip Rostek for a live dance/art experience.  Poets Robert Isenberg, Romella Kitchens, and Michael Simms, published by Autumn House Press, will intersperse live poetry readings amongst the dance pieces. All evenings will include magnificent sculptural and photographic work by Eric Rose. 

On Friday, November 5 at 8PM, Bodiography presents Cello Fury. Cello Fury bring a full evening of their electrifying sound to the stage for their CD release performance.

Visit www.bodiographycbc.com for more information about artists, residencies, projects, and tour dates.

Tickets are $15 - $20

Presented by New Horizon Theater

Thursday, October 28, 2010 | 7:30PM
Friday, October 29, 2010 | 7:30PM
Saturday, October 30, 2010 | 7:30PM
Sunday, October 31, 2010 | 3PM

"The Jazz Revue Mixed with Gospel, Other Selections and Storytelling” features Levi Barcourt with live music from four musicians who pay tribute to some of the world’s best creators, innovators, and recording artists in the world of jazz.  The performance encompasses short stories, text, poetry, spoken word, and historical African-American moments with selections from prominent artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Thelonious Monk

About Levi Barcourt
Levi Barcourt has studied piano since he was nine years old and received his Bachelor and Master degrees from Purchase Conservatory of Music in New York.  Barcourt has worked with many well-renowned groups including 'Courier New Delaware Symphony Orchestra, The Carson Symphony in California, The Chattanooga Symphony and the Tulsa Oklahoma Symphony.  As a versatile musician, composer, and director, Barcourt performs in classical, jazz, gospel, Pop and contemporary music around the world.

$20 General
$15 Seniors & Students
For tickets visit Dorsey's Record Shop (Frankstown Ave), e-mail newhorizontheater@yahoo.com, or call 412.431.0773

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Friday, October 22, 2010 |7PM
Saturday, October 23, 2010 | 3PM
Pre-show Mixer | 6PM & 2PM

I Am Artist” is an annual performance series presented by the Alumni Theater Company focusing on creating work that is relevant to the current generation of teenagers. Through the creation of this work, ATC members are challenged to work as artists, continually seeing the world from their own unique artistic perspective, then bringing those ideas and observations to the table for the purpose of artistic collaboration. ATC members respect and appreciate all ideas that are presented and collectively build on these ideas to develop performances that speak to their generation.

A fast-paced, fun musical performance, atc glee takes a scathingly real look into the life of an average kid. What happens when 15 glee club memebers with different personalities have to pull togehter to make a common decision? ATC proves that being different is someting that should be applauded through a witte, but gritty script - and LOTS of singing and dancing!

General Advance & Door | $10
Students | $5
Groups of 10 or more | $7

Presented by Hope Academy of Music and the Arts

STAR CROSSED
Saturday, June 26, 2010 | 7pm
Sunday, June 27 | 3 pm

Romeo and Juliet as you've never seen it before -- remixed, mashed up, deconstructed and re-imagined. Fifty Hope Academy students will sing, dance and act their way through the complexities of the story and themes of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays. With text straight from the Bard and music from West Side Story, Spring Awakening, Radiohead, Dire Straights, The Proclaimers and more, this 400 year old play takes on a whole new life. Shakespeare scenes are directed by Tonya Lynn, with choreography by Staycee Pearl and Michael Walsh, and music direction by Anna Elder, Devin Flynt and Michael Chapman.

Tickets are available at the door for $5 each

STAYCEE PEARL dance project (SPdp): ARRAY

Sunday, June 27, 2010 | 7 pm

ar-ray /uh-rey
1. An orderly series, arrangement or sequence
2. To set out for display or use
3. To dress in finery: adorn

HAT Co. Pearl Dancers (from Hope Academy's teen theater company) perform their end of the year concert on Sunday, June 27 at 7 pm alongside teaching artist Staycee Pearl's adult dance company (STAYCEE PEARL dance project, SPdp). Each company performs dance works created by artistic director, Staycee Pearl, SPdp artists and HAT Co/SPdc emerging artists. The two groups also perform as one in a range of inspired performances. Hope Academy student dancers include Angelina Winbush, Candace Burgess, Mimi Thomas, Dayna Rouse and Alexandra Brown. SPdp members include Kerra Alexander, Jamie Murphy, Cassie Shafer, Renee Smith, Amanda Vavra, and Laura Warren..

Staycee Pearl's residency at Hope Academy of Music and the Arts was made possible by a grant from The Heinz Endowments.

Admission to this performance is "pay what you can."

Presented by Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter Schools

Friday, June 4, 2010 | 7PM
Saturday, June 5, 2010 | 7PM

This Friday and Saturday, bring the family to one of the newest hit musicals performed by the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter Schools.   These talented fifth graders will sing and dance their way to your hearts-- led by KST Artists-in-Residence Hallie Donner & Staycee Pearl.  Haven't seen High School Musical 2, yet?  This is your best chance!

$8 General
$5 Students

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater & Squonk Opera

Thursdays-Saturdays, March 11-13 and March 18-20 | 8PM &
Sundays, March 14 and 21 | 2PM

In Mayhem and Majesty, the sonic hooligans of Squonk Opera explore the poetry of music making and the power of sound with camera jibs, projection puppets and kinetic machines.

Each song evokes different atmospheres and dynamics, which are made vivid through mesmerizing projections and constantly transforming scenery. One moment you are alone in a swarm of stars with a gently swaying keyboard and a sparse lullaby your only guide. The next, you see how romance is just a series of cell mutations set to post-punk beats.

The Squonkers journey from the depths of moody minimalism to the heights of gypsy rock raucous delight. And our award-winning multimedia canvas takes your eyes to those wondrous places your ears have long kept secret.

Click here to visit Squonk Opera's website.

$15 Advance | $20 Door
$10 15206 Zip Code
$5 Student | Artist

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

February 27, 2010 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The final of four workshops with Squonk Opera, Jackie Dempsey & Steve O'Hearn discuss basics of touring including: setting up and handling touring, booking conferences, joining presenting associations, building relationships with presenters, and the pros and cons of an agent.

Pennsylvania Arts on Tour Executive Director,  Katie West, presents a special session on how to become a PennPAT Roster Artist.

Light refresments served.

Co-Sponsored by Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council

Free. Registration requested. Email your registration to emily@kelly-strayhorn.org or call 412-363-3000 (ext 107).

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Show Times:

November 6, 2009 @ 9:00 PM | Pre-Show Mixer with DJ SMI

November 7, 2009 @ 8:00 PM

Artist Talk, Saturday November 7 @ 1:00 PM

Chronicling the inner life of the American consumer and performed partially in a storefront and in our theater, STORE is inspired by how and why we buy. What will our bodies do in a world where the product no longer exists, but the rules—detest, discover, purchase, apply, empty, repeat—still apply?

Part performance art, part dance party, part replication of the shopping experience, STORE is the third work in the American Spaces Trilogy (HOUSE, 2006; CAR, 2008). Audiences surround the set of an absurdist infomercial that's being shot for a shopping network. On screens throughout the store a shopping-lady avatar gives guidance on products and protocol.

A set built of thousands of clothes morphs throughout the show, from vast garbage-like piles to neatly stacked walls to outfits for the audience to wear. A society continues the rituals of a world that no longer exists.

Kate Watson-Wallace, a Philadelphia-based choreographer and performer, is the director of anonymous bodies, an interdisciplinary performance company that creates site-based performances that re-imagine everyday spaces. 

Direction and Choreography: Kate Watson-Wallace Co-direction and Text: Brian Osborne Video Installation: Ricardo Rivera Composer Sound Design: Josh Cicetti Dramaturg: Sebastienne Mundheim Costume Design: Millie Hiibel Set design: Steven Dufala

Performers: Charlotte Ford (on film), Makoto Hirano, Jaamil Kosoko, Lorin Lyle, John Luna, Heather Murphy, Karama Butler

60 Minutes

This project is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by The Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and adminstered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.

$15 Advance | $20 Door

$10.00 15206

$5.00 Students | Artists (Artists RSVP Required - info@kelly-strayhorn.org)

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

October 24, 2009

10:00 - 12:00

Developing the Idea: Creation and Production

This workshop will help you clarify your project ideas, build your team and share your ideas with artist professionals. Squonk Opera's Jackie Dempsey and Steve O'Hearn are joined by guest Mark Southers from the Pittsburgh Playwright's Theater.

During a year long residency this season to create their newest work, Mayhem and Majesty, Squonk Opera, Artistic Directors Jackie Dempsey and Steve O' Hearn, w/ KST Executive Director Janera Solomon, present four professional development workshops for performing artists.

Each session is interactive and includes guest panelists from the Pittsburgh arts community. The sessions cover topics related to producing new work including: concept development, fundraising, developing your audience and touring. See Full Schedule.

All workshops are free. Advanced registration required. Registration is limited to 25 persons.

About Squonk Opera

Amultimedia performance troupe, Squonk Opera unleashed its first show 17 years ago in a gritty Pittsburgh junkyard with rumbling earthmovers and choreographed cranes. Since then, Squonk has created nine original shows, has performed in more than 200 venues across the United States including on Broadway, and toured internationally to Europe and Asia. The group creates original theater from sound and image with interdisciplinary artists led by composer Jackie Dempsey and visual artist Steve O'Hearn.

About The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater

Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company was founded by Mark Clayton Southers in 2003. It began as the resident company of Garfield's Penn Theater, and moved to its current 75-seat space in the downtown Cultural District in January 2005. PPTCO is committed to developing and showcasing the works of local playwrights; from accomplished masters like August Wilson and George S. Kaufman to promising new talents. They seek to nurture a racially and culturally diverse community of playwrights, directors, actors and technical specialists to hone their craft and to network creative opportunities.

Free. Reservations Required. RSVP to Emily@kelly-strayhorn.org; or please call, 412 363 - 3000 ext. 107

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

September 8 - 12, 2009 | 8:00 PM

Have you ever wanted more? Is it right or wrong to desire more than we have? For Dr. Faustus, his curiosity and desire for knowledge blinds him.

FAUSTUS -- is a raucous reenactment of the myth of Faust -- in which a doctor sells his soul to the devil for power and knowledge.  Based on the text of Christopher Marlowe's, The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus (1604), this production is made new for our times, by director Dan Jemmet (known in Pittsburgh for his work with Quantum Theater) and his new ensemble company, 404 Strand.

Set on our stage, FAUSTUS, raises interesting questions of human ambition, vanity, and greed.

404 Strand is an international theatre group based in Pittsburgh. Its members -- Andrew Hachey, John Fitzgerald Jay, Rick Kemp, Molly Simpson and Kristin Slaysman live in Toronto, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Paris and Pittsburgh -- come together regularly to work in western Pennsylvania. WATCH VIDEO CLIP!

Seating is limited.  Length: 75 minutes.

PRESS:

Pittsburgh City Paper Blog Review

Pittsburgh CP Short List

Funding and support -- The A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Heinz Endowments Small Arts Initiative, The Indiana University of Pennsylvania Innovation Award, Pittsburgh Filmmakers, The Mattress Factory, and Pittsburgh City of Asylum

$15 Advance | $20 Door

$5  Students | Artists (with advance RSVP to info@kelly-strayhorn.org)

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

July 7, 2009

We are starting our new film night, $2 Classics, with an american Classic, "Cooley High." 

Michael Schultz directed this deeply felt recollection of adolescent life on Chicago's North Side in 1964. Like American Graffiti, Cooley High deals with girl, school, and police troubles as a group of high-school seniors prepare for post-high-school life.

The chums are Glynn Turman as "Preach," who loves to read poetry and history and wants to become a Hollywood screenwriter, but who has the worst grades in the school; and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Cochise, the high-school basketball star and suave lady-killer. Preach has to contend with love problems in the form of Brenda (Cynthia Davis), school problems with emphatic teacher Mr. Mason (Garrett Morris), and law problems with street toughs Stone (Shermann Smith) and Robert (Norman Gibson). ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Rating: PG (Some Adult Content/Profanity)

Mixer at 7:30; Film at 8:00 PM

$2.00

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

7:00 - 8:00 PM | PRE-PARTY RECEPTION

Start the night with cocktails & hor d’oeuvres from some of the areas best restaurant | BUY NOW

8:00 - MIDNIGHT | SUMMER DANCE PARTY

The theater is yours. Wear your dancing shoes! Great music with DJ sets & a sampling of treats from neighborhood restaurants. | BUY NOW

2009 HOST COMMITTEE:
Francine D. Abraham
Don Anderson
Terri Bell
Danielle Dietrick
Adam Golden
Ayana Ledford
Terrence H. Murphy
Janis Burley Wilson

EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE:
Garret J. Cooper
MaryRose Walko
Elizabeth Hazlett
Elizabeth Bush
Bridget Clement
Veronica Corpuz
Deborah Powell
Jonathan Floyd
Fran Escalante
Maria Polinksy
Roxanne Sherbeck
Chad Stacy

PRESENTING SPONSOR
Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Citizens Bank
Coleman Consulting
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Thorp-Reed Armstrong
The Design Alliance
Village of East Side

Full Bloom Pre-Party Reception | $75.00

Summer Dance Party | $30 Advance ($40.00 Door)

Presented by Rhyme Cal & Kelly Strayhorn Theater

June 25, 2009

7:00pm

After 6 Competitions, Rhyme Calisthenics and the Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents the first All-Star Competition featuring Rhyme Cal Champions Real Deal, Zone, Boka and 4-time competitor A-Jaxx. Watch these MC's go up against the Wheel of Skillz in 3 rounds of competition. Check out the Rhyme Cal Trailer!

We'll be filming for submission to major television networks so bring a few friends and fill up the seats. Hosted by Thelonious Stretch. DJ Huggy on the wheels. Free food after the competition. All-Star After Party at the Shadow Lounge following the Competition.

Rhyme Calisthenics is an MC competition that combines the intensity of a rap battle with the excitement and unpredictability of a game show. While rap battles only require one skill - the ability to diss one's opponent - Rhyme Calisthenics is the true test of an MC's versatility, creativity and swagger.  The competition is based around a six foot game show wheel known as "The Wheel of Skillz." The Wheel has 12 different rap challenges designed to test a wide range of real life rap skills from freestyles to writtens, from concepts to delivery.

Rhyme Calisthenics was founded in Pittsburgh in 2007 and in 2009 the Rhyme Calisthenics circuit expanded to include New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Rhyme Calisthenics is open to all MC's, rappers, freestylists, poets and anyone else who is fresh enough and brave enough to take on the Wheel of Skillz.

TICKETS: $5.00

Presented by Bodiography Center for Movement

June 14, 2009| 3:00 PM

This annual spring concert includes presentations from Bodiography Center for Movement's Graded Level Program as well as numerous classical and contemporary variations. The show includes work from faculty member's Lauren Suflita, Meghan Dann, and Kelly Basil and artistic director Maria Caruso. A great affternoon of multigenre dance suitable for the entire family.

This lovely afternoon of multi-genre dance will be accompanied by premiere solo choreographic works by Maggie McNamara, Erin McKaveney, Alex Salerno, Victoria Steineck, and Chelsea Zimmer.  These movement studies were developed in a course with Caruso titled Choreography & Composition which is devoted to the development of choreographic talents at an early age.

Visit Bodiography at www.bodiographycbc.com

TICKETS: $10.00 General Seating

Presented by Friends of Pittsburgh Urban Green Forest

April 27, 2009

6:30 PM

Taking Root tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (and University of Pittsburgh alum) Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy.

Open to the public, with performance by Vanessa German and reception to follow.

This event is part of the Three Rivers Bioneers series.

Suggested Donation: $1.00 - $10.00

Presented by Hope Academy of Music and the Arts

April 24 - 25, 2009 | 7:00 PM

April 26, 2009 | 3:00 PM

A hip-hop-opera about acceptance and belonging featuring the youth of Hope Academy of Music and the Arts.  Hope Academy of Music and the Arts impacts the lives of over 250 children and their families a year through music and performing arts instruction and positive peer and adult interaction, giving students the opportunity to discover hidden skills and talents, and build self-esteem in a supportive, caring environment.

$10.00 Adults / $5.00 Kids and Seniors / $5.00 for Cast family & friends and ELPC

Presented by Front Porch Theatricals

April 2 - 5, 2009

7:30 PM (Sat & Sunday Matinees, 2:00 PM)

Leave it to Marilyn! She's the go-to girl for whatever anyone needs. Money, time, a crash pad, help with homework, writers block, baking a cake or planning the big event that nobody wants but Mom. Until she snaps -- takes off for parts unknown. Suddenly the person who always solves the problem has become the problem, and everyone is in a panic. They're only human -- and a bit dysfunctional -- watch as they wind their way through the wreckage and savor the splendidly crafted songs of ONLY ME.

Music by David Michael Ed, Lyrics: Doris Esteban, Featuring Performances by: Theodore Watts Jr., Leon S. Zionts, Christina McCann, Jim Scriven and Chrisine Laitta as Marilyn. Directed by Mindy Rossi-Stabler

For more information, please call 412-394-3353 or visit: http://www.onlymemusical.com