A great neighborhood deserves a great theater.

Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is reflective of the passion that its founders had for the arts. Today, Kelly Strayhorn Theater carries on the legacy of its founders by fostering bold and innovative artistry with a global perspective. KST celebrates diversity in voice, thought, and expression, and upholds a firm commitment to inclusion. Furthermore, KST provides a welcome space for dialogue and artistic expression for all who enter. Kelly Strayhorn Theater has a dynamic footprint in Pittsburgh, with two venues running along Penn Avenue. KST’s Alloy Studios is a cultural hub in the heart of East Liberty, and the historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater is located in the thriving business district. More than 20 years after the founding of the theater, KST continues to use its broad reach to impact the contemporary arts and the community.

 

Mission + Culture

Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people.

We welcome our home to all who uplift Black, Indigenous, people of color, and queer voices. We will continue centering historically resilient folks.

We focus our services on:

• • Black Women

  • LGBTQIA+

  • People of Color

  • Emerging Artists

 

Pay What Moves You

Kelly Strayhorn Theater is excited to introduce Pay What Moves You, an accessible scale of ticket prices. Over the last few years, we heard feedback from artists and audiences alike‚ our ticket prices needed to better reflect the value and importance of art, as well as supporting artists to live well and thrive. Pay What Moves You encourages audiences to choose an equitable price that best fits their budget, while also still fairly compensating artists. It is also your opportunity to affirm the value of art! Go for the top tier if you can afford to! It helps us keep the first tier affordable for those who need it.

 

KST Board

Adam Sukhia, Board Chair
Director, Land Administration, EQT

Martell Covington, Board Vice Chair
Government Relations Associate, Cozen O’Connor
Former Pennsylvania State Representative

Cephas Claude Vidzro, Treasurer
Global Process Excellence Lead, Finance, PPG

Erika Turner, Secretary
Owner, TLC Libations

Jennifer E. Altman
VP, Mobile Content Design Lead, PNC

Ariell Antonio
Counsel – Privacy, Cyber Security and Data Protection, Highmark Health Department

Dana Bishop-Root
Director of Education and Public Programs, Carnegie Museum of Art

Kris Brown
Global Director HRBP, Global Finance, IT, GBS, and Corp M&A, PPG

Jamita Browne-Poston
Citizens Bank

Hallie Doner
Founder, Alumni Theater Company

Alyssa P. Lyon
Principal Consultant, Black Girl, Green World

Melinda Maloney
Director, Business Line & Field Marketing at Service Link

Cynthia Valenta Oliver
Business Consultant, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center

Sharonda L. Whatley
Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, City of Pittsburgh

KST Staff

Piper Clement, Co-Production Manager, KST Presents & Facilities, piper[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org 

Sarah Gilmer, Programming Manager, sarah[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

Rachael Gunning, Finance & Operations Manager, rachael[at[Kelly-Strayhorn.org

Joseph Hall, Co-Executive Director, joseph[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

Melike Konur, Director of Advancement, melike[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org 

Mingsi Ma, Marketing Specialist, mingsi[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org 

Elliot Mellick, Patron Services Coordinator, elliot[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org 

Kristian Montout, Marketing Coordinator kristian[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org 

Melanie Paglia, Co-Executive Director, melaniepaglia[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

J.R. Shaw, Co-Production Manager, Partnerships, jr[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

 

Directors Emeriti

Employment 

Check out employment opportunities with KST here.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

There are a variety of ways to get involved at Kelly Strayhorn Theater and support our company operations, programs, outreach, and events. We offer volunteer opportunities to become part of our vibrant and vital multi arts programming. We encourage, enable and empower an entire spectrum of small- and medium-sized arts groups, which in turn enrich both the artistic climate of Pittsburgh and the economic development of East Liberty.

Volunteer opportunities are offered both at our theater and in our administrative offices. Assistance is needed before, after, and during our main stage performances and studio events, as well as in our administrative offices. Become a KST volunteer and meet creative and talented people who share your passion for the arts.

All volunteers can enjoy our performances for free!

Current Openings

• Front of House Theater Support
• Administrative Office Support
• Ushers & Greeters

For more information and questions please email info@kelly-strayhorn.org or call 412-363-3000.