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. KS’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

KST 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

Alyssa Lyon, Board Chair
Director, The Black Environmental Collective

Adam Golden, Board Vice Chair
Professional Recording Artist

Joseph Decker, Treasurer
Adjunct Faculty, Duquesne University

Richard Smith, Secretary
Chief Relationship Officer and Project Director, Jewish Healthcare Foundation

Jenny Altman
VP, Mobile Content Design Lead, PNC Digital

R. Yvonne Campos
Founder and Senior Consultant, Campos Inc.
Founder, Next Act Fund

Martell Covington
Intergovernmental Affairs Program Director, UPMC
Former Pennsylvania State Representative

Kyle J. Crawford
Manager, Strategy, Performance and Innovation at VHS Health

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

Cynthia Oliver
Business Consultant, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center

Sarah Pistella
Program Officer, McElhatten Foundation

Erika Turner
Owner, TLC Libations

Cardell Velez
AVP, UT Southwestern Medical Center

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

Sharonda Whatley
Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, City of Pittsburgh

KST Staff

Piper Clement, Production Coordinator, piper[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org 

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Pryor, Programming Director,  benpryor[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

Liz Rudnick, Development & Communications Director, lizrudnick[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

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

Michael Uhrin, Grants Manager, michael[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

Kari Womack, Event Coordinator, kari[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

Kiearra Williams, Marketing Coordinator, kiearra[at]Kelly-Strayhorn.org

Annie Lin, City Charter High School Intern

Dominic Kramer, City Charter High School Intern

 

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.