KST Blog

Welcome to the KST Blog!

The KST Blog serves as an alternative view of the KST programming, showcasing our artist talk series, press, and more!

  1. RELEASE: Kelly Strayhorn Theater Presents Owning Our Future: A Symposium – A National Conversation on Cultural Ownership and BIPOC-Led Spaces

    In This Time of Great Uncertainty in the Arts, Pittsburgh’s Black and Queer Led Kelly Strayhorn Theater to Spearhead this Four-day Event Bringing Together Visionary Leaders from Across the Nation to Engage in Powerful Conversations and Celebrate the Transformative Power of BIPOC-led Cultural Spaces.

    Photo credit: Beth Barbis

    (PITTSBURGH, PA – April 22, 2025)Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) Pittsburgh’s premier performing arts home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people – is excited to announce Owning Our Future: A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership. The groundbreaking four-day event marks the first of its kind in the institution’s history and will convene visionary leaders in the arts, activism, urban planning, philanthropy, and government from around the country to engage in powerful conversations and celebrate the transformative power of BIPOC-led cultural spaces. This national symposium is set to take place from May 15-18, 2025 at KST (5941 Penn Avenue, East Liberty in Pittsburgh, PA). Tickets are available on a Pay What Moves You basis, ranging from $150 – $300 for the Symposium Pass and $15 – $40 for Single Tickets, and can be purchased at kelly-strayhorn.org

    As arts institutions across the nation navigate through the recent mandates instituted by the current administration  –  from the federal government’s takeover of the Kennedy Center to the halting of federal funding for DEI initiatives – KST created Owning Our Future… as a means to open a crucial and timely national dialogue centering BIPOC institutional ownership, asking the bold and pressing question: “Who gets to own the spaces where our cultural futures are shaped?” This inquiry explores themes of cultural representation, equity, and access, focusing on the physical and institutional ownership of arts spaces led by communities of color.

    With the symposium, the Black and Queer-led KST reimagines bold new financial, operational, and physical models to empower BIPOC-owned arts spaces in the 21st century facing survival and sustainability challenges. The event will feature successful ownership case studies, share emerging strategies for success, and provide actionable insights for both community leaders and policymakers to advance equitable ownership solutions. Additionally, issues such as the persistent ownership gap shaped by systemic inequities – including redlining, discriminatory lending, and insufficient philanthropic support for BIPOC institutions – will be addressed over the course of the event. Through cross-disciplinary conversations, participants will explore ways to overcome these obstacles and develop pathways toward sustainable, community-owned cultural spaces.

    For KST, the symposium is especially prevalent as its own theater lease expires in 2029 without the prospect of extension or purchase—a situation mirroring the precarious position of countless cultural institutions in the United States and around the world, particularly those founded by and serving communities of color.

    “As conversations around ownership, equity, and cultural representation move from the margins to the mainstream, the critical question of cultural space ownership remains largely overlooked. We recognized the greater need for a platform to examine the idea of ownership that extends far beyond buildings, far beyond even our own institution and far beyond just the city of Pittsburgh,” noted KST’s Co-Executive Director, Joseph Hall. “The symposium will delve into that bigger picture and highlight emerging models for cultural space, including those used by organizations nationally across real estate development, media, democratically governed investment funds, and more. This represents the ongoing fight for the preservation of cultural homes that nurture artistic expression, community identity, and collective memory in an increasingly divided political landscape.” 

    The Symposium will feature a mix of discussion panels, keynote speakers, and performances. Highlights include:

    • Four Keynote Speakers: Lisa Yancey (NY), national cultural strategist and Yale professor; Shyla Spicer (OR), President and CEO, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation; Andy Shallal (DC), former Washington, D.C. mayoral candidate and founder of the eight-location Busboys and Poets restaurant chain; and F. Javier Torres-Campos, renowned philanthropic leader.
    • Three Panel Discussions: Panel topics include Transformative Operational Practices: Building Collaborative and Adaptive Organizational Structures; Radical Financial Innovations: Emerging Models in BIPOC Cultural Ecosystems; and Envisioning the Future: Designing Community-Centric Spaces for Cultural Empowerment.
    • Two Performances: A dynamic series of performances by Pittsburgh and national artists supported by KST over the past 25 years, including MacArthur Genius and Pittsburgh-native choreographer Kyle Abraham.

    Conceived as a call to action, Owning Our Future… seeks to shape the future of cultural ownership in America at a pivotal moment in our nation’s discourse. The symposium further reinforces KST’s role as a leader in redefining the intersection of cultural expression and institutional power. By elevating diverse voices and providing a platform for collective dialogue and a space for cross-industry collaboration, KST is catalyzing meaningful change where BIPOC communities have the tools, resources, and support to own and control their cultural spaces. Following the event, a comprehensive report will be shared nationwide to amplify the impact and continue the momentum of this crucial work.

    For more information and to register for Owning Our Future: A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership, please click HERE.

    Download a Selection of Hi-Res Photos HERE

    For exclusive photos, updates and more, get social! Follow us on all social media platforms  IG: @kstheater; Facebook: Kelly Strayhorn Theater


    SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE

    Thursday, May 15, 2025 

    11:00am – 1:30pm    Keynote Speaker: Lisa Yancey

    Lisa Yancey is the president of Yancey Consulting, co-founder of The We’s Match, and the creator of THE DASH. Drawing from her expertise in organizational and cultural strategy and justice-based systems change, Lisa will examine cultural strategy as a tool for a thriving Pittsburgh. She will highlight the importance of intergenerational and cross-industry cultural strategy, distinguish arts from culture, and provide concrete examples of where cultural strategy was the catalyst for thriving cities and businesses.


    7:30pm – 10:00pm     Film Screening: East of Liberty

    East Liberty was once Pennsylvania’s third most prosperous commercial business district, but disastrous urban planning in the 1960s saw both the central business area decimated and tower blocks erected leaving residents isolated in the sky. Sixty years later and the broken traffic patterns are corrected, shops are plentiful, and neighborhood housing is some of the most sought after in the city.  

    In the documentary East of Liberty, Pittsburgh-based filmmaker Chris Ivey explores issues of race and class and addresses residents’ fears about gentrification. The film is meant to create a historical record that conveys the essence of community change and expose taboo topics using frank conversation, which most redevelopment efforts ignore—from displacement to neighborhood violence to discussions of socioeconomics. Nearly two decades after its debut at KST, East of Liberty makes its powerful return, inviting us to reflect on what community and cultural ownership mean today.

    The film is approximately 1h 40min. Following the screening, join us for a discussion with filmmaker Chris Ivey and former Executive Director of the Kingsley Association, Malik Bankston


    Friday, May 16, 2025

    5:00pm – 6:00pm             Cocktail Hour


    6:00pm – 6:45pm             Keynote Speaker: Shyla Spicer

    In July 2020, the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) and Yale Union (YU) proudly announced the transfer of ownership of the land and historic Yale Union building in Southeast Portland, Oregon, from YU to NACF. Shyla Spicer, President and CEO of NACF, reflects on the organization’s transition through this major expansion of assets and the significance of reclaiming space for Indigenous artists. She explores the role of creative land stewardship in Indigenous self-determination and how securing space for cultural expression strengthens Native communities for generations to come.


     7:30pm – 9:00pm          Arts Program: Front & Center

    KST’s Local and Global Performance Program commissions, develops, and presents evening-length works of dance and theater from artists working at the intersection of personal investigation and formal inquiry. Featuring artists with long-standing relationships to Kelly Strayhorn Theater and its flagship program, this two-night showcase presents excerpted works of dance and theater that speak to artistic development in Pittsburgh with an eye towards the national and international stage. Friday night’s program features: Balafon West African Dance Ensemble with Oronde Sherif (Pittsburgh, PA), Alisha Wormsley (Pittsburgh, PA), and Jasmine Hearn (Houston, TX), Adil Mansoor(Pittsburgh, PA), and slowdanger (Pittsburgh, PA).


    9:00pm – 11:00pm           KST Lounge with Live Music


    Saturday, May 17, 2025 

    9:00am – 10:00am           Breakfast


    10:00am – 10:45am         Keynote Speaker: F. Javier Torres-Campos

    Javier Torres-Campos is a philanthropic leader dedicated to liberated, self-determined futures. As the founder of Liberation Partners, he curates networks of leaders who center care, community, imagination, and power-building to support nonprofit and social ventures in creating the just worlds we deserve. His work across various roles has spanned 20 years of cultural strategy, placemaking, and community investment throughout the United States. His keynote shares learnings from the field about what contributes to involuntary displacement, highlights effective preservation strategies and explores the importance of ownership models for cultural preservation.


    11:30am – 1:30pm           Panel Discussion: Transformative Operational Practices 

    Panelists explore transformative operational practices that cultivate a deep sense of ownership of culture, community, ideas, and organization. They highlight innovative working and programmatic models within BIPOC-led cultural institutions that prioritize collaboration, empowering artists and community members to shape their narratives and contributions. Through inclusive governance, shared leadership, and active community engagement, these institutions are reshaping their operations to be more responsive and adaptive.

    Moderated by artist Veronica Corpuz from #notwhite collective (Pittsburgh, PA), panelists include Jasiri X from 1Hood Media (Pittsburgh, PA), Lara M. Evans from First Peoples Fund (Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Kyle, South Dakota), and Shaddai Livingston from Ashé Cultural Arts Center (New Orleans, LA). 


    1:45pm – 2:45pm         Neighborhood Tour with Terri Baltimore

    Attendees can join Pittsburgh’s legendary griot, Terri Baltimore, for an engaging guided bus tour of East Liberty. With decades of experience as a storyteller, historian, East Liberty-raised resident, and community advocate, Baltimore brings to life the rich cultural history and complicated transformation of East Liberty. 

    Through her captivating storytelling, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the struggles, resilience, and triumphs that have shaped this evolving Pittsburgh neighborhood. The tour paints a vivid picture of the people, places, and events that form East Liberty’s unique identity. More than just an exploration of a neighborhood, it’s an opportunity to reflect on themes of culture, power, and the strength of storytelling to preserve community memory.  


    3:00pm – 5:00pm          Panel: Radical Financial Innovation

    From community-focused fundraising and revenue-sharing initiatives to impact investing and cooperative ownership, this panel spotlights groundbreaking financial models currently being implemented by BIPOC arts organizations. Panelists share success stories and strategies that expand possibilities for nonprofit funding.

    Moderated by Khamil Bailey from Greenwood Plan (Pittsburgh, PA), this panel is joined by Cierra Peters and Tomashi Jackson from Boston Ujima Project (Boston, MA), Ken Ikeda from CAST (Community Arts Stabilization Trust) (San Francisco, CA), Darren Isom from The Bridgespan Group (San Francisco, CA), and Derrick Tillman from Bridging the Gap Development (Pittsburgh, PA). 


    7:30pm – 9:00pm          Arts Program: Front & Center

    KST’s Local and Global Performance Program commissions, develops, and presents evening-length works of dance and theater from artists working at the intersection of personal investigation and formal inquiry. Featuring artists with long-standing relationships to Kelly Strayhorn Theater and its flagship program, this two-night showcase will present excerpted works of dance and theater that speak to artistic development in Pittsburgh with an eye towards the national and international stage. Saturday night’s program includes: Jesse Factor (Pittsburgh, PA), Sidra Bell Dance New York (New York, NY), PearlArts Movement & Sound (Pittsburgh, PA), A.I.M by Kyle Abraham (New York, NY) and more. 


     9:00pm – 11:00pm         KST Lounge with Live Music


    Sunday, May 18, 2025 

    9:00am – 11:00am          Breakfast


    10:00am – 12:00pm       Panel Discussion: Envisioning the Future

    “How can we foster a sense of community both within and beyond the building’s physical limits? How can BIPOC organizations assert ownership of their spaces, both culturally and physically?”

    This discussion focuses on visionary approaches to designing and utilizing physical spaces that promote cultural ownership and empowerment. Panelists will explore how innovative design practices, inclusive community engagement, and sustainable building strategies are shaping the future of BIPOC-led arts spaces.

    Moderated by Kilolo Luckett from ALMA | LEWIS (Pittsburgh, PA), with Jonathan McCrory from the National Black Theatre (New York, NY), Allan Co from Crescere Collaborative (New York, NY), and Cristal Chanelle Truscott from The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (Chicago, IL).


    1:00pm – 1:45pm             Keynote Speaker: Andy Shallal

    Artist, social entrepreneur, and founder/CEO of Busboys and Poets, Andy Shallal, delves into the power of ownership in cultural spaces. Drawing from his experience building Busboys and Poets—an innovative restaurant group in the DMV where art, culture, and politics intentionally collide over mindfully sourced food, drinks, books, and events—Andy will highlight how intentional spaces can ignite activism, equity, and resilience, shaping a future where Black and Brown-led arts institutions thrive. 


    All Weekend

    Looking Glass App by Adrian Jones

    What if a camera could unearth the history buried within a neighborhood? From that image grew Looking Glass, an app-based archive of Black life in Pittsburgh, equipped with an augmented reality lens created by Pittsburgh artist Adrian Jones. Use the app’s map feature to discover markers where people, events, and institutions are remembered. At each location, you can examine artifacts like photos and videos and activate site-specific AR sculptures. Looking Glass facilitates meaningful connections to history and, in turn, helps to imagine and pursue a more just future.


    Lifting Liberty by Njaimeh Njie

    Lifting Liberty is a collage, photo, and text meditation on the legacy of Black cultural spaces in East Liberty. From Howe School of Dance to the Selma Burke Art Center to the Shadow Lounge, a constellation of creative places and people have shined bright for more than a century in the neighborhood. The installation pulls from archives and contemporary source material to amplify East Liberty as a hub of creativity despite its history of cultural displacement. Looking at the past and with an eye on the future, Lifting Liberty imagines an East Liberty where arts are anchored for the next 100 years.


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

    Named after 20th-century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.


    THANKS TO FUNDERS AND SPONSORS

         

                    

  2. RELEASE: New Freshworks Performances in Progress at KST’s Alloy Studios by Zuly Inirio and Anya Collins

    KST’s Freshworks reaffirms its commitment to encouraging and supporting creative risk-taking.

    Zuly Inirio (Left); Anya Collins (Right). Photo credit: Kristin Pulido; Joy Holder

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is thrilled to present two upcoming Freshworks: New Performances in Progress in the Winter/Spring 2025 season, featuring Afro-Latina soprano Zuly Inirio and choreographer Anya Collins. On Friday and Saturday, April 4–5, Zuly’s La Voz que Soy explores her identity while challenging preconceived notions within the exclusive, Eurocentric opera world. On Friday and Saturday, May 2–3, Anya’s Fugue draws from the Baroque musical structure to embody the struggle between focus and distraction in the modern world through dance.

    Freshworks is KST’s creative residency for emerging artists and collaborators based in the greater Pittsburgh region. The program provides artists with planning support and guidance, studio space, production staff, lighting and sound design, a stipend, and a resource budget.

    KST takes pride in Freshworks for its commitment to encouraging creative risk-taking. Over two months, Zuly and Anya bring their ideas to the table, receiving feedback from KST’s Programming, Production, and Marketing teams while also enjoying the space for artistic exploration and self-reflection.

    La Voz que Soy, or The Voice I Am, is Zuly’s reinterpretation of the 1958 French opera La voix humane. Using the opera’s original framework of revisiting her past love through a final phone call, Zuly recreates her experience getting ready at home for an audition while calling her mother. The work lives like an archive, tracing stories from Zuly’s childhood that shaped her identity. It follows her journey to the present as she grapples with the reality of fitting herself as an Afro-Latina singer in the predominantly Eurocentric opera world. “Or do I even want to fit in,” Zuly challenges in a profound way.

    Meanwhile, inspired by Baroque music through a modern lens, Anya reimagines the classical fugue, the Baroque musical form where phrases chase and build on each other. Their choreography reflects today’s fast-paced media landscape, using fugue’s fragmented structure to embody the struggle between focus and distraction. Fugue is also an eager experiment with the Baroque music style and its associated, 17th and 18th centuries European dance forms. Combining the movement vocabulary from that period with a modern concept, Anya expressed their excitement: “I can’t wait to challenge myself, deciding where I’m going to break the forms and where I’m going to follow them.”

    “It’s been incredible to see artists bring fresh ideas in design, narrative, music, and more each week,” says KST’s Programming Manager, Sarah Gilmer. “Both La Voz que Soy and Fugue interrogate genres of European music through different artistic forms. At KST, we strive to create a supportive environment for this sort of creative risk-taking, connecting artists with the resources they need to bring their stories and ideas to life.”

    Freshworks: New Performance in Progress invites audiences to witness Zuly and Anya’s creative process in real time and the magic of the invaluable community support. As Freshworks continues to foster creative experimentation, KST remains dedicated to nurturing the future of performing arts in Pittsburgh and beyond.


    Zuly Inirio: La Voz que Soy

    Friday & Saturday, April 4 – 5, 2025 | with discussion

    KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.

    Tickets are Pay What Moves You, $15 – $30 per attendee, and can be reserv


    Anya Collins: Fugue

    Friday & Saturday, May 2 – 3, 2025 | with discussion

    KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.

    Tickets are Pay What Moves You, $15 – $30 per attendee, and can be reserved here.


    ABOUT THE Artists

    Afro-Latina soprano, scholar, and TEDx Speaker Zuly Inirio (She/Her) is from the Dominican Republic and has appeared as a soloist throughout the United States and Europe. She actively pursues bringing awareness to Afro-Latinidad in classical music with her ‘Afro-Latinx Song and Opera Project’ whose goal is to commission new works about Afro-Latin and Afro-Latinx communities, as well as decolonize the classical music canon by uplifting the contributions and stories of Afro-Latin American and Afro-Latinx classical composers.

    /


    Anya Collins (They/Them) is an emerging choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA, and Miami, FL. They attended New World School of the Arts High School and New York University Tisch School of the Arts. During their time at NYU, Anya crafted a repertoire of 11 student works across diverse mediums, ranging from solo pieces to collaborative endeavors for both film and stage.

    /\

    /


    FRESHWORKS APPLICATION

    Interested to be the next Freshworks artist? The application for 2025-2026 is now open until April 6. For more information and the application guidelines, please visit here.


    ABOUT FRESHWORKS

    Freshworks is KST’s creative residency for emerging artists and collaborators based in the greater Pittsburgh region. Freshworks made its debut in 2013 and supports playful exploration in performance through interdisciplinary work in contemporary dance, theater, music, and multimedia.  

    The program provides emerging artists with planning support and guidance, studio space, production staff, lighting and sound design, a stipend and resource budget, and encouragement for creative risk taking. Artists are invited to apply either as an individual or as a collaborative group. Artists without extensive experience in new work development are highly encouraged to apply. This residency is dedicated to nurturing those who are just beginning to explore original work, providing a unique opportunity for experimentation and artistic growth.


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

    Named after 20th-century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.

  3. WHITNEY: A Tribute Concert with Dwayne Fulton on Saturday, March 15

    Celebrating Whitney’s legacy with some of Pittsurgh’s finest musicians.

    Artwork by Kelly Strayhorn Theater from images by Randall Coleman and Public Domain

    Get ready for an unforgettable night at Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) with a tribute concert honoring the unparalleled legacy of Whitney Houston on Saturday, March 15 from 7:30pm – 9:00pm. Led by Musical Director Dwayne Fulton, this musical celebration brings Whitney’s iconic hits to life, honoring her legacy with electrifying performances by some of Pittsburgh’s finest musicians. The VIP Reception from 5:30pm – 7:00pm offers early admission, reserved seating, light hors d’oeuvres, and a complimentary drink ticket for an enhanced experience. 

    With her soaring range, effortless grace, and unmatched vocal power, Whitney redefined global superstardom. Selling over 200 million records, earning 11 No. 1 singles, and winning 6 GRAMMYs, she remains one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century.

    Back in August 2024, KST conducted an online survey and asked audiences to vote for the next star KST should honor in their annual tribute concert. The overwhelming, enthusiastic response showed a strong consensus—Whitney was the clear favorite. 

    Led by Musical Director Dwayne Fulton, this tribute concert features lead vocalists Mychole Starr, Chantal Joseph, Anqwenique, Anita Levels, and Kylie Edwards, supported by Katy Cotten, Delana Flowers, and Carmen Miller of the BGVs. Accompanied by musicians Claude Flowers (Bass), Paris Akins (Keys), J.R Jones (Drums), and Michael Davis (Guitar), the concert will journey through Whitney’s greatest hits in a night of celebration, remembrance, and musical brilliance. 

    Since 2020, KST has collaborated with Dwayne Fulton on a recurring series of tribute concerts honoring musical legends. From Black & Solid Gold: Hits of Magnificent Motown to the sold-out When Doves Cry Prince tribute, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: An Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert, and Simply the Best honoring Tina Turner, these one-of-a-kind events filled KST with nostalgia, joy and laughter.

    One of the biggest challenges—and sources of fun—that Dwayne experienced this time was finding artists who could capture the essence of Whitney’s singing:

    “Whitney has a unique, pop-ish, clean, and even pristine sound, which is very hard to find. Many singers have strong, powerful, and heavy voices with some rasp, but they could possibly kill a Whitney song. What I want to do is be as authentic as possible and come as close as I can to find the clean sound that Whitney brings.”

    Dwayne continues with his musical vision: “We want to preserve the integrity of her music. When we play an intro, the audience should immediately think, ‘Hey, that’s my song!’ Of course, we’ll also have some musical fun within that framework.”

    At the VIP Reception, concertgoers can enjoy a specialty cocktail from TLC Libations and light hors d’oeuvres in the company of other Whitney fans and KST supporters. Celebrate the KST community and have early entry to the theater to secure preferred seating. The evening promises to be a powerful tribute to Whitney Houston’s sound and a celebration of Pittsburgh talent. 


    WHITNEY: A Tribute Concert with Dwayne Fulton

    Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm VIP Reception | 7:30pm – 9:00pm Concert

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.

    Tickets are Pay What Moves You, $35 – $65 per attendee, and can be reserved here.

     


    ABOUT THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

    With over 30 years of experience as a pianist, music director, and composer, Dwayne Fulton understands the power of the arts. Dwayne is the founder and Chief Executive of Kingdom People Productions and The SouLyfe Cafe. Dwayne has accompanied Grover Washington, Jr., Roger Humphries, Sean Jones, and Nathan Davis. He has shared the stage with Keith Sweat, Guy, Fred Hammond, Bobby Jones, Kirk Franklin, The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Michael Bublé, and Stevie Wonder.

     


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

    Named after 20th-century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.

  4. Honoring The Legacy of Black Cultural Spaces in East Liberty: New Exhibition Lifting Liberty by Njaimeh Njie

    Through looking at the past, Lifting Liberty imagines what the future of an arts-anchored East Liberty could be.

    Artwork by Njaimeh Njie

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is excited to welcome multimedia artist Njaimeh Njie and her latest visual art exhibition Lifting Liberty, displayed at KST’s lobby from Thursday, February 27 to Saturday, May 31. In the exhibition, Njie uses collages, photos, and text to meditate on the legacy of Black cultural spaces in East Liberty. The Opening Reception is on Thursday, February 27, from 6:00 – 8:00pm. 

    From Howe School of Dance to the Selma Burke Art Center to the Shadow Lounge, a constellation of creative places and people have shined bright for more than a century in East Liberty. Lifting Liberty highlights eight historical cultural spaces in the neighborhood. It pulls from archives and contemporary source material to amplify East Liberty as a hub of creativity, despite its history of cultural displacement. 

    Njaimeh Njie, Courtesy of the Artist

    “In my work, I tell stories about everyday life, particularly everyday black experiences through the lense of how the past shapes the present. That involves a lot of archival research, learning about the past through the people who have lived it”, said Njie. 

    Over the past 60 years, East Liberty, one of Pittsburgh’s most historically diverse and culturally vibrant neighborhoods, has undergone significant changes driven by the lasting effects of redlining, urban renewal, and the Great Recession. In the past 15 years, neighborhood redevelopment has fueled rising market forces, shifting culture and resident demographics, resulting in a 24% loss of Black residents between 2009 and 2018. Amid these developments, a commitment to safeguard Black centered spaces dedicated to arts and culture remains vital, honoring the neighborhood’s rich heritage and ensuring residents are celebrated. 

    Informed by the changes she has witnessed, the Pittsburgh-born and raised Njie uses her art as a celebration of the history of black cultural spaces in East Liberty: “I always want to center black communities’ sense of power and agency. I want to lift up this history of building community through making art. I want us to really think about and dream about how to continue that.”

    “We are in a pivotal moment of transformation across institutions, structures, and communities—an opportunity to reimagine our relationships with one another and our built environments, with culture leading the way. There is much to learn from the cultural spaces that have shaped and activated East Liberty over many storied years, placing creativity and community at their core,” said Joseph Hall, KST’s Co-Executive Director.

    The exhibition Lifting Liberty serves as a forerunner, building the excitement and setting the stage for KST’s upcoming Owning Our Future: A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership on Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18. KST is leading a groundbreaking national symposium that aims to reshape the future of accessible, equitable cultural spaces owned and anchored by BIPOC communities. During Lifting Liberty’s Opening Reception on February 27, there will be a special reveal, when the symposium’s detailed schedule and tickets become available. 

    Lifting Liberty is on view at KST’s lobby gallery. The gallery is open to the public during and one hour before every KST Presents event. Audience can arrive early and take a look.


    KST GALLERY | VISUAL ART
    Njaimeh Njie
    Lifting Liberty

    Thursday, February 27 – Saturday, May 31
    Opening Reception: Thursday, February 27, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
    Gallery Hours with Performance

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $0 – $20

    Click for more details…


    ABOUT THE ARTIST

    Njaimeh Njie is a multimedia artist working across photography, film, collage, installation, and public art. Her storytelling practice centers everyday people, narratives, and landscapes, with a focus on how the past shapes the present. Njie has exhibited at Carnegie Museum of Art and the Mattress Factory, and she has presented at spaces including TEDxPittsburghWomen and Harvard University. Njie earned her B.A. in Film and Media Studies in 2010 from Washington University in St. Louis.

  5. KST Reasserts Pittsburgh’s Commitment to the Legacy of Rev. Dr. King

    KST hosts a day of performances and activities on MLK Day, January 20.

    Artwork by Mingsi Ma

    On Monday, January 20, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) continues their 15th annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with In the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King: An MLK Day Celebration Through Art & Advocacy and Let Freedom SingIn the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King presents an engaging Youth & Family program featuring performances by local artists and activities that connect participants to valuable community resources. Attendees will explore how Rev. Dr. King’s legacy of activism continues to resonate with today’s ongoing struggles for social justice. This event is part of Citizens Series: KST Presents Arts and Community Programs, sponsored by Citizens.

    In the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with local performances scheduled from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The day’s festivities culminate with the 18th annual Let Freedom Sing Concert at 7:30pm. In the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King is hosted by KST’s board chair Alyssa P. Lyon, formerly the Director of the Black Environmental Collective.

    According to KST’s Programming Manager Sarah Gilmer, “Dr. King spoke of the interconnected struggles for justice, emphasizing the need to challenge inequality and champion dignity for all. This year’s celebration brings his words and other pioneers of justice to life through a program that explores pressing priorities like youth empowerment, reproductive justice, and the collective pursuit of peace.”

    This day of reflection, unity, and creative expression highlights performances from new local performance partners in addition to returning partner Hill Dance Academy Theatre. Student performers from Los Sabrosos Dance Company’s class “Breakin’ for Kids” will open the show. Guardians of Sound’s Hip Hop Orchestra, a creative performing ensemble composed of youth, young professional and established professional musicians, will perform three songs appointed for MLK Day.

    This year, In the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King brings art and advocacy to the forefront through new and special collaborations. KST commissioned Bearing Life: A Dance Play on Black Women’s Reproductive Health from choreographer and teaching artist Rickia Davenport, featuring members of Alumni Theater Company’s professional ensemble.

    Inspired by Rickia’s first-hand experience facing Preeclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy, and child loss at birth, Bearing Life responds to the reproductive health challenges Black women face through dance.

    Research has shown that pregnancy-related mortality rates and morbility rate are higher for Black women compared to for White women. KST commissioned this work at this timing when historic, racial and socio-economic reasons force black women to have less access to prenatal care.

    KST is also excited to present a special pop-up gallery exhibition for MLK Day. Displayed in the lobby are the Oneness Dove, an interactive wooden art piece, and a special mural, both created in collaboration with the KSCI-ART Youth Initiative teens led by Kirsten Raglin-Smith. KSCI-ART Youth Initiative will facilitate event attendees decorating and adding their own circles to the Oneness Dove that will be on display in the KST Gallery until Sunday, February 16, 2025. Participants can also take home a 3D-printed circle to commemorate this inspiring tribute to Dr. King’s vision.

    Courtesy of Let Freedom Sing

    At the end of the day, the Let Freedom Sing Concert celebrates social justice through vocal and instrumental music, as well as spoken word. The concert features vocal solos by Anqwenique and choral selections by The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, directed by Dr. Herbert Jones. It concludes with a performance by the intergenerational MLK Festival Choir, directed by Dr. Herbert Jones and Nikki Porter, with a jazz trio accompanying the singers throughout the evening. KDKA-TV reporter Mikey Hood will serve as the celebrity emcee.


    In the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King: An MLK Day Celebration Through Art & Advocacy

    Monday, January 20, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Community Partner Activities | 2:00pm – 3:00pm Performance Program

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.

    Tickets for In the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King are Pay What Moves You, $0 – $25 per attendee, and can be reserved here.


    Let Freedom Sing

    Monday, January 20, 2025 | 7:30pm

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.

    Tickets for Let Freedom Sing are Pay What Moves You, $2 – $50 per attendee, and can be reserved here


    IN THE SPIRIT OF REV. DR. KING – ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Astounded by socio-economic disparities in Pittsburgh, New York native and KST Board Chair Alyssa P. Lyon (Host) works to level the playing field. With degrees from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, she promotes sustainable solutions for Black communities. Formerly Director of the Black Environmental Collective, Alyssa has played a crucial role in initiatives such as the Wilkinsburg TRID study, the City of Pittsburgh’s Comprehensive Plan, and collaborations with the EPA. She is a key driver of efforts to address environmental injustice and racism.Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT), a Pittsburgh Cultural Treasure will celebrate 20 years in 2025 as Black dance arts education nonprofit organization located in the Historic Hill District of Pittsburgh, PA., HDAT was founded in 2005 by Ayisha Morgan-Lee, Ed.D. to provide children, youth, and teens, ages 3 to 18, access and opportunity to dance. HDAT trains students in various styles of concert dance, fitness and nutrition, and leadership skills. HDAT’s mission is to provide professional level training in Black Dance traditions, history, culture, and aesthetics that engages and empowers students to pursue careers in Black dance. www.5678hdat.org

    Guardians of Sound’s Hip Hop Orchestra aims to inspire and nurture the creative and intellectual curiosity of today’s youth through music. The orchestra is composed of instrumentalists, singers, emcees and rappers who work with a variety of music genres, including hip hop, rock, popular, classical, and jazz. This approach not only enriches modern music-making but also builds a stronger, younger, and more diverse audience for musicians. Visit gosound.org to learn more.

    Los Sabrosos Dance Company is a dance and fitness organization whose mission is to help individuals find freedom, passion, self-expression, and self-confidence through movement. They offer group and private dance classes in a variety of styles including Salsa, Bachata, Ballroom classes (Waltz, Jive, Rumba, etc), Yoga, Hip-Hop, Bellydance, Zumba, fitness classes, and many more. They also offer services for weddings, quinceañeras, sweet sixteens, bachelorette, and more. For information on upcoming classes and other services visit lspgh.com.

    A native of Pittsburgh’s Hill District and South Hills neighborhoods, Rickia Davenport attended Potomac State College in West Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Arts Education director with K-Theatre Dance Complex, is a lead Dance Instructor for Propel Charter Schools and is CEO and Owner of KaiFiTT. She has also cultivated dance partnerships with Voices against Violence, Gwen’s Girls, Dance Junction, Be Healthy Be Smart Fitness, and more! @rickia_lynn


    IN THE SPIRIT OF REV. DR. KING – ABOUT THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS

    The Kingsley Association is your hub for community connection and growth. We offer health and wellness programs, enriching after-school activities, youth and teen events, and family resources to uplift and inspire. Our newly modernized facilities serve as a vibrant space for gathering, learning, and empowerment. Together, we build meaningful relationships and create opportunities for everyone. Discover how you can engage with our mission to enhance lives at KingsleyAssociation.org.

    Healthy Start Inc. supports women, children, fathers, families, and communities through comprehensive community-based programming, systems coordination, advocacy, research, and training. Our programming spans Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. We are part of a network of more than 100 community-based Healthy Start projects across the United States. Our goal is to make sure all families have access to affordable, quality care to improve maternal and child health outcomes and quality of life. healthystartpittsburgh.org.

    Youth Initiative, led by Kirsten Raglin-Smith, empowers adolescents in Pittsburgh’s East Side through arts, STEM, and life skills programming. Partnering with local organizations, they foster creativity, mentorship, and community-building activities like cooking, sports, and intentional conversations. At KST’s annual MLK Day celebration, Youth Initiative will facilitate the Oneness Dove project, a collaborative sculpture symbolizing unity and peace. Participants can also take home a 3D-printed circle to commemorate this inspiring tribute to Dr. King’s vision!

    The mission of True T is celebrating queer people of color through creative art, community health, and social activism. Mrs. Tracey Bryant leads True T‘s Unique Jewelry Workshop at KST’s MLK Day! Join us for a hands-on journey, turning raw materials into one-of-a-kind craft jewelry under Mrs. Bryant’s expert guidance. Participants will create stunning masterpieces onsite, ensuring a unique and personalized experience. Don’t miss this chance to unleash your creativity and take home a bespoke work of art. truetpgh.com @truetpgh

    Landforce is committed to building a just world where everyone belongs, lives in a healthy environment, and surpasses their greatest dreams. By combining employment opportunities with environmental stewardship, Landforce recruits, trains, educates, employs, and supports adults who have faced structural barriers to stable employment. Their skilled crews transform greenspaces through creative work like garden installations, trail building, and reforestation, blending environmental restoration with artistry. Visit landforcepgh.org to learn more about their upcoming projects and opportunities.

    Assemble envisions a world where learning and creating are transformative experiences. We use learning to build a more equitable future for youth and learners in Pittsburgh and beyond. Through making, we build confidence, connect learners and creators, and nurture agency. We offer free programs for kids, camps, and adult programs. Visit us at 4824 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, assemblepgh.org, or @assemblepgh.

    Allegheny Reproductive Health Center has provided compassionate, patient-centered abortion care in Pittsburgh since 1975 and has expanded in recent years to offer gynecology and trans care. As a small but dedicated team, we are committed to supporting our community with personalized care and resources. Through educational outreach and collaborative events, we focus on advancing reproductive health and justice, ensuring accessible, informed choices for all individuals seeking comprehensive reproductive health services. alleghenyreproductive.com


    LET FREEDOM SING – ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Founder and Director of The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, Dr. Herbert Jones has cultivated a multifaceted career as a choral conductor, educator, scholar, operatic bass, liturgical dancer, orator, pastor.  He has taught middle school through university levels, performed across the United States and Europe.  Dr. Jones holds degrees in Music, Psychology, Education, Dance & Drama, culminating with a doctorate in Choral Conducting & Music Education, and with additional study in Ethnomusicology.

    A versatile vocalist and teaching artist specializing in opera, classical music, jazz, and soul, Anqwenique is heard all over the Pittsburgh region. She grew up in Pittsburgh, steeped in jazz as her father was a musician. A frequent teaching artist, Anqwenique is on the faculty of CLAZZ International Music Festival in Italy. She was named one of Pittsburgh’s 40 under 40 in 2017 and serves as director of programs for Arts Education Collaborative. @sopranowing

    Internationally recognized singer, songwriter, teacher, choir director, and actress, Rev. Nicol “Nikki” Porter is Minister of Music at Eastminster  Presbyterian Church.  Nikki holds a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University where she studied with Maureen Budway and founded Duquesne’s Gospel Choir.  Rev. Porter performs as soloist, teacher and choir director with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Gospel Connection conference in Italy and was named Bynums Marketing & Communications’ 2024 Circle of Courage awardee. nikkiportermusic.com

    ​​Kenny Peagler is an award-winning, multi-genre pianist, composer, and musical director celebrated for his virtuosic technique and ability to weave intricate melodies and lush harmonies that evoke deep emotion. Originating from Pittsburgh, he received a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music, where he honed his craft and caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to performances at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide. kennypeagler.com

    Pittsburgh native Mikey Hood joined KDKA in March 2019. Mikey has had a public presence in Pittsburgh for quite some time through her online show PghSpot, a platform she created to highlight the movers and shakers in the Burgh! Mikey grew up in the East End of Pittsburgh and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she studied Writing and Communications. @mikeyhoodkdka

     The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic ensemble founded by Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones. The Chorale specializes in the performance and preservation of African-American Sacred Choral Music, Sacred Choral Music, Spirituals, Anthems, and Gospel Music. The Chorale has a seven- member Board of Directors and includes, in its Mission, collaborations with other choral and instrumental ensembles, organizations and musical entities. thgcpgh.org


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

    Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.

  6. RELEASE: Kelly Strayhorn Theater Announces Winter / Spring 2025 Season

    Activism can be the journey rather than the arrival.”
    ― Grace Lee Boggs

    Pittsburgh, PA – Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is thrilled to announce their Winter/Spring 2025 season, offering an exciting lineup of Youth & Family programs, visual arts exhibition, tribute concert, and Freshworks work-in-progress showcases. The season culminates in May, where KST hosts their special national symposium, Owning Our Future: A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership. Tickets are now available for purchase at kelly-strayhorn.org.

    This season, KST presents a range of impactful events that inspire, challenge, and uplift: from An MLK Day Celebration and Let Freedom Sing concert honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to Lifting Liberty, a visual arts exhibition by artist Njaimeh Njie that celebrates the creative spirit of East Liberty. KST is also thrilled to support two new Freshworks artists and their work-in-progress with residencies: Singer Zuly Inirio’s La Voz Que Soy and choreographer Anya Collins’ Fugue, which explore themes of identity, history, and the present moment. Additionally, the overwhelming community excitement surrounding WHITNEY: A Tribute Concert with Dwayne Fulton continues to be a highlight.

    In 2022, KST shared their strategic plan, Owning Our Future, Thriving Where We Live, with a bold vision for KST to become a national cultural destination—a creative home for bold voices, rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. Now, in 2025, KST is stronger than ever and ready to build upon this foundation. But KST can’t do it alone.

    In these uncertain political times, KST is called not only to reflect but to act. The theater has an opportunity to reimagine a future shaped by art in a world that is constantly shifting. Despite the volatility around us, one truth remains clear: through the arts, there is always a path forward.

    Looking ahead, KST invites everyone to join the Owning Our Future Symposium in May 2025, which will explore BIPOC institutional ownership and envision a new future for equitable, accessible cultural spaces owned and anchored by BIPOC communities. Together, KST will pave new avenues toward cultural justice.

    The future is ours to shape. With the support and participation of the community, KST will continue to build a space where art, creativity, and community thrive—where every voice matters and every story is honored. The work is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.


    YOUTH & FAMILY| DANCE | MUSIC
    In The Spirit of Rev. Dr. King
    An MLK Day Celebration

    Monday, January 20
    1:00pm – 4:00pm Community Partner Activities

    Kelly Strayhorn | 5941 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $0 – $25

    Click for more details…


    MUSIC | COMMUNITY
    Let Freedom Sing Concert
    Celebrating Social Justice in Song

    Monday, January 20 
    7:30pm – 9:00pm

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $2 – $50

    Click for more details…


    KST GALLERY | VISUAL ART
    Njaimeh Njie
    Lifting Liberty

    Thursday, February 27 – Saturday, May 31
    Opening Reception: Thursday, February 27, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
    Gallery Hours with Performance

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $0 – $20

    Click for more details…


    SPECIAL EVENT | MUSIC
    Whitney
    A Tribute Concert with Dwayne Fulton

    Saturday, March 15
    5:30pm – 7:00pm: VIP Reception

    7:30pm – 9:00pm: Concert

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave
    Pay What Moves You: $35 – $65

    Click for more details…


    FRESHWORKS | MUSIC
    Zuly Inirio
    La Voz que Soy

    Friday & Saturday, April 4* – 5* *with discussion
    7:30pm – 9:00pm 

    KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30

    Click for more details…


    FRESHWORKS | DANCE
    Anya Collins
    Fugue

    Friday & Saturday, May 2* – 3* | *with discussion
    7:30pm – 9:00pm

    KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30

    Click for more details…


    SPECIAL EVENT 
    Owning Our Future
    A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership

    Friday May 16 – Sunday, May 18
    All Day Programming: Discussions and Performances

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
    Tickets on sale in February 2025

    Click for more details…


    THEATER | COMMUNITY
    theatriQ
    Creative Sessions

    Wednesdays, January 8 – April 23
    5:30pm – 8:00pm

    KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.
    FREE

    Click for more details…


    THEATER | COMMUNITY
    theatriQ
    An Original Theater Production

    Friday – Sunday, April 25 – 27
    Times Vary

    KST’s Alloy Studios | 5530 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $10 – $40

    Click for more details…


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

    Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility

  7. Kelly Strayhorn Theater tells the story of Pittsburgh; presents New York Premiere of Jesse Factor’s The Marthaodyssey

    KST X NYC 2025 presents the New York premiere of Jesse Factor’s The Marthaodyssey as part of Live Artery Festival January 10-13, 2025.

    Jesse Factor, Photo by Anita Buzzy Prentiss

    ​​PITTSBURGH, PA — As part of Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s (KST) ongoing Owning Our Future, Thriving Where We Live strategic direction, KST is thrilled to announce the third year of KST X NYC, a special initiative to share new works commissioned and developed in Pittsburgh by KST in collaboration with national partners. This year, KST is proud to present the New York premiere of Jesse Factor’s The Marthaodyssey, co-presented with Live Artery | New York Live Arts in association with Martha Graham Dance Company Friday, January 10 – Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 9:30pm and Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:00am.

    Dancing across gender, time, and bodily differences, The Marthaodyssey is a solo evening-length speculative fantasy through which dance artist Jesse Factor animates “the high priestess of modern dance” to the sonic landscape of “the queen of pop.” The work siphons the rich physicality of Martha Graham’s archive, reinterpreting and recontextualizing classic works as they are set to excerpts of Madonna’s 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour setlist with deep reverence and playful humor.

    This NYC premiere presentation coincides with GRAHAM 100, an initiative of Martha Graham Dance Company celebrating its hundredth year. Part dance concert, part pop concert, part drag show, The Marthodyssey’s aesthetic presentation moves Graham’s tradition of lights and tights into pop spectacle and genderfuck lip sync. Performances take place at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater at 10 West 64th Street and tickets are Pay What Moves You: $25 to $40. Tickets on sale soon!

    KST X NYC 2025 also highlights the work of three additional Pittsburgh-based artistic entities. Theater Artist Adil Mansoor, will be in conversation with The Flea Artistic Director Niegel Smith for the Under the Radar festival’s Coming Attractions at artXnyc on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. The pair will discuss Amm(i)gone, Mansoor’s recent work that employs Greek tragedy Antigone as a tool to locate love across faith in a Pakistani immigrant family. The work will see its New York premiere in April 2025 produced by PlayCo, Woolly Mammoth Theater Company, Kelly Strayhorn Theater and The Flea at The Flea.

    Non-binary dance duo slowdanger shares material from STORY BALLET as a part pf Pentale’s showcases at New York City Center Studios on Saturday, January 11 from 2:10pm – 2:30pm. Set to premiere at KST in Fall 2026, the surreal dance theater performance examines Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, re-contextualizing the tale into an exploration of mental health de-stigmatization and perception.

    PearlArts Movement & Sound shares an excerpt of the company’s newest creation, sum of y’all, with artistic collaborator Marvin Touré for Pentacle’s showcases at the Ailey Citygroup Theater, Sunday, January 12 from 2:45pm – 3:15pm. The new work invites audiences to reflect on the delicate impermanence of community. Tracing back to memories of historically Black spaces that have been erased over time, sum of y’all highlights the constant and inevitable state of expansion, change, and transformation. Premiering Spring 2026 at KST.

    “KST X NYC brings KST’s vision of ‘Owning Our Future. Thriving Where We Live.’ to a national stage, highlighting the importance of artists and culture in creating a lively community in Pittsburgh,” says KST’s Co-Executive Director Joseph Hall.

    KST’s Programming Director, Ben Pryor notes, “In January, The Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference hosts an unprecedented opportunity for national and international exposure and exchange. In bringing these works to New York City during APAP, we are telling KST’s story to our national and international colleagues and creating an opportunity for exposure that most Pittsburgh-based artists don’t get to experience.”

    The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater is ADA-accessible and Kelly Strayhorn Theater is happy to further address any accommodations that will enrich your visit. Please reach out to KST’s Box Office team at 412.363.3000 x213 or boxoffice@kelly-strayhorn.org to let the team know in advance. For more details, please visit kelly-strayhorn.org.


    Jesse Factor, The Marthaodyssey
    Co-Presented with Live Artery | New York Live Arts
    in association with Martha Graham Dance Company

    Friday – Sunday, January 10 – 12, 2025 | 9:30pm – 10:30pm
    Monday, January 13, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
    The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater | 10 West 64th Street, NYC 

    Tickets for The Marthaodyssey are Pay What Moves You, $25 – $40 per attendee, and go on sale soon!


    Adil Mansoor, Amm(i)gone in UTR’s Coming Attractions
    Produced by PlayCo, The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company,
    The Flea and Kelly Strayhorn Theater

    Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
    artXnyc | 409 West 14th Street, NYC

    Admission for Coming Attractions is FREE | RSVP 


    slowdanger, STORY BALLET
    Showcase produced by Pentacle’s Tour Ready Lab*

    Saturday, January 11, 2:10pm – 2:30pm
    New York City Center, Studio 5 | 130 West 56th Street, 5th Floor, NYC

    Admission is reserved for performing arts professionals |  RSVP
    Members of the general public may be admitted if space allows

    *Showcases are part of the Dance Managers Collective.


    PearlArts Movement & Sound, sum of y’all
    Showcase produced by Pentacle Roster*

    Sunday, January 12, 2:45pm – 3:15pm
    Ailey Citigroup Theater | 405 West 55th Street, NYC

    Admission is reserved for performing arts professionals |  RSVP to sandyg@pentacle.org
    Members of the general public may be admitted if space allows


    ABOUT THE MARTHAODYSSEY

    This presentation of The Marthaodyssey is supported by the Ford Foundation and Heinz Endowments America’s Cultural Treasures initiative. The Marthaodyssey was created with support from National Center for Choreography Akron, The Space Upstairs, Point Park University, Martha Graham Center, Slippery Rock University, and Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Jesse Factor was a 2023 and 2024 NDP Finalist Grant Award recipient. Support was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project with funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation in support of The Marthaodyssey and to address continued sustainability needs.

    Jesse Factor, Concept and Performance
    Robert Ramirez, Director
    Andy Hasenpflug, Sound Editing and Remixes
    Scott Andrew, Projections, Lobby Installation
    Julianna Waechter, Jesse Factor, Tony Allgeier, Costumes
    Travis Klingler, Aurora Borealis, Wig Designs
    Tucker Topel, Set Designer
    Madeleine Steineck, Lighting Designer
    Anya and Mitsuko Clark-Verdery, Creative Consultants


    ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Jesse Factor trained at the Martha Graham School and danced with Graham II and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Born in Sharon, PA, Jesse grew up in Quito, Ecuador and Bangkok, Thailand before earning a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Factor’s work has been presented at the Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, OUTsider Festival (Austin), Milton Art Bank, RADfest (Kalamazoo),  St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery (NYC), Fresh Fruit Festival (NYC), Queer Spectra (Salt Lake City), and House of Yes (NYC). Factor holds an MFA from the University of Iowa and completed additional studies at the American Dance Festival and 92 St. Y’s Dance Education Lab (DEL). Jesse currently serves in the Modern Dance Unit at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. 

    Robert Ramirez (Director) works across the country as a director, actor, recorded voice artist, and vocal coach. His professional credits include the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Alley Theater in Houston, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Public Theater in New York City. Recently, he performed here in Pittsburgh with Quantum Theater in Scenes from an Execution. Robert is a member of the National Theater Conference, Actors Equity Association, and currently serves as the Head of the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University.

    Scott Andrew (Media Designer) b. 1982 in Waynesburg, PA, is a multimedia queer-oriented video, installation, performance artist, media designer, educator, and curator. Media Design projects include ’Suite Life’ at KST, ‘Underland x Alice’ at the New Hazlett Theater, and ‘Show Queen’, a 2023 NDP finalist and ongoing collaboration with Dance Artist Jesse Factor that grew out of a Freshworks presentation of ‘I Am A Haunted House’ at KST Alloy Studios. scottnandrew.com

    Andy Hasenpflug (Composer/Music Editor) started his career with the drum set, obtaining a master’s degree in classical percussion. Mr. Hasenpflug currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he freelances and works as the music director for the dance department of Slippery Rock University. In the summers, Andy is the musical director for the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC.

    Tony Allgeier (Costume Designer) uses his 14+ years of design expertise creating projects ranging from full service interior design, luxurious upholstery, and high caliber costuming. Allgeier is artist-in-residence at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and competed on HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen – reinforcing their brand of ‘Streamlined Androgyny’ and the notion that design has no gender.

    Madeleine Steineck (Lighting Designer) has been working as a Lighting Designer and Master Electrician in western Pennsylvania since 2011. Companies she has designed for include: Mercyhurst University, MCG Jazz, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, New Hazlett’s CSA Program, Texture Contemporary Ballet, STAYCEE PEARL dance project, fireWALL dance theatre, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, and City Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival. She has also toured with Philadelphia artist Raphael Xavier.

    Tucker Topel (Scenic Designer) became a Pittsburgh-based scenic designer and theater maker after growing up in the southern Wisconsin area. He is an alum of Point Park University.  Tucker’s most recent local design credits include: Andy Warhol’s Tomato (Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre), Million Dollar Quartet (Pittsburgh Musical Theatre), Angels In America (ELSEWHERE Theatre Company), Three Penny Opera (Mercyhurst University), and The Height of the Storm (FUSION Theatre).

    Creative Consultants Anya Clarke-Verdery (Long Island University, BFA) and Mitsuko Clarke-Verdery (Carnegie Mellon University, BFA) are the co-founders and artistic directors of MICHIYAYA Dance—a femme-centric contemporary dance company based in NYC and Pittsburgh. The duo created MICHIYAYA to honor contemporary dance and to center the experiences of queer women and nonbinary folx. Their work has spread nationally at Yale University, Brooklyn Museum, and the Andy Warhol Museum and been featured in Art Forum, Thinx, Vice i-D, and Medium.

     

     

     


    ABOUT LIVE ARTERY | NEW YORK LIVE ARTS

    Live Artery Festival is a dynamic platform featuring new and recent works by Live Arts resident commissioned artists and curated guests. New York Live Arts, guided by the leadership of visionary artist Bill T. Jones, collaborates with boundary-pushing artists, advocates for their vision, and fortifies a creative future. Visit NewYorkLiveArts.org to learn more.

    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER 

    Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.

  8. Suite Life: KST’s Favorite Holiday Tradition Gets a Latin-Jazz Makeover


    Hugo Cruz, Photo by Jefferson Evans

    The November 30 Celebration of KST Namesakes Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn Features Musical Direction from Hugo Cruz.

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) invites audiences to experience a sizzling new take on the art of KST’s legendary namesakes at SUITE LIFE: A Celebration of Billy Strayhorn & Gene Kelly. This year’s annual benefit on Saturday, November 30, will begin with an exclusive VIP Soundcheck at 5:30pm, followed by a 7:30pm concert offering Afro-Cuban riffs on Strayhorn’s beloved jazz classics. Suite Life will be directed by Pria Dahiya, with musical director Hugo Cruz leading an outstanding ensemble of musicians, including Degnis BofillChantal JosephMike TomaroJoe Sheehan, and Brian Stahurski.

    An annual high point of the long weekend in the East End, Suite Life is both a popular holiday tradition and an opportunity to invest in a pillar of Pittsburgh’s creative community. KST is excited to welcome Musical Director and percussionist Hugo Cruz in bringing Strayhorn’s jazz staples to life. Cruz is a Cuban-born composer and musician who has performed at venues including Havana’s Fábrica de Artes, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. His Cuban musical background influences his adaptation of Strayhorn’s music, highlighting rhythmic percussion and joy from Latin beats. Recently, Cruz performed at KST with the #notwhite Collective — a group of women artists who use art to reject colonialism — in their mixed media art exhibition Sister Soul Spectrum.

    “I have always been surrounded by music and those who love music — especially Cuban music,” says Cruz. “My background and identity as moro or indio in Cuba, meaning someone of African, European, and Taino descent, gives me a unique place in this topic — my ancestry is mixed, as are many Cubans. Culturally, I have been exposed to multiple genres and styles of music that influence my work.”

    Hugo Cruz will bring these influences to Suite Life with a talented roster of musicians. The lineup of performers will include Chantal JosephBrian Stahurski, pianist Joe Sheehan, vocalist and percussionist Degnis Bofill, and saxophonist Mike Tomar.

    Joining Hugo in leading Suite Life is returning director Pria Dahiya, a director, writer, and visual artist who was most recently part of Fall 2023’s Freshworks program, a creative incubator for Pittsburgh-based artists. Dahiya’s performance project, You and Me and the End of the World, offered an insightful take on youth and desire in the digital age.

    Audience members from Suite Life 2023, Photo by Chad Isaiah 

    Prior to the concert, attendees can gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Suite Life at the VIP Soundcheck. The theme of the VIP event, a Flower is a Lovesome Thing, takes its name from a classic Strayhorn tune. From 5:30pm – 7:00pm KST welcomes VIP sponsor &flowers, who will lead a collaborative flower pressing activity in the lobby. Anyone who participates will take home their one-of-a-kind print, courtesy of &flowers and VIP gift sponsor BonBon Press, who designed and printed the edition on an original Heidelberg Windmill letterpress. VIP patrons will have the opportunity to mix and mingle over a signature seasonal cocktail and mocktail from TLC Libations and elevated hors d’oeuvres before a VIP-only performance from Hugo Cruz and his ensemble.

    In 2023, KST invited people through its doors on 348 days out of the year and created opportunities for 224 local and nationally recognized artists. At Suite Life, music lovers, business leaders, and community members can support this anchor arts organization, which continuously activates the Penn Ave corridor. According to Co-Executive Director Joseph HallSuite Life is fundamental to KST’s mission of elevating Black and queer artists in the Pittsburgh community.

    “When you support Kelly Strayhorn Theater, you are saying YES to this city,” says Hall. “Every gift and sponsorship we receive helps build a home for creatively experimental work that uplifts, entertains, and opens space for crucial community dialogue. Your generosity helps ensure that KST remains the soul of East Liberty, where artists and Pittsburghers of all backgrounds can thrive.”


    SUITE LIFE: A Celebration of Billy Strayhorn & Gene Kelly

    Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm VIP Soundcheck | 7:30pm – 9:30pm Concert

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.

    Tickets for Suite Life are Pay What Moves You, $35 – $200 per attendee, and can be reserved here.


    ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Musical Director/Percussionist Hugo Cruz Machado is a Cuban-born, award winning, internationally renowned drummer and composer who has performed in South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Chile, and Venezuela. Hugo is the leader of Caminos, who fuse rhythms and melodies of Afro-Cuban, Cuban, American jazz and funk styles. Caminos released their first original album Punto de Partida in 2022, and have made appearances at Fábrica de Artes in Havana, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, among others.

     

     


    Pria Dahiya is a director, visual artist, and writer exploring internet culture through literary adaptation, movement, and media design. With a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and humanity, Pria’s work transcends the boundaries of traditional art forms, seamlessly blending literary adaptation, movement, and media design.

     

     

     

     


    E. Lieu Wolhardt is a multi-cultural/multi-media/multi-disciplinary artist, as well as a lighting and projection designer. A child of globalization, their work addresses themes of violence, non-bodies, exilic spaces, self obsession, self repulsion, and the existential nature of being everything & nothing at all.

     

     

     

     


    Degnis Bofill is a Cuban percussionist, vocalist, and composer based in Havana. Degnis is well versed in an array of Latin percussion instruments and a connoisseur of Cuba’s unique rhythmic tradition. He has toured the world, performing alongside Arturo O’Farrill, Orlando Valle “Maraca”, Néstor Torres, Bobby Carcassés, Dave Weckl, Blondie, and Roberto Fonseca. Degnis directs his own ensemble, Golpes Libres (Free Hits), mixing Afro-Cuban traditional music and modern jazz, combining intricate textures, improvisation, and elaborate harmonic work.

     

     

     


    Chantal Joseph is a dynamic and versatile musician and educator based in Pittsburgh, PA. Originally from Cape Cod, Chantal has played at the Newport Jazz Festival and with renowned ensembles such as the Boston Pops and Cape Symphony. She continues to perform with New York-based Perry Rossi Orchestras. Since relocating to Pittsburgh, she has continued to captivate audiences and was even named Best R&B Performer by the Pittsburgh City Paper.

     

     

     


    Mike Tomaro is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and jazz educator. He is the Jazz Studies Program Director at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Mike is a Yamaha Performing Artist and Vandoren Diamond Artist. He has many credits to his name on nationally-released CDs, including 5 of his own and over 200 published compositions and arrangements.  Mike is co-author of the textbook, Instrumental Jazz Arranging: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide.

     

     

     


    Brian Stahurski received his formal education at Duquesne University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance in 1989 while studying with Jeffrey Mangone, and a Master’s degree in Performance in 1992 while studying with Anthony Bianco. Since then he has performed with the Pittsburgh Ballet Orchestra, major Broadway touring productions, the Wheeling Symphony, WQED’s Live from Studio A on PBS television, and various Jazz, Blues, Salsa, Pop and Rock artists around Pittsburgh.

     

     

     


    Joe Sheehan is a composer, pianist, and educator immersed in three music environments: jazz, classical, and global folk traditions. His music and performances embrace a diversity of music traditions and perspectives, woven together to express ideas of tolerance, unity, and wisdom. He has performed with jazz masters, folk musicians, classical ensembles, and rappers; his music has been heard in Canada, Ghana, Hong Kong, Italy, Uganda, and throughout the U.S. He teaches Musicianship at Duquesne University.

     

     

     


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

    Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.

  9. Madonna Meets Modern Dance in Jesse Factor’s Queer Fantasia, November 8 – 9 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater

    Modernist Pop Spectacle Features Opening Night Performance by Queer DJ Collective Jellyfish, Plus a Community Dinner (Nov. 4) and Dance Class (Nov. 6).

    Jesse Factor, Photo by Anita Buzzy Prentiss

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is delighted to present dance artist Jesse Factor in a three-part program blending pop music and modern dance. Factor’s solo performance, The Marthaodyssey, running Friday & Saturday, November 8 – 9, will re-interpret musical icon Madonna and legendary choreographer Martha Graham through clever use of remix. KST will also revive a beloved tradition with an opening-night afterparty featuring local queer DJ collective Jellyfish. Prior to the performance, patrons are invited to engage with Factor’s creative history at the Citizens Community Dinner on Monday, November 4, and dance workshop, Yielding and Radiating, on Wednesday, November 6. 

    Part pop dance concert, part drag show, The Marthaodyssey harnesses the rebellious legacy of Graham and Madonna’s work, dancing beyond gender into a space of queer freedom. Contrasting a hyper-feminine mask and hair with an exposed masculine chest, bulge, and hairy legs, the work summons a third space that is neither “masculine” nor “feminine.” 

    Jesse Factor is a performer, educator, choreographer, and notable alumnus of KST’s Freshworks program. Factor trained at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, the University of Iowa, and the Martha Graham School and danced with the Martha Graham Dance Company; his award-winning works have been presented at dance festivals across the country. His project with media designer Scott Andrew, I am A Haunted House, was the last in-person show at KST before the Covid-19 lockdown, making this a particularly apt setting for KST to revive the afterparty event (not seen since before the pandemic). 

    According to KST’s Artistic Director Joseph Hall, The Marthaodyssey is characteristic of the innovative works that the organization seeks to cultivate. Says Hall, “I am extraordinarily proud that we have established KST as a sacred space rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. Like so many of the artists we support through our Local & Global Performance Program, Jesse Factor’s work experiments joyfully with the gendered traditions of his art form, celebrating this community’s intrinsic beauty and brilliance. The Marthaodyssey envisions new possibilities, adding visual flair and critical nuance to the current dance landscape.” 

    Jesse Factor, Photo by Anita Buzzy Prentiss

    As an alumnus of both the Martha Graham School and the Martha Graham Dance Company, Jesse Factor was deeply inspired by the ways that Graham — like his idol, Madonna — unapologetically carved out space for innovations in her work. The Marthaodyssey was born of Factor’s attempts to reconcile the gendered roles that stifled him as part of the dance company with the genderless expressivity of Graham’s class (where everyone dances every part regardless of gender). 

    The 3-part program at KST offers a breadth of opportunities for audiences to join this conversation. At the free Citizens Community Dinner, patrons can hear from Factor about his practice and the cultural phenomenon of the diva. Those who are interested in a more embodied approach can explore contraction/release and shift of weight with Factor at the all-level dance class Yielding and Radiating, which is inspired by Martha Graham’s technique. The opening night afterparty will celebrate contemporary queer music and dance courtesy of Jellyfish, while the closing night post-performance discussion will foster a direct dialogue with the artist. 

    Jesse Factor, KST House Party 2024, Photo by Matt Huggins

    This performance marks a return home for Factor, who has performed with KST several times — most recently at KST’s summer benefit House Party, which offered audiences a sneak peek of The Marthaodyssey. KST has served as a fiscal sponsor during the development of the work, helping garner funding from the New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Project, with funds from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation. Additional support is provided by the National Performance Network’s (NPN) Artist Engagement Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The National Center for Choreography at the University of Akron.


    The Marthaodyssey
    Friday & Saturday, November 8* – 9^, 2024  |  7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Kelly Strayhorn Theater  |  5941 Penn Ave.
    *Afterparty with Jellyfish
    ^Post-performance discussion

    Tickets for The Marthaodyssey are Pay What Moves You, $20 – $35 per attendee, and can be reserved here.

    Citizens Community Dinner
    Monday, November 4, 2024  |  6:00pm – 8:00pm
    KST’s Alloy Studios |  5530 Penn Ave.

    Tickets for the Citizens Community Dinner are Pay What Moves You, $0 – $25 per attendee, and can be reserved here.

    Yielding and Radiating
    Wednesday, November 6, 2024  |  10:00am – 11:30am
    KST’s Alloy Studios |  5530 Penn Ave.

    Tickets for Yielding and Radiating are Pay What Moves You, $10 – $25 per attendee, and can be reserved here.


    ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Jesse Factor trained at the Martha Graham School and danced with Graham II and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Born in Sharon, PA, Jesse grew up in Quito, Ecuador and Bangkok, Thailand before earning a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Factor’s work has been presented at the Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, OUTsider Festival (Austin), Milton Art Bank, RADfest (Kalamazoo),  St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery (NYC), Fresh Fruit Festival (NYC), Queer Spectra (Salt Lake City), and House of Yes (NYC). Factor holds an MFA from the University of Iowa and completed additional studies at the American Dance Festival and 92 St. Y’s Dance Education Lab (DEL). Jesse currently serves in the Modern Dance Unit at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. 

    Robert Ramirez (Director) works across the country as a director, actor, recorded voice artist, and vocal coach. His professional credits include the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Alley Theater in Houston, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Public Theater in New York City. Recently, he performed here in Pittsburgh with Quantum Theater in Scenes from an Execution. Robert is a member of the National Theater Conference, Actors Equity Association, and currently serves as the Head of the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University.

    Scott Andrew (Media Designer) b. 1982 in Waynesburg, PA, is a multimedia queer-oriented video, installation, performance artist, media designer, educator, and curator. Media Design projects include ’Suite Life’ at KST, ‘Underland x Alice’ at the New Hazlett Theater, and ‘Show Queen’, a 2023 NDP finalist and ongoing collaboration with Dance Artist Jesse Factor that grew out of a Freshworks presentation of ‘I Am A Haunted House’ at KST Alloy Studios. scottnandrew.com

    Andy Hasenpflug (Composer/Music Editor) started his career with the drum set, obtaining a master’s degree in classical percussion. Mr. Hasenpflug currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he freelances and works as the music director for the dance department of Slippery Rock University. In the summers, Andy is the musical director for the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC.

    Tony Allgeier (Costume Designer) uses his 14+ years of design expertise creating projects ranging from full service interior design, luxurious upholstery, and high caliber costuming. Allgeier is artist-in-residence at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and competed on HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen – reinforcing their brand of ‘Streamlined Androgyny’ and the notion that design has no gender.

    Madeleine Steineck (Lighting Designer) has been working as a Lighting Designer and Master Electrician in western Pennsylvania since 2011. Companies she has designed for include: Mercyhurst University, MCG Jazz, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, New Hazlett’s CSA Program, Texture Contemporary Ballet, STAYCEE PEARL dance project, fireWALL dance theatre, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, and City Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival. She has also toured with Philadelphia artist Raphael Xavier.

    Tucker Topel (Scenic Designer) became a Pittsburgh-based scenic designer and theater maker after growing up in the southern Wisconsin area. He is an alum of Point Park University.  Tucker’s most recent local design credits include: Andy Warhol’s Tomato (Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre), Million Dollar Quartet (Pittsburgh Musical Theatre), Angels In America (ELSEWHERE Theatre Company), Three Penny Opera (Mercyhurst University), and The Height of the Storm (FUSION Theatre).

    Creative Consultants Anya Clarke-Verdery (Long Island University, BFA) and Mitsuko Clarke-Verdery (Carnegie Mellon University, BFA) are the co-founders and artistic directors of MICHIYAYA Dance—a femme-centric contemporary dance company based in NYC and Pittsburgh. The duo created MICHIYAYA to honor contemporary dance and to center the experiences of queer women and nonbinary folx. Their work has spread nationally at Yale University, Brooklyn Museum, and the Andy Warhol Museum and been featured in Art Forum, Thinx, Vice i-D, and Medium.


    ABOUT THE MARTHAODYSSEY

    KST’s presentation of The Marthaodyssey is supported by the National Performance Network’s (NPN) Artist Engagement Fund, with support from the Doris Duke Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support has been provided by the New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Project with funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation; and The National Center for Choreography at the University of Akron.


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER 

    Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.

  10. Pumpkin Palooza, East Liberty’s Favorite Halloween Adventure is Back on Saturday, October 26

    With community partners and family-friendly performances | Sponsored by Citizens

    Photo Credit: Randall Coleman, Artwork: Mingsi Ma

    BOO! As the crisp air of fall sets in, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is excited to host this year’s Pumpkin Palooza, An East Liberty Halloween Adventure, on Saturday, October 26. Families can enjoy candy, crafts, and eerie-fun activities with KST’s community partner organizations in the KST lobby from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. The spirited performances at 2:00pm are set to enchant kids and grown-ups alike.

    This year’s Pumpkin Palooza brings together both new and familiar faces, as KST proudly partners with Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Assemble, Youth Enrichment Services, Phase 4 Learning Center, Urban Impact, and Dreams of Hope to present a vibrant lineup of community activities. These collaborations reflect KST’s commitment to connecting families with essential services, from mental health support and education to financial literacy and LGBTQ+ resources. In the lobby, guests can enjoy pumpkin crafts, face painting, bracelet making, and exciting giveaways. Adding to the festivity is a specially curated Halloween music playlist that is sure to set the wicked vibe.

    Hosted by Jacquelin Walker, the youth performance program features K-Theatre Dance Complex, Alumni Theater Company, the Obama Marching Band, and Urban Impact Jazz Band. They will bring Halloween-inspired music, dance, and performances to the stage. According to KST’s Programming Manager Sarah Gilmer, “We have been working with most of these youth ensembles for years now, and it’s always a treat to welcome them back. The students never fail to deliver inspiring performances, and all the fun Halloween vibes they bring really create a vibrant experience. In return, we’re thrilled to offer these talented young performers a stage to shine.”

    On the day of the event, all audience members are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume or come as they are for a fun afternoon of tricks, treats, and groovy beats. At the end of the performance, all the kids in the audience seats will be invited to the stage for a “soul train” costume parade, showcasing their best whimsical Halloween outfits.

    Photo Credit: Sarah Gilmer

    Every year, KST decorates its historic lobby, dressing it up with fall colors. This time, besides sparkling fringe, straw bales, and spider webs, the lobby will be decorated with a special centerpiece, a vibrant community-painted pumpkin mural. The mural’s first brushstrokes were beautifully started by attendees of Larimer’s Back 2 School Summer Jam in August. It is now open to all to add the finishing touches at the Pumpkin Palooza Mural Community Painting Party on Tuesday, October 8, at 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Whether you’re an experienced painter or simply love to create, everyone is welcome to leave their mark on this collective masterpiece along with KST staff and volunteers.

    “We love seeing little people walking up to the theater in their costumes. Darth Vader hanging out with Hulk? What could be better than that? For us, Pumpkin Palooza is a place where the whole community comes together, cheer in the theater, and get to know and support one another. We can’t wait to welcome everyone,” said Sarah fondly.


    Pumpkin Palooza: An East Liberty Halloween Adventure

    Saturday, October  26, 2024 | 

    1:00pm – 4:00pm: Activities with Community Partners | 

    2:00pm – 3:00pm: Youth Performance Program

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $0 – $25

    Tickets for Pumpkin Palooza are available on a sliding scale, from $0 to $25 per attendee, and can be purchased at kelly-strayhorn.org or at the door.

    Pumpkin Palooza Mural Community Painting Party

    Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm

    Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
    Pay What Moves You: $0 – $25

    Tickets for Pumpkin Palooza Mural Community Painting Party are available on a sliding scale, from $0 to $25 per attendee, and can be purchased at kelly-strayhorn.org or at the door.


    ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

    Jacquelin Walker (Host) is a lawyer, arts organizer, yoga instructor, and advocate for equity in arts and entertainment. She uses storytelling to transform American culture, creating agency for marginalized voices. Starting in television production, she moved to talent representation, then legal roles before founding Fete-Fete Ltd. in 2016, showcasing underrepresented artists. In 2020, she launched her law office, focusing on Arts and Entertainment, and promoting access to justice. Her yoga practice centers on anti-racism, joy, rest, and healing.

    Led by professional multi-instrumentalist Lorenze Jefferson, the Urban Impact Jazz Band is a part of the Christian missionary organization, Urban Impact. Based in the North Side of Pittsburgh, Urban Impact’s Performing Arts programs give children, middle school, and high school youth the opportunity to develop and share their talents by singing, dancing, acting, playing an instrument, and creating artwork in local venues. Visit uifpgh.org to learn more about other Urban Impact programs and events.

    Alumni Theater Company (ATC) is a year-round program providing talented Black youth in grades 6-12 with high quality performing arts training and a platform to express their ideas. ATC is currently in its 15th season of creating bold theatrical work that gives fresh voice to the experience of young Black artists and highlights their rich contribution to our community. alumnitheatercompany.org  

    K-Theatre Dance Complex (KTDC), is a dance academy that provides quality dance instruction in several major areas of dance, which include Ballet, Contemporary, Modern and Hip Hop. Led by Artistic Director Kontara Morphis, and Arts Education Director Rickia Davenport, KTDC curriculum incorporates dance theory, terminology and dance theater. KTDC has largely impacted the physical, academic, creative, and personal development of its students. facebook.com/ktheatredancecomplex 

    The Obama Marching Band (OMB) was first established in 2011. The band is comprised of interested music students in grades 7 through 12. Student musicians represent the high-achievement and excellence modeled by our school Pittsburgh Obama Academy. In 2023, OMB represented the City of Pittsburgh as ambassadors in the 2023 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. We collaborated with Pittsburgh Allderdice HS, Pittsburgh Brashear HS, and Pittsburgh Obama Academy to form Pittsburgh’s “One Band One Sound” All-City Marching Band. The marching band performs at parades, pep rallies, football games, and other community-wide events. pghobamaband.com.


    ABOUT THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS

    Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse is a non-profit that inspires creativity, conservation, and community engagement through reuse. We operate a non-traditional art supply shop located at the intersection of Wilkinsburg, Homewood, and Point Breeze, where people can donate used art and craft supplies, as well as shop for these unique items all in the same location. We also facilitate hands-on creative programming that educates the public about the benefits of reuse for the environment, community, and self. We see reuse as a vehicle for boosting self-confidence, learning new skills, and creating opportunity for all. For more information, visit our website at pccr.org.

    Assemble envisions a world where learning and creating are transformative experiences and where all people are equipped with the tools to make a difference, together. At Assemble, we use learning as a tool to create a more equitable future for youth and learners in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. We build confidence through making; connect learners, makers, technologists, and artists; and nurture agency in learners. We offer free afterschool, Saturday programs, camps, and more for kids as well as adult programs. Visit us at Assemble 4824 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 assemblepgh.org or @assemblepgh on social media. 

    Youth Enrichment Services (YES), based in East Liberty, provides socially and economically at risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education, and enrichment programs. Through mentoring partnerships, peer assisted tutoring programs, and — when needed — monitoring and mentoring programs for juvenile offenders, YES invests its talent, energy, time, and resources in empowering and enriching the lives of children and teens. YES provides responsive, innovative, and youth-designed programs that offer young people unique academic, enrichment, and employment experiences. Youthenrichmentservices.org @yes.pgh

    Phase 4 Learning Center offers a safe and caring learning environment for historically underserved students in grades 6 – 12 to earn a high school diploma and gain work experience. Phase 4 focuses on four phases of development: academic, social, behavioral, and future employment. Although based in Pittsburgh, Phase 4 operates at six locations in Allegheny and Beaver County including The Best Buy Teen Tech Center (BBTTC) located at 5850 Centre Ave. The BBTTC is a member of The International Clubhouse Network and winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in STEM Mentoring. To learn more about Phase 4 visit their website at phase4learningcenter.org

    Urban Impact was founded in 1995 by Pastor Ed and Tammy Glover after they felt a calling to reach youth on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Over the past 25 years, we have grown to a staff of 45+ missionaries who all reside on the North Side and run programs in Athletics, Education, Performing Arts, and Options. This past year, we reached 2,282 students and 750 people gave their lives to Christ during our programs or events. Visit uifpgh.org to learn more about other Urban Impact programs and events. 

    Dreams of Hope empowers the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, and allied (LGBTQA+) youth through the arts, creating a welcoming environment where they grow in confidence, express themselves, and develop as leaders. Serving primarily ages 13-26, we also offer intergenerational spaces for community members. Visit dreamsofhope.org to learn more about our upcoming programs and events, including theatriQ, our weekly performing arts youth ensemble that meets on Wednesdays from October to April.


    ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

    Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (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.

    KST is an institutional arts anchor in Pittsburgh’s East End that has served the community for more than two decades. Since launching KST Presents programming in ’08, KST has been Black-led, fostering radical imagination for Black and queer arts, culture, and community in Pittsburgh by cultivating BIPOC and/or queer artists, entrepreneurs, and arts administrators, developing their careers, and shifting narratives around Black possibility.