#WithUs
This is your formal invitation to engage #WithUS. #WithUS is a three-part project highlighting KST team, artists, and janera solomon, all of who assist in the production of Kelly Strayhorn Theater programs. The theater celebrates diversity in voice, thoughts, and expression, and upholds a firm commitment to inclusion. KST provides a safe and welcoming space for dialogue and artistic expression for all who enter. At Kelly Strayhorn Theater, we believe that “Together, We Build Community.”
KST Team
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Desiree S. Lee
Manager of Events & Partnerships
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“So I was part of KST before I worked here. I performed at the theater when it was The Regent in 92’ and then again in 99’. I have known janera for over 20 years, we use to hang out in college. Our boyfriends were DJ’s, so we were always the girlfriends going to parties together. I busted and participated in a lot of events at KST. I started as a consultant and then came on full-time. “
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Robert McGurn
Studio Assistant, KST’s Alloy Studios
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“Essentially, I saw the job listing. I saw a job listing for a theater that was looking for part-time work about a year and a half ago, at this point. I applied and through my research, I discovered that this wasn’t just like a part-time job that I was getting into, but this was a real community-focused organism that I really wanted to help and keep alive and maintain in whatever way I could.“
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Annalee Tomak
Creative Director
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“…so I actually had a good friend who I worked with at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Shane Richardson, who let me know that the position was open and even though he didn’t work here anymore they still thought it was a good fit for me because I have always been involved with performance marketing and it’s something that I really love to do. I had been working in corporate design for a while and I wanted to get back to an Arts organization and so they mentioned to me that the position was open and I said. Oh my god, it’s a director role, there’s no way they were going to hire me.” Low and behold, here I am.“
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W. Christopher James
Administrative and Community Manager
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“My relationship with KST began when I felt like I wanted to be more involved with the community. It also began when I felt like I wanted to be more in touch with the arts since I love it daily. And a close friend who didn’t know I was job searching said, “Hey, there’s a position opening at KST, you should apply!” When you put things out into the universe, I feel like you attract what you put out. So, I applied.“
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Orlana Darkins Drewery
Development & Communications Manager
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“My relationship began with KST as a patron. I attended shows. I attended panel discussions about community issues and that parlayed itself into me working with them as a rental client. I rented the theater to host one of my events, which is now going on its 12th year. But KST was the place where we saw the vision of how it is today. And who knew, I would work here.”
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Ben Pryor
Senior Producer, KST Presents
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“My relationship began with KST in 2012, in fact, or maybe even before that. I met janera in 2010 in New York at my festival. In 2012, I came in to do a think tank with KST and a couple of other national folks and it was during a New Moves festival. It was also after the Alloy space had been acquired because we did something here (at the Alloy), and I have been a colleague and supporter of KST from afar ever since.“
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Sondra E. Woodruff II
Producer, Engagement & Social Impact
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“My relationship started in 2011 whenever I performed at the Women’s Sunstar Music festival at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and that was really my first WOW moment with the facilities and the environment that happens in East Liberty at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. “
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Margo Cunningham
Ticketing + Patron Services Manager
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“Well, I was a program and engagement intern last year in 2018, under Micha who previously held my current role. I did a lot of the data entry stuff, which is part of what I do now. I started working events last year and fell in love with the theater and dragged everyone I had ever met in Pittsburgh… if they weren’t already attending. I got to know it as an intern and as a fan all at once before coming into my role now.“
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Michael Uhrin
Development Associate
How did your relationship begin with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST)?
“I was hired at the beginning of September, but during my interview process which probably started mid-summer or early summer 2019, there were several weeks where I was doing a lot of research on the theater and non-profits and really got to know and respect what KST is doing. Not only for events and performances but also their efforts in neighborhood development and inclusivity in the community.”
The Artists
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Damon Young
What do you do?
“I’m a writer, author, critic, humorist, I guess, and a professional black person.”
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Beth Barbis
What do you do?
“I am a photographer and illustrator.”
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LiveFromTheCity
What do you do?
“I’m a music artist, an event producer, hip hop performer, and music producer.”
janera solomon
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janera solomon
janera’s inspiring tenure at KST began in 2008, when she took the helm of East Liberty’s beloved historic theater. She stewarded the then-fledgling organization into a vibrant anchor institution in the East End, and a celebrated cultural and community hub.
Photo Credits:
KST Team by Beth Barbia
The Artists by Khadijat Yussef
janera solomon by Brendon J Hawkins