This episode of Nonprofit Report features the leadership of Pittsburgh Public Theater as they reflect on the company’s 50th anniversary season and discuss their vision for building a more inclusive, relevant, and community-centered future for live theater in Pittsburgh.
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Guests:
- Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director
- Shaunda McDill, Managing Director
Key Points:
- Pittsburgh Public Theater frames its mission through civic engagement, not just entertainment.
- Programming prioritizes balance—offering comedy, drama, classics, and new works to reflect diverse audiences.
- The organization supports Pittsburgh-based playwrights, artists, and workforce training to grow local talent.
- Community partnerships and shared use of space help expand reach and relevance.
- Adaptation and creative staging keep classics fresh and resonant for today’s audiences.
- A new core company structure deepens local engagement and builds continuity across productions.
- Theater is used as a tool for career development, equity, and economic vitality.
- Fundraising is rooted in storytelling, connecting donors’ personal memories and values to the theater’s mission.
Other Points on Pittsburgh Public Theater:
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 50th season is not just a celebration of longevity, but of reinvention. With bold artistic direction and civic purpose, the company is using its platform to reflect the stories and needs of its diverse audiences.
From staging The Hobbit through a tabletop gaming lens to setting Shakespeare in Harlem, PPT prioritizes imaginative storytelling that is both relevant and transformative. Its productions encourage audiences to see themselves and others in new ways.
Beyond the stage, the organization is committed to training the next generation of creatives through classes in stage combat, intimacy, and technical theater. These programs open pathways to sustainable careers—especially for those historically excluded from the arts.
Amid widespread arts closures, PPT embraces risk, diversity, and listening. It champions the idea that great theater isn’t just about what’s on stage—it’s about who’s in the room, and how we all grow by coming together.
