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 post Madonna Meets Modern Dance in Jesse Factor’s Queer Fantasia, November 8 – 9 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater appeared first on Kelly Strayhorn Theater ..read more

With community partners and family-friendly performances | Sponsored by Citizens 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 […] The post Pumpkin Palooza, East Liberty’s Favorite Halloween Adventure is Back on Saturday, October 26 appeared first on Kelly Strayhorn Theater ..read more

Barbershop Talk by Yusef Shelton (Ys1) and Heavy Is The Crown by Arnita Simone Honor Black History and Culture Through Music and Dance Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is thrilled to support performances in progress from local artists through the theater’s ten-week Freshworks residency program. In the program’s 11th year, KST will present two shows: Yusef Shelton (Ys1)’s Barbershop […] The post RELEASE: KST’s Freshworks Residency Program Invests in Pittsburgh’s Emerging Artists appeared first on Kelly Strayhorn Theater ..read more

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” ― RuPaul EAST LIBERTY, PA — Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) announces its Fall 2024 season that runs from September to December, featuring a full calendar of KST Presents Events that innovate, blend diverse influences, and advocate for […] The post RELEASE: Kelly Strayhorn Theater Announces Fall 2024 Season appeared first on Kelly Strayhorn Theater ..read more

by Kiearra Williams This is an editorial response written by a KST staff member on House Party.  It is always intriguing to reflect on an event once it is over because it is quite easy to get tangled in the small details during the planning process. Recently I joined KST as the Marketing Coordinator and had the amazing opportunity to experience House Party for the first time. Hearing talks of a floating stage, and an immersive experience does not compare to seeing the final product the day of the production. It was quite liberating to see the hard work of all of the KST staff members ali ..read more

by RaiNE Brabender This is an editorial response written by a member of the inaugural cohort of the KST HomeMakers Program on peformance unstich. HomeMakers is a committee of Pittsburgh Artists and community members that work with KST Staff to advocate for and support Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s programs and supported artists. Anna King Skeels is a performer and playwright who brought us the experimental theater piece titled “unstitch”. They also star as the protagonist of the piece named Stell. unstitch was the final Freshworks piece of the Spring 2024 season. I was interested in writing about ..read more

by Tara Fay Coleman This is an editorial response written by a member of the inaugural cohort of the KST HomeMakers Program. HomeMakers is a committee of Pittsburgh Artists and community members that work with KST Staff to advocate for and support Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s programs and supported artists. I have always considered performance one of the strongest mediums for exploring the layers of identity and societal constructs. Black performance art has historically served as a vital tool for resistance and cultural expression, dating back from spirituals sung by enslaved Africans, to contem ..read more

Examines Lost South Asian Histories Through the Lens of Indian Textiles and Fabrics in May East Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA—Kelly Strayhorn Theater is excited to conclude the Winter/Spring 2024 season with Pittsburgh-based dancer and choreographer Mita Ghosal’s world premiere of Lost on a Loom on Friday & Saturday, May 17 – 18, 7:30pm – 9:00pm. Audience members can hear Ghosal share about her work in person at the Welcome Dinner & Artist Talk on Monday, May 13, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity for the moving, drawing, and writing workshop, Material of a Story with Mita Gho ..read more

Kelly Strayhorn Theater Hosts Artist Edisa Weeks in a poignant 3-Part Event April 22–27 East Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA—Kelly Strayhorn Theater is thrilled to present a three-part program featuring multidisciplinary artist Edisa Weeks and her performance company DELIRIOUS Dances, culminating in the experimental solo performance 3 RITES: Liberty on Friday & Saturday, April 26 & 27. Leading up to the performance, audiences will have opportunities to meet the artist and participate in her process through the Welcome Dinner and Artist Talk on Monday, April 22 and in an exploratory dance clas ..read more

Caroline Yoo / Davine Byon and Anna King Skeels in April and May East Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA—Kelly Strayhorn Theater welcomes audiences to KST’s Alloy Studios for artists Caroline Yoo and Davine Byon’s new performance in progress, Prophecies & Soy Sauce Shots on Friday and Saturday, April 5 – 6 at 7:30pm and Anna King Skeels’ unstitch on Friday and Saturday, May 3 – 4 at 7:30pm. Each performance includes a post-show discussion. The events are parts of KST’s Freshworks program, a creative residency offering an exciting glimpse into emerging artistic endeavors.  Freshworks first debute ..read more