Annual Report 2015 — 2016
PLAYS
To provide an artistic contemporary p
“Pittsburgh’s
most innovative theater company” -The New York Times
Jonathan Tindle* and David Whelan* Some Brighter Distance by Keith Reddin
MISSION
c home for the development and production of plays of substance and ideas that engage and challenge diverse audiences.
City Theatre is the region’s professional leader in new play development and production, featuring artistically entertaining, bold, and daring plays that encourage engaging and thoughtful storytelling. For over 40 years, these pioneering efforts have launched premieres of plays that have enjoyed subsequent productions around the world and helped shape the careers of countless artists. City Theatre only produces “new plays” making our theatre one of the most unique and innovative in the United States. Located on Pittsburgh’s South Side since 1991, City Theatre continues to be a cultural anchor and economic driver, generating nearly $3.5 million in local economic impact for businesses and tax revenues. City Theatre is the largest performing arts organization located outside of Pittsburgh’s downtown and serves a unique and alternative option for the city’s arts-going public. Led by Tracy Brigden, Artistic Director and James McNeel the company operates with a talented and creative staff, a dedicated Board of Directors, and nearly 30,000 patrons and subscribers who loyally support its unparalleled productions.
Dear Friends,
Each year, it is our great privilege to produce and develop exciting new plays for the subscription season was as eclectic as the world in which we live – it was heart-breaki are as a city and nation: it is a point of pride that, no matter who you are or what yo we tell diverse stories. And the 2015-16 season demonstrated this commitment.
Currently in the field, there is immense discussion around inclusivity and gender parity We believe in the unique role theatre can encourage conversation and debate as we on new plays, we are capturing the here and now.
But the important work of City Theatre does not end at the stage. Just as critically, we lovers with our extensive education programming, most notably the Young Playwrights provide myriad opportunities to delve deeper into the work and into the craft. We do by opening our venue up to our neighborhood.
City Theatre is for and of the people of Pittsburgh. The season described on the follow countless folks that believe in the power of the arts to make the world a better place. who shared in the 2015-16 season. Thank you for believing in our mission and work. Sincerely,
Artistic Director
Managing Director
e stage, and share them with the Pittsburgh community. The work seen in our ing, moving, funny, and musical. Just as important, though, is that it reflects who we ou look like, you can see yourself on our productions. City Theatre’s mission is resolute:
y, as there should be. At City Theatre, we are proud to be leaders in this movement. depend on bringing folks together through the power of live storytelling. By focusing
e are committed to using theatre to serve a next generation of artists and theatres Festival. We also believe that arts education does not stop with adulthood, and we o this through ancillary programming and partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and
wing pages, and the incredible experiences that occurred, are because of the . We are grateful for each and every individual, artist, patron, donor, and partner
“...a wise start to a promising
“...a highly
entertaining, sympathetic and often funny drama with a hopeful and upbeat ending. “ - Tribune Review
THE NIGHT ALIVE By Conor McPherson Directed by Tracy Brigden Rod Brogan* and Hayley Nielsen* The Night Alive by Conor McPherson
g season.”
Statistics Total Attendance: 3,976 % Capacity: 66% Under 30 Tickets: 150 Senior Tickets: 87 Pay What You Want: 23 Average PWYW Price: $11.30 Attendance for Access & Inclusivity Events: 18 Community Partners Engaged: 12
-Pittsburgh Owl Scribe
“...lively,
fun, and Irish to the core.” -Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Opening the season on the Main Stage, The Night Alive returned City audiences to the world of Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, 2009), the prolific Irish playwright whose blend of the real and the ethereal has landed his work on stages world-wide. The Night Alive gave audiences an often humorous and incredibly poignant glimpse into the life of Tommy— a down-and-out Dubliner living in a dilapidated apartment in his uncle’s house— whose life changes upon meeting Amy, a mysterious girl who gives him hope that escape from his current life is possible. The Night Alive featured an allEquity cast, including Pittsburgh– based actors Hayley Nielsen (Amy) and Brendan Griffin (Kenneth) alongside City Theatre newcomers Rod Brogan (Tommy) and Ciaran Byrne (Doc), and City veteran Noble Shropshire (Maurice).
Produced in the Hamburg Studio, Sunset Baby followed Nina, a smart and sexy hustler who rejects everything her parents fought for in the black liberation movement. When her father returns from prison after her mother’s death, Nina engages in the hustle of her life— for her mother’s legacy and her own identity. City Theatre is proud to be the first company in Pittsburgh to feature the voice of playwright Dominique Morisseau, who is quickly becoming one of the most prominent young voices in American theatre. This production helped strengthen City Theatre’s ties to community partners, including Kente Arts Alliance, 1Hood Media, and the NAACP. The cast featured an all-Equity cast of newcomers to City Theatre, including Joniece Abbott-Pratt (Nina), J. Alphonse Nicholson (Damon), and Keith Randolph Smith (Kenyatta).
“…absorbing fr
“…intensity, purpose and e
“Morisseau’s writing c
with energy… a Statistics Total Attendance: 3,455 % Capacity: 85% Under 30 Tickets: 143 Senior Tickets: 78 Pay What You Want: 41 Average PWYW Price: $10.43 Attendance for Access & Inclusivity Events: 16 Community Partners Engaged: 13
SUNSET BABY By Dominique Morisseau Directed by Jade King Carroll
rom beginning to end.” - Pittsburgh City Paper
eloquence.” Tribune Review
crackles
a fine cast.” -Pittsburgh Tatler
"...a dynamic addition to the City Theatre year." -Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Joniece Abbott-Pratt* Sunset Baby by Dominique Morisseau
SOME BRIGHTER DISTANCE WORLD PREMIERE BY KEITH REDDIN DIRECTED BY TRACY BRIGDEN “In making the past vivid, it explores the intersection of private and civic responsibility, showing us our own national face, disquieted by the reflection.” -Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Reddin sho
“...a theatrical jewel …” -Pittsburgh In the Round
“...a masterful collabor
playwrigh David Whelan* and Jonathan Tindle* Some Brighter Distance by Keith Reddin
ows his mastery of craft…” -The Pittsburgh Tatler
ration between the
ht and director…” - Burgh Vivant
A world premiere several years in the making, Some Brighter Distance marked the third collaboration between Artistic Director Tracy Brigden and playwright Keith Reddin. Chronicling the oft-overlooked Operation Paperclip, in which the American government whitewashed the records of Nazi scientists in exchange for their service, the play focused on Arthur Rudolph, the only scientist to ever see repercussions for his Nazi past. Shifting in episodic scenes back and forth in time, audiences saw Arthur's rise and fall, driven in life solely by the goal of creating rockets that could land on the moon. The play afforded City Theatre the opportunity to create unique community partnerships including collaborative events with the Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures. Some Brighter Distance featured an all-Equity cast, including Pittsburgh– known David Whalen (Wernher Von Braun) and Matthew Stocke (Major Turner), as well as Jonathan Tindle (Arthur Rudolph), Elizabeth Rich (Marta Rudolph), and LeRoy McClain (Robert Davis). This play has since gone on to licensing and publication through Dramatists Play Service
Statistics Total Attendance: 4,403 % Capacity: 73% Under 30 Tickets: 414 Senior Tickets: 106 Pay What You Want: 21 Average PWYW Price: $14.10 Attendance for Access & Inclusivity Events: 22
A sensuous and provocative comedy about fame, cyber identity, and ambitions, Sex With Strangers was a hit with single ticket audiences and young professionals, resulting in the first sold-out performance of the season for City Theatre’s Greenroom Night. The show also marks the first time playwright Laura Eason’s work has been performed in Pittsburgh, and featured City Theatre alumni Nick Ducassi (Ethan) and Megan Byrne (Olivia). Special panel discussions with local novelists and media professionals enriched audience experiences by taking a deeper dive into publishing, literature, and media in the digital age.
“...packages inte quirky
“...witty, sharp, and enjoyable.” -Burgh Vivant
“...quite irre Statistics Total Attendance: 4,115 % Capacity: 69% Under 30 Tickets: 152 Senior Tickets: 114 Pay What You Want: 68 Average PWYW Price: $12.72 Attendance for Access & Inclusivity Events: 22 Community Partners Engaged: 12
“...sharply constructed…” -Pittsburgh post-Gazette
elligent dialogue and characters with style.” -Pittsburgh City Paper
esistible…” -Pittsburgh In the Round
SEX WITH STRANGERS BY LAURA EASON DIRECTED BY CHRISTIAN PARKER Megan Byrne* and Nick Ducassi* Some Brighter Distance by Keith Reddin
THE LAST MATCH SECOND PRODUCTION BY ANNA ZIEGLER DIRECTED BY TRACY BRIGDEN
“The Last Match” is In its second production ever, The Last Match introduced City audiences to playwright Anna Ziegler, who not only made edits to the script during rehearsals, but took residency in Pittsburgh twice, thanks in part to a grant from the Dramatists Guild Fund, to share her inspiration and unique voice with interested patrons on campus and at the Pittsburgh Arts & Lecture series. Garnering positive reviews, this production ensures that Ms. Ziegler’s script will almost certainly enjoy life beyond City Theatre, and may well be published and licensed for performance across the world. This clash of two tennis titans, played out in City’s Hamburg Studio starred Danny Binstock (Tim Porter), JD Taylor (Sergei Sergyev) and City favorites Daina Michelle Griffith (Mallory) and Robin Abramson (Galina).
Dannu Binstock*, Robin Abramson*, Daina Michelle Griffith*, and J.D. Taylor* The Last Match by Anna Ziegler
“...a win-win for City audiences." -The Pittsburgh post– Gazette
a
winner.” - ‘Burgh Vivant
Statistics Total Attendance: 3,562 % Capacity: 88% Under 30 Tickets: 63 Senior Tickets: 80 Pay What You Want: 47 Average PWYW Price: $15.40 Attendance for Access & Inclusivity Events: 16 Community Partners Engaged: 14
Statistics Total Attendance: 5,154 % Capacity: 86% Student Tickets: 419 Senior Tickets: 145 Pay What You Want: 30 Average PWYW Price: $11.13 Attendance for Access & Inclusivity Events: 24 Community Partners Engaged: 9
“the a
“The best musical I’ve seen this year!” -The Huffington Post
Benjamin Scheuer* The Lion by Benjamin Scheuer
Closing the 2015-2016 Season, The Lion, on national tour, holds the record for the season’s biggest box office draw, largest single ticket sales, and most soldout performances. The one-man, singer-songwriter tale tells the inspiring story of Ben, from his childhood obsession with music and the death of his father, to battling cancer and the bonds of family. Written by and starring Benjamin Scheuer, The Lion, and its star, took Pittsburgh by storm. During his time here, in addition to performing seven shows a week, Mr. Scheuer took the time to visit with and perform for patients at Children’s Hospital, play open mic nights around the city, chat with the ‘Marta on the Move’ podcast and ‘Essential Pittsburgh’ on WESA, and visit with patrons every night following the show in the Gordon Lounge.
audience jumped to its feet and roared its approval.” –The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
THE LION WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY BENJAMIN SCHEUER DIRECTED BY SEAN DANIELS
City Events raised over $250,000 to s A Broadway Holiday Starring Billy Porter and Anthony Rapp in a one-night -only concert, A Broadway Holiday, sold out in hours and netted over $30,000 in profits toward City Theatre’s activities. The highlight of the evening, a mash-up of Kinky Boot’s “Sex is In the Heel” and Hedwig and the Angry Inch’s “Wig In A Box” brought the evening full circle, delighting audiences and bringing them to their feet.
City Theatre Gala 2016 With a theme of Let Your Sun Shine In, City Theatre invited guests to party like it was 1967 in Heinz Field’s East Club House. Featuring groovy cocktails, far-out food, and legendary auction items, guests partied their way to raising $216,000 for City Theatre’s artistic endeavors.
support the mission of City Theatre.
An annual festival, MOMENTUM is a celebration of new theatrical works featuring readings, workshops, panels, and conversation free and open to the public. The festival is a chance for audiences to not only see four new works in their earliest incarnations, but also to get to know the process of creating new plays and to glimpse inside the minds of the playwrights. For MOMENTUM 16, City Theatre workshopped five new plays, including: Feeding the Dragon by Sharon Washington Sing the Body Electric by Michael Hollinger Radio Island by Liza Berkenmeier Dry Bones by James McManus scrapmetal/scars by Jackson Torii Bart
Residencies and Readings In addition to the MOMENTUM Festival, City Theatre welcomed three award-winning playwrights to its South Side campus. During these residencies, City provided playwrights full use of City’s resources, including travel stipends, housing, and staff time to further the development of their latest scripts. At the end of the residencies, playwrights had the opportunity to hear their work read aloud by professional actors and receive feedback on their work from City Theatre’s artistic staff. Plays developed included:
Eden Prairie, 1971 by Mat Smart (November 2015); Former City affiliation: The 13th of Paris (City Theatre World Premiere, 2008)
Akosua Means Sunday by Cori Thomas (January, 2016); Former City Affiliation: When January Feels Like Summer (City Theatre World Premiere, 2010)
Filling Basins Reading Only) by Alexis Payne (January, 2016); Former City Affiliation: Young Playwrights Festival 2010 & 2012
“A lot about the playwriting life is challenging, draining, etc. - but it's times like [my recent City Theatre residency] ...that are replenishing, inspiring, fuel for the fire. “ -Mat Smart
NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT
ARTIST ENRICHMENT
The Belfry Series
Dramaturgy
A new initiative started in 2015, The Belfry Series paired artists in conversation with the work on City Theatre’s stages. Through collaboration with Clare Drobot, Director of New Play Development and Resident Dramaturg, artists explore the themes and emotions behind a specific production and create a new piece of art inspired by their experiences. Spoken word, singer-songwriters, and multidisciplinary artists including Mark Dignam (The Night Alive), Nathan Zoob (Some Brighter Distance), slowdanger (Sex With Strangers), and Ezra Smith (Sunset Baby) all created works inspired by City’s productions this year. In addition to creation, these artists were invited to perform their work at City’s Greenroom Nights, and had their work recorded. All Belfry Series artists' work is available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube.
Dramatrugy is the study of dramatic composition and the representation of the main elements of drama on stage. City Theatre is proud to play host to Clare Drobot, Director of New Play Development and Resident Dramaturg, who works tirelessly before and during each production to research, compile, and share information regarding themes and historical context for creative teams, actors, and audiences alike. In addition to illuminating and refining City Theatre’s approach to the texts it produces, Clare spearheads Audience Engagement for City Theatre, ensuring panels, pre– and post– show discussions, and #Lobbyturgy, City’s platform to extend discussions beyond the theatre, are accessible, enriching, and meaningful for City’s audiences.
Directing Observerships For the first time in the 2015-2016 season, City Theatre invited applications from up-and-coming directors to participate in its Directing Observership Program. Shadowing industry-leading directors, participants gained behind-the-scenes access to the process City goes through to get every production on stage— from design meetings to rehearsals, and final dress to opening night— all while receiving a stipend for their time. In its pilot year, five directors participated,. Above, from L to R: Vince Ventura (The Night Alive), Nick Hrutkay (Sex With Strangers), Caitlin Dobronz (Sunset Baby), and Connor McCanlus (The Last Match). Not pictured: Cait Robinson (Some Brighter Distance).
NEW IN 2015 LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT SUBMISSION POLICY As of July 1, 2015, all writers within a 100 mile radius of Pittsburgh are invited to submit their work for development consideration at City Theatre— no literary agent representation required.
EDUCATION City Theatre Young Playwrights is a comprehensive, dynamic arts education program serving teachers, students, and the Pittsburgh community. The program fulfills state academic standards, including Arts and Humanities as well as English Language Arts. Four major components make up the Young Playwrights program: the Young Playwrights Contest, Festival, Teacher Institute, and In-School Workshops. In addition, City offers a student matinee program, complete with study guides and post-show discussions, for regional schools.
Counties impacted in Pennsylvania and West Virginia by City Theatre Educational Programming, 2014-2016.
2,328 Students Impacted
42
360
Schools Participating
Plays submitted by students
SCHOOLS Academy at Westinghouse
Lincoln Jr/Sr High School
Allderdice High School (PPS)
Lincoln Park Performing Arts
Armstrong Jr/Sr High School
Moon Area High School
Arsenal Middle School (PPS)
Neil Armstrong Middle School
Bentworth High School
New Brighton Middle School
Brashear High School (PPS)
North Allegheny Senior High School
Brentwood Middle School
North Hills Middle /High School
Cannon McMillan High School
Quaker Valley High School
CAPA 6-12 (PPS)
Sewickley Academy
Carrick High School (PPS)
Shady Side Academy
Chartiers Valley High School
Sharpsville Area High School
City Charter High School
Sharpsville Middle School
Fox Chapel Area High School
South Fayette High School
Frazier High School
Trinity Christian School
Freedom High School
Turkeyfoot High School
Friendship Academy
Washington High School
Greensburg Salem High School
Weir High School
Hampton High School
West Allegheny HS
Holy Family Academy
Westinghouse Academy (PPS)
Keystone Oaks Middle School
Winchester Thurston School
Lakeview High School
EDUCATION (Continued) Internships This season, City Theatre hosted 12 interns from Pittsburgh Public Schools, The University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. From the costume shop to the scene shop, and the education department to assisting the Managing Director, interns were provided with hands-on, immersive experiences— not just observing, but actively supporting the work of the theatre and taking on special projects, including Human Resources research, dramaturgical projects, and creating marketing collateral. Additionally, City Theatre regularly hosts student observers from Point Park University’s Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management Major.
“My internship at City Theatre...has shown me that the people make the theatre more than anything else. Every person in every department is willing to take the time to help outside of their sphere and that collaborative spirit in the work shines through in the art. City has taught me so much about the art and profession of theatre and I will be forever grateful.” -Abby Cady, Literary Intern
VSA Playwrights Discovery
Osher Lifelong Learning
City Theatre is a proud partner of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in bringing the VSA Playwright Discovery Program to Pittsburgh classrooms. This program gives students with and without disabilities the skills to create original scripts, and to tell stories that address the disability experience via theatre or other media arts. Scripts created by students participating in this program are submitted to the VSA Playwright Discovery competition, which culminates in a workshop and staged reading of select scripts in Washington D.C. City Theatre has partnered with the Watson Institute’s Friendship Academy, a partial hospital component (PHP) based school located in Pittsburgh’s Friendship neighborhood, to implement this program.
City Theatre is pleased to offer senior educational programming through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Designed for those over the age of 50, the program provides a platform for continued exploration of the theatre arts. Last year, City Theatre had 180 participants take advantage of this enrichment program.
"Young Playwrights served as a force that inspired an important discovery and set the trajectory for my life dreams and goals." –Alexis Payne, Two-time Young Playwrights Festival winner, Yale University Class of 2019
Throughout 2016, City Theatre and its staff continued to better itself and the field of theatre through awards, recognition, and professional development. Select Examples:
City Theatre was among the first nonprofits in the world to be certified at the ‘Platinum’ level for financial transparency by Guidestar.org
City Paper, “Best Local Theatre Company” 2015 & 2016– an honor City has held ten years in a row
Dianne Duursma, Individual Giving and Events Officer, became a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), highlighting her dedication to the craft of fundraising and her expertise in the field.
Participation in the TCG Theatre Facts study, which tracks financial and attendance trends for member theatres nation wide.
Participation as a Blue Star Theatre, which honors veterans and their families through special pricing
Attendance of five (5) staff members at Theatre Nation, TCG’s national conference in Washington, DC
Select staff attendance at the Biannual LORT conferences, held in October and April
Staff representation at the Pacific Playwrights Festival in Costa Mesa, CA and the Ignition Festival in Chicago, IL
Featured in American Theatre magazine as a ‘parity’ theatre and in their “get to know” feature
50/50 Applause Award Winner recognizing gender parity from the International Centre for Women Playwrights
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
Financial
Information
City Theatre Company, Inc. is independently audited by McGee, Maruca & Associates, P.C. Certified Public Accountants. A full copy of City Theatre’s audit is available upon request.
OUR AUDIENCE 35-44 18-34 45-54
65+
Age Demographics Under 18 excluded
55-64
Average Ticket Price
$37.50
Average Pay What You Want Price
$12.71
Total Attendance
29,859
Estimated food & drink expenditure on the South Side per person per visit+
$29.79
+Data compiled from a random sample survey of attendees.
STAFF Artistic Director
Managing Director
Tracy Brigden
James McNeel
Artistic
Front of House
Reginald Douglas
Artistic Producer
Clare Drobot
Director of New
Kristen Link
Joel Ambrose
Box Office & & Group Sales Manager
Play Development
Kate Abel
Box Office Associate
Director of Education
Nick Benninger
Box Office Associate
& Accessibility
Abigail Cady
Box Office Associate
Ryan Geraghty
Box Office Associate
Production Tony Ferrieri
Director of Production
John Teresi
Box Office Associate
Paul Ford
Technical Director
Colleen Geyer
Supervisor, Front of
Patti Kelly
Production Stage Manager
Stephanie Shaw
Costume Shop Manager
Kevin Cole
House Manager
Madison Hack
Asst. Costume Shop Manager
Kaili Doud
House Manager
Brad Peterson
Sound Engineer/
Chloe Saccol
House Manager
Media Technician
Francis Soane
House Manager
Master Electrician/
Ben Stoviak
House Manager
Light Board Programmer
Jenna Wilkin
House Manager
Matthew Shearer
Louise Phetteplace
Properties Master
Leah Blackwood
Scenic Artist
Alex Barnhart
Scene Shop Foreman
John Michael Brucker
Scene Shop Carpenter/
Hank Bullington
House Operations
Consultants Landesberg Design
Graphic Design
Production Technician
Clayton Slater Design
Program Design
Scene Shop Carpenter/
Human Habits
Website Development, Video, & Social Media
Kristi Jan Hoover
Photography
Production Technician Administrative Natalie Hatcher
General Manager
Jordan Harrison
Video Design
Dianne Duursma
Community Giving
Beyond Spots and Dots
Advertising
& Events Manager Development Officer—
Interns
Institutional Funding
Alex Petti
Samantha Richardson
Jan Grimes Ripper
Director of Finance
Emma Vitolo
William Dusch
Laura Greenawalt
Marketing Director
Louis Markowitz
Olivia Maloney
Christina Bordini
Company Manager
Abigail Cady
Chuck Griffy
& Administrative Asst.
Patrick Zakem
Wesley Ingram
Charlie Hallman
Sarah Scheid
Ryan Ferrebee
BOARD President
Vice Presidents
Beth W. Newbold
Lewis B. Gardner Jeffrey D. Solomon
Secretary
Treasurer
Tamara Dudukovich
Daniel E. Rosati
Carol R. Brown* Tacy M. Byham, PhD Alex Condron Norbert J. Connors David T. Fisfis, Esq. Robert M. Frankel* Matthew Galando Joseph R. Gette Jean Anne Hattler, PhD Thomas Hollander* H.L. Bud Kahn Roslyn M. Litman, Esq.
Beth Marcello Marcy Morton David L. Porges* Steven Reinstadtler Richard Scheines, PhD Narelle Sissons Susan B. Smerd Nancy Traina Nancy D. Washington, PhD Sheila A. Washington Jim Van Valkenburgh June Yonas * Lifetime Member
CITY THEATRE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING DIAMOND LEVEL & GOVERNMENT FUNDERS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT
* Member, Actors’ Equity Association. All production photos by Kristi Jan Hoover.