In the words of a wise man, “Is this thing still on?” Been a while since I’ve posted. Too long. Thanks for leaving the “porch light on” for me.
A lot of things are being said about the Pittsburgh professional theatre industry right now. Some folks reached out and asked me about my thoughts. So here is my 2 cents for what it’s worth, discontinued pennies and all. And big love always for this city, its artists and its audiences.
- I’m grateful people are talking about professional theatre in Pittsburgh. The conversation is worthwhile and necessary – even if it’s uncomfortable.
- It’s complicated. I am currently a proud board member for City Theatre. I have been a professional theater producer for 15 years. I have been an independent theatre director, writer, and actor in Pittsburgh for nearly 20 years. (!!) I believe there’s not one person, organization, audience group, political moment, or even pandemic to blame.
- Nonprofit boards are made up of well meaning individuals – volunteers – who often work outside the realm of the nonprofit world, and these individuals have differing perspectives and experiences. This is sometimes a benefit and sometimes a stumbling block. Also groups of volunteers are really difficult to galvanize.
- Producing is really hard. The job requires balancing your commitment to your artistic passion with a myriad of hard deadlines and realities; and unless you have produced, you just can’t understand how the details from port-a-potty rentals, to union contracts, to scene shop rental delays – must all factor into so many exhausting decisions.
- Being an independent artist is really tough. It’s a lonely endurance sport. It’s so easy to be insulted when you feel overlooked or dismissed or just not included – especially in a city as connected and small as Pittsburgh.
- Know how nonprofits work. There is a lack of understanding about how nonprofits are formed and function. Too many professionals WITHIN the professional industry and even on nonprofit boards – don’t truly understand how the “business” of nonprofit theatre functions and often “victim blame” a nonprofit for its “failings” without really understanding their parts within the whole picture. Nonprofits are funded through a mix of private donations, government grants, foundation support and earned income. You take out one of those table legs you have a shaky platform. You take out two of those legs, the base is gone, and you are teetering on the edge. You take out three of those legs, and you need to rebuild. I hope rebuilding is done with great knowledge and care for who you want to sit at that table with you. And while I’m here – make sure you and all of your friends know the difference between presenting theatre and local professional producing theatre – as well as for-profit theatre (Broadway) and nonprofit theatre.
- Don’t take it so personally. This is a hard one for me. I have wanted to write off so many people and organizations when I have felt slighted as an artist or audience member. (BELIEVE ME! I get it!) But ultimately as a professional artist in Pittsburgh, I want professional theatre to continue and thrive in this city – not just for my career – but for the good of the people I love here. And that means I might need to put aside my own feelings sometimes for the support of the greater good of a professional theatre industry. I remind myself often that “It’s complicated, Anya.” And it’s often less about me and my work than I think. (*Obviously, this doesn’t include serious emotional injury, harassment or worse. And another important * to say that it IS personal for the hardworking and integrous people who were recently fired from the former Pittsburgh Public.)
- Don’t (just) talk about it – BE about it. This is my current mantra for meeting the moment in the best way I can. How can we support and rebuild the legs of this table, so it can become a stage to dance on once more?WRITE to Pittsburgh foundation leaders about why they should give to the organizations you believe in. CONTACT your local politicians and let them know why you want arts organizations in Pittsburgh to be supported by local and federal governments. TALK to your non-theatre friends about what’s happening in the arts industry here. Pittsburgh is consistently listed as a “best place to live” for its thriving arts community. It benefits everyone in Pittsburgh to live in a city with vibrant arts, culture and artists. SUPPORT the work of Pittsburgh theatre makers. If you can’t make it to a show (which is often the case for this season of my life!) then buy a ticket and give it to a friend, or donate the price of a ticket, (or even a quarter of the price of a ticket) or simply send a nice note saying, “Go get ‘em Tiger! Sorry, I can’t make it.” SHOUT OUT a production on social media. And finally GIVE to the organizations you believe in – even if it’s just $10. Individual donations are not just for those “other rich people.” Giving is literally built into how nonprofits work, and giving is necessary for nonprofits to function, survive and thrive. Let’s keep the conversation going, even the rants are useful, I think. Just keep your theatre heart open too – with actions and belief – even when it’s hard.
Oskar Eustis, Theater Giant, Is Stepping Down. First, He Has Thoughts – New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/22/theater/oskar-eustis-public-theater.html
In Pittsburgh, a Partnership Leads to Layoffs – American Theatre Magazine
Merger of CLO & Public Complete, With Name TBA – OnStage Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Public Theater and Pittsburgh CLO officially merge without a name
Anya Martin 