Who We Are
A great neighborhood deserves a great theater.
Named after 20th century entertainment legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is reflective of the passion that its namesakes had for the arts. Today, KST carries on their legacy by fostering bold and innovative artistry with a global perspective. KST celebrates diversity in voice, thought, and expression, and upholds a firm commitment to inclusion. Furthermore, KST provides a welcome space for dialogue and artistic expression for all who enter.
KST has a dynamic footprint in Pittsburgh, with two venues running along Penn Avenue. KST’s Alloy Studios is a cultural hub at the intersection of Friendship and East Liberty, and the historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater is located in the thriving business district of East Liberty. More than 20 years after the founding of the theater, KST continues to use its broad reach to impact the contemporary arts and the community.
What We Do
MUTUAL-AID RESIDENCY
The nonprofit performing arts industry is facing crises on a variety of fronts. In an effort to combat these crises KST is partnering with like-minded organizations to share resources and work together to reestablish East Liberty as a hub for the Pittsburgh arts community. Current mutual-aid residences include music and dance organization PearlArts and Queer Youth Theater organization Dreams of Hope!
LOCAL & GLOBAL PERFORMANCE
KST Presents brings evening-length dance, theater, music, and interdisciplinary contemporary performance works from local and global artists to our Pittsburgh stages on an ongoing basis. KST develops these works through grant opportunities including New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, National Performance Network’s Creation and Development Fund and more. Learn more about current and upcoming projects!
FRESHWORKS
Freshworks is KST’s creative residency for artists and collaborators based in the greater Pittsburgh region. The program debuted in 2013 to support performances in progress across contemporary dance, theater, music, and new media. Freshworks includes a stipend and resource budget, a two-month residency supported by KST staff, and culminates with a two-night work in progress presentation followed by a Q&A. Check out the 2023/2024 projects and find out more about the program. Find out more and apply!
KST GALLERY
Since 2021 KST has utilized the lobby of its historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater location as a gallery for the exhibition of visual artworks by Pittsburgh based artists. KST has partnered with DS Kinsel of Boom Concepts to curate exhibitions featuring the work of many artists! Check out current and past exhibitions here.
HOMEMAKERS
HomeMakers is KST’s new and reconfigured version of the Artist Council. Taking inspiration from bell hooks’ essay “Homeplace as a site of resistance“, HomeMakers is a committee of Pittsburgh Artists and community members that work with KST Staff to advocate for and dupport Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s programs and supported artists. Read more about the program here.
THE ALLOY SCHOOL
Offered in three sessions throughout the year, The Alloy School presents non-competitive dance and movement and arts classes for youth, families, and adults. Discover the joy of movement while developing body awareness, coordination, and esteem. The Alloy School is a creative community where individuality is celebrated and all gender expressions and cultures are welcome. Learn more here!
YOUTH & FAMILY
KST Presents annually puts on two youth and family focused engagements, a Halloween event and a celebration for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Both events celebrate Pittsburgh youth and the arts with performance offerings from local ensembles and engaging activities with community partners. Find out more!
PRODUCING PARTNERS
KST works with a range of organizations in and outside Pittsburgh as Producing Partners who rent KST’s spaces at subsidized rates to present musical concerts, theatrical productions, drag and comedy performances, dance performances and more. Presenting Partner organizations have included Calliope, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, Bodiography, Confluence Ballet, and New Horizon’s Theater. Check out this season’s offerings!
