Kelly-Strayhorn Theater

File:Regent Theater, East Liberty, 2015-02-13, 04.jpg

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater originally opened in 1914 as the 1,100 seat Regent Theatre, a silent film movie house. Designed by architect Harry S. Bair,{{cite web|url=https://fatherpitt.wordpress.com/tag/bair-harry-s/|title=Bair (Harry S.) - Father Pitt|website=Fatherpitt.wordpress.com|date=22 June 2015 |accessdate=5 July 2018}} it featured a grand theater organ that provided live music to the films. The theater was closed by the 1950s but had a grand reopening as an 850-seat theater on July 18, 1965 following a $175,000 renovation under Ernest Stern's Associated Theaters.{{cite web|url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/about/history/|title=History - Kelly Strayhorn Theater|website=Kelly-strayhorn.org|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

In October 1979, the Regent again closed. In the mid 1980s, the theater underwent renovations and reopened in 1995. The Regent largely served as a concert space before closing again in 1997. The current theater reopened in 2001 and was renamed to honor Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn. A commemorative “Walk of Stars” (curated by Teresa Trich) recognizing artists, friends, fans, and family members of the theater was installed at its entrance.{{cite web|url=http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/movies/s_32388.html|title=Reopening of East Liberty theater set for Nov. 11|first=Ed|last=Blank|website=TribLIVE.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} The theater started original programming in 2008 and merged with Dance Alloy in the nearby Friendship neighborhood in the fall of 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/ProgramNotes/archives/2011/08/26/dance-alloy-theater-to-merge-with-kelly-strayhorn|title=Dance Alloy Theater To Merge With Kelly-Strayhorn|first=Bill|last=O'Driscoll|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

In 2008, janera solomon was appointed as the theater's executive director. Under her leadership, the theater expanded to increase its original programming and funding.{{cite web|url=http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/neighborhoods/east-liberty/kelly-strayhorn-theater-gets-1-million-grant/|title=Kelly Strayhorn Theater gets $1 million grant|date=28 May 2014|website=Nextpittsburgh.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Kelly Strayhorn Theater is now recognized as a progressive cultural center. Its programs, such as the newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival, which features new work in dance,{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/a-preview-of-the-seventh-annual-newmoves-contemporary-dance-festival/Content?oid=1918259|title=A preview of the seventh annual newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival|first=Steve|last=Sucato|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} and World Stage, which supports new performances by international artists,{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen/2015/02/02/Kelly-Strayhorn-Theater-s-World-Stage-Fund-Party-1/stories/201502020048|title=Kelly Strayhorn Theater's World Stage Fund Party|website=Post-gazette.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} have helped the theater gain local and national recognition.

Artists presented by KST include: Kyle Abraham,{{cite web|url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/artist-profiles/abraham-kyle/|title=Abraham, Kyle - Kelly Strayhorn Theater|website=Kelly-strayhorn.org|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Suli Holum,{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/the-wholehearted-at-kelly-strayhorn-theater/Content?oid=1814245|title=The Wholehearted, at Kelly-Strayhorn Theater|first=Colette|last=Newby|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Jaamil Kosoko,{{Cite web |url=http://www.dance.nyc/listings/auditions/2012/03/Mash-Up-Body |title=Mash up Body | Dance/NYC |access-date=2017-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309071106/http://www.dance.nyc/listings/auditions/2012/03/Mash-Up-Body |archive-date=2017-03-09 |url-status=dead }} Camille A. Brown,{{cite web|url=http://atlantablackstar.com/2012/09/13/choreographer-camille-a-brown-shares-black-comedys-often-tragic-story-with-mr-tol-e-rance/|title=Choreographer Camille A. Brown To Perform Black Comedy 'Mr. TOL E. Rance'|last=Stan|date=13 September 2012|website=Atlantablackstar.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Vanessa German,{{cite web|url=https://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2011/03/30/german-brings-root-to-kelly-strayhorn-theater/|title=German brings 'Root' to Kelly Strayhorn Theater|date=30 March 2011|website=Newpittsburghcourieronline.com|accessdate=5 July 2018|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705232921/https://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2011/03/30/german-brings-root-to-kelly-strayhorn-theater/|url-status=dead}} Kate Watson Wallace,{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/philadelphia-based-dance-troupe-anonymous-bodies-explores-the-shopping-experience/Content?oid=1342798|title=Philadelphia-based dance troupe anonymous bodies explores the shopping experience|first=Steve|last=Sucato|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Bill Shannon,{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/disabled-dancers-connect-in-bill-shannons-stay-up/Content?oid=1867384|title=Disabled dancers connect in Bill Shannon's Stay Up|first=Bill|last=O'Driscoll|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Luke Murphy,{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2012/11/12/Preview-Choreographer-Luke-Murphy-returns-to-Kelly-Strayhorn-to-get-Drenched/stories/201211120166|title=Preview: Choreographer Luke Murphy returns to Kelly-Strayhorn to get 'Drenched'|website=Post-gazette.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} and Stacey Pearl,{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/new-dance-works-set-to-bloom-at-fourth-annual-newmoves-contemporary-dance-festival/Content?oid=1522147|title=New dance works set to Bloom at fourth Annual newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival|first=Steve|last=Sucato|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} all of whom have had extensive creative or production residencies in support of new work at KST.

In addition, KST Presents includes support for emerging artists in film, poetry and visual arts: Chris Ivey,{{cite web|url=https://steelcinema.wordpress.com/2016/01/17/kelly-strayhorn-heads-east-of-liberty-for-doc-screening/|title=Kelly Strayhorn Heads 'East Of Liberty' For Doc Screening|date=17 January 2016|website=Steelcinema.wordpress.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Alisha Wormsley,{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/Blogh/archives/2016/03/02/afronauta-seeks-films-for-upcoming-video-magazine|title=Afronaut(a) seeks films for upcoming video magazine|first=Courtney|last=Linder|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} and Joy KMT.{{cite web|url=http://triblive.com/aande/moreaande/6165327-74/theater-kelly-strayhorn|title=Kelly Strayhorn Theater gets $1 million grant|first=Mark|last=Kanny|website=TribLIVE.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

All of KST's programming is realized in partnership with community partners located in and around the city of Pittsburgh. The theater itself serves as a cultural hub for the Pittsburgh neighborhood of East Liberty and Pittsburgh's East End.

In 2015, the theater instituted system called “Pay What Makes You Happy” which allows patrons to set their own price for all KST Presents performances and events.{{cite web|url=http://www.pghcitypaper.com/Blogh/archives/2015/10/07/the-kelly-strayhorns-pay-what-makes-you-happy-policy|title=The Kelly-Strayhorn's "Pay What Makes You Happy" Policy|first=Bill|last=O'Driscoll|website=Pghcitypaper.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater, built in 1914 and originally the Regent Theater, is located in the heart of East Liberty.

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a performance space that seats 350. The theater's lobby space hosts events, receptions and pre- and post-show conversations.{{cite web|url=http://exploreeastliberty.com/listings/5941-penn-avenue-pittsburgh-pa-15206-the-kelly-strayhorn-theater/|title=The Kelly Strayhorn Theater - Explore East Liberty|website=Exploreeastliberty.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

The Alloy Studios (formerly Dance Alloy) is located on Penn Avenue. Two dance and performance studio spaces provide a place for creation, education, and ongoing partnership programs.

The Alloy Studios opened in 1995 as Dance Alloy. The construction of the multiuse space was a part of larger revitalization efforts in Pittsburgh's Garfield neighborhood.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sNW1DQAAQBAJ&q=dance+alloy+1995+building&pg=PA220|title=Insiders' Guide® to Pittsburgh|first=Michele|last=Margittai|date=17 July 2008|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=9781461746867|accessdate=5 July 2018|via=Google Books}} The space is equipped with two professional dance studios with marley-sprung floors.{{cite web|url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/rent/|title=Event Rental Space - Kelly Strayhorn Theater|website=Kelly-strayhorn.org=|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

KST Presents is the theater's original programming series featuring dance, theater, film, performance art, and literary art performances that provide a multicultural experience.{{Cite web |url=http://calendar.triblive.com/venue/kelly-strayhorn-performing-arts-center |title=Triblive Events - Kelly-Strayhorn Performing Arts Center - <[var:page:title]> |access-date=2017-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309061647/http://calendar.triblive.com/venue/kelly-strayhorn-performing-arts-center |archive-date=2017-03-09 |url-status=dead }}

Fresh Works is KST's creative learning program for Pittsburgh-based artists. In the program, artists receive 80 hours at The Alloy Studios to research, explore, play, and create a work-in-progress performance for audience input.

newMoves is an annual festival for contemporary dance making that began in 2009. newMoves provides opportunities for dance artists to share new ideas and new work and engage in dialogue with audiences. The festival features local, national, and international artists. Programming for the conference consists of performances, dance parties, creative workshops, classes and conversations with artists.{{cite web|url=http://artsamerica.org/blog/location/newmoves-in-full-bloom/#anchor|title=newMoves in Full "Bloom"|date=1 May 2012|website=Artsamerica.org|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

An annual program created in honor of Billy Strayhorn, which includes film screenings, performances, and discussions exploring the life experiences of queer people of color.{{cite web|url=https://dignityandrespect.org/kelly-strayhorn-theater-presents-the-third-annual-my-people-film-series/|title=Kelly-Strayhorn Theater Presents the Third Annual "My People Film Series" - Dignity & Respect|date=9 November 2011|website=Dignityandrespect.org|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

A festival featuring contemporary independent female artists across various disciplines. Events occurring during the course of the festival include concerts, performances, talks, workshops, parties and more. Past festivals have included visiting artists Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, author Rebecca Walker, and composer Samita Sinha, as well as Pittsburgh artists Joy Ike, Dr. Goddess, Shaina Wallace, SolSis, Stacyee Pearl, and Bhangra Bash with DJ Rekha.{{cite web|url=http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_725452.html#axzz2AtRVtnvS|title=Sunstar shines a light on the talents of women|first=Michael|last=Machosky|website=TribLIVE.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

Recurring events include Suite Life: A Tribute to Billy Strayhorn,{{cite web|url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/events/suite-life-2016/|title=9th Annual Suite Life: Celebration of Billy Strayhorn - Kelly Strayhorn Theater|website=Kelly-strayhorn.org|accessdate=5 July 2018}} Full Bloom Summer Dance Party,{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen/2016/06/06/Kelly-Strayhorn-Theater-dance-party-funds-theater-improvements/stories/201606060010|title=Kelly-Strayhorn Theater dance party funds theater improvements|website=Post-gazette.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} and East Liberty Live!{{cite web|url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/festivals/east-liberty-live/|title=East Liberty LIVE! - Kelly Strayhorn Theater|website=Kelly-strayhorn.org|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater hosts a number of family-friendly events, such as the Let's Move! Family Dance Party,{{cite web|url=http://vibrantpittsburgh.org/event/lets-move-family-dance-party-2/|title=Vibrant Pittsburgh|website=Vibrantpittsburgh.org|accessdate=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531144419/http://vibrantpittsburgh.org/event/lets-move-family-dance-party-2/|archive-date=31 May 2017|url-status=dead}} Halloween Mayhem,{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2010/08/16/New-Kelly-Strayhorn-Theater-performance-season-cuts-wide-swath/stories/201008160187|title=New Kelly-Strayhorn Theater performance season cuts wide swath|website=Post-gazette.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}} and East Liberty Celebrates MLK Day.{{cite web|url=http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/events/8th-annual-east-liberty-celebrates-mlk-event/|title=8th annual East Liberty Celebrates MLK event|date=10 January 2017|website=Nextpittsburgh.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater merged with the Pittsburgh Dance Alloy in 2011.

As a part of the merge, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater continued Pittsburgh Dance Alloy's community education program, The Alloy School.

The Alloy School is a creative and non-competitive community for children, families, and adults. The Alloy School offers movement-focused classes that include pre-ballet, African dance, creative movement, hip-hop, family yoga, and acting.{{Cite web |url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/classes-workshops/alloy-school-spring-2017/ |title=Alloy School Spring 2017 |access-date=2017-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309070446/http://kelly-strayhorn.org/classes-workshops/alloy-school-spring-2017/ |archive-date=2017-03-09 |url-status=dead }}

Creative Community residency projects support the creation of new works built around the neighborhood context, history, legacy, and character.

Artists in these residencies offer active public engagement activities, including community meals and gatherings, conversations, workshops and master classes. The residency brings residents, neighborhood organizers, local agencies and other partners to engage with artists.{{Cite web |url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/community/artistopportunities/creative-community/ |title=Creative Community Residency Program | Kelly Strayhorn Theater |access-date=2017-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309064324/http://kelly-strayhorn.org/community/artistopportunities/creative-community/ |archive-date=2017-03-09 |url-status=dead }}

An accelerator program for emerging artists and entrepreneurs, Penn Avenue Creative offers emerging creative leaders network development and mentorship. Members of the residency cohort work to catalyze sites along the Penn Avenue Corridor, the street in which the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Alloy Studios are located.{{cite web|url=http://kelly-strayhorn.org/community/penn-avenue-creative/|title=Penn Avenue Creative - Kelly Strayhorn Theater|website=Kelly-strayhorn.org|accessdate=5 July 2018|archive-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706032744/https://kelly-strayhorn.org/community/penn-avenue-creative/|url-status=dead}}

Futuremakers is an interactive series of events that invites key leaders, community members, and stakeholders to engage with Penn Avenue Creative fellows around the future of Penn Avenue. The Futuremakers Symposium takes place in May and invites local and national leaders to discuss building and maintaining community in neighborhoods undergoing revitalization.{{cite web|url=http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-design/futuremakers-symposium/|title=FUTUREMAKERS Symposium: action-based strategies to create inclusive neighborhoods|date=12 May 2016|website=Nextpittsburgh.com|accessdate=5 July 2018}}

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