who we are
Nothing’s off the table.
No idea is too outrageous.
Great art can come from that.
We listen to what artists need and allow them to think about the big picture without worrying about how pieces of the puzzle – technology, logistics, personnel, money – will come together. We focus on their vision, and offer fresh ideas about their work without diluting it.
We serve as a catalyst for Pittsburgh’s creative community by providing local artists, arts organizations, and audiences with unprecedented access to a historic performance space. We champion the performing arts by supplying professional development and experience to the creators of inspiring, thought-provoking work, ensuring our stage remains an accessible and welcoming home for all.
Our History
The Hazlett Theater was built in 1889 as the first Carnegie Music Hall and was dedicated by President Benjamin Harrison. Designed in a Richardson Romanesque style, the Theater is part of an impressive historic landmark that also housed one of the first Carnegie Free Libraries in the country. The music hall was also a place of religious retreat. William Henry Conley and Charles Russell, both born in the Northside, were co-founders of Watch Tower and Tract Society, which became the legal corporation for the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Watch Tower congregation would study and preach at the Allegheny Square 6 throughout the early 1900’s.
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When the hall was threatened by demolition in 1967, the community intervened and funds were secured to renovate the Theater space, featuring a flexible stage and intimate audience chamber with movable scaffold seating. The Hazlett Theater was re-named in 1980 in honor of Theodore L. Hazlett Jr., a prominent civic leader who worked with Mayor David Lawrence, authored much of the city’s smog legislation, and was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts. The Hazlett Theater was home to the Pittsburgh Public Theater for 24 seasons from 1974 until 1999, bringing considerable traffic to the area.
But when PPT moved downtown to the Cultural District in 1999, the neighborhood business community suffered considerable losses. The Hazlett Theater was transformed in 2004 into the New Hazlett Theater with the support of the local arts community. Today the nonprofit theater is a thriving and active community asset that presents a variety of performance art disciplines to the Pittsburgh community.
The Catalyst for
what’s next
The New Hazlett Theater isn't just a venue, we’re a catalyst for Pittsburgh's most daring voices. Our Community Supported Art (CSA) Performance Series is an incubator program that provides local artists, creators, and designers with the professional stage, technical resources, and collaborative partnership they need to elevate their work.
By becoming a CSA subscriber, you aren't just buying a ticket to a show, you are witnessing a creative breakthrough in real time.
Our People
René Conrad
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René works with the Board of Directors to determine the vision and goals for the Theater, then sets about working with the staff on strategies to meet them. After 16 years of for-profit management, she traded in the long corporate hours of planning, budgeting, and fundraising for the long non-profit hours of planning, budgeting, and fundraising. But at the end of the day, when she comes downstairs, there’s dancing. Or singing. Or poetry or acting or sometimes even a girl on a trapeze. René thinks she has the best job in Pittsburgh.
Scott Conklin
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Scott is the liaison and technical advisor to all the artists who produce and perform their work at the Theater. He works closely with them to make their magic happen. He ensures that all our theatrical equipment is, as he likes to say, rock solid. A problematic set design is no problem. Any audio and video glitches are immediately unglitched. He provides a smoothly functioning venue and assists in troubleshooting just about every electrical or mechanical thing we have around here, from the lighting console to the ice machine.
Kayla Hennon
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Kayla is thrilled to call the New Hazlett Theater home. She brings with her a deep understanding of the arts and a passion for supporting creative communities. She’s excited to help raise the theater’s visibility, expand its reach, and build lasting relationships with audiences and supporters. Kayla believes in the transformative power of art and is eager to contribute her skills to advance the New Hazlett Theater’s mission and support the incredible artists who call it home. Outside the theater, Kayla enjoys spending quality time with her family and exploring new recipes in the kitchen. She’s passionate about fostering a sense of community both inside and outside the theater walls.
Sadie M. Treese
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Sadie already feels like the New Hazlett is home! She is excited to once again have an office where she can peek in on rehearsals and connect with art practitioners and audiences. Behind the scenes, Sadie oversees human resources, business processes, and venue rentals. She is thrilled to put her experience in fundraising, finance, and personnel management to work in the Northside. She lives in Marshall-Shadeland with her husband and four kids.
Melissa Cardello-Linton
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Melissa is happy to call The Hazlett her artistic home, where she oversees the CSA Emerging Artist Performance Series, offering local talent a platform to showcase groundbreaking work. Melissa is passionate about creating opportunities for artists to push creative boundaries, and she’s excited to contribute to The Hazlett’s reputation as an incubator for the arts. With years of experience directing and producing new works in New York City, including Off-Broadway and having her work featured on PBS All Arts, Melissa brings a wealth of expertise in crafting powerful, engaging theater. Now back in Pittsburgh, she’s energized by the opportunity to produce new works and support the next generation of local artists. The Hazlett feels like a perfect fit, and Melissa looks forward to helping build a space where dynamic new art can thrive
Dylan Baker
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Dylan is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of productions, including planning, organizing, and supervising theatrical activities. He personally handles all pre-production elements, supervises each technical crew, and serves as our in-house advisor to artists as they develop their projects. Dylan enjoys every opportunity to help each artist’s experience at the theater run as smoothly as possible as they bring their projects to life on the New Hazlett stage. He also finds that working in a beautiful historic building is a huge perk to the job.
Allyson King
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Allyson King, Program and Events Manager, is the liaison between artists, community & corporate organizations, or any other individuals looking for a unique space to host their next performance or event. With over a decade of experience in non-profit party and event planning, Allyson has the knowledge and skills to help every client get the best experience from their time with the New Hazlett. She offers guidance and assistance through every step of the rental process, from the initial tour of the space to contracting to the final production meeting & load-in. She loves being in such a historic and creative setting that inspires dynamic art for all ages, and strives to bring every clients’ vision to life, whether it be an artistic performance, corporate party, or dream wedding.
Lauren N. Wijangco
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Lauren oversees our front-of-house staff and serves as the theater’s resident House Manager. From selecting your perfect cocktail at the bar to helping you find the best seat in the house, Lauren’s here to help you enjoy your time at the theater. Interested in ushering at the New Hazlett? Give Lauren a shout!
Nathan Wagner
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Nathan runs the box office for all the theater performances. He works closely with the theater’s rental partners and CSA artists to get tickets on sale in an efficient and timely manner. In addition to being a ticketing guru, Nathan monitors and maintains the patron donor database. Nathan is usually the first face a patron sees when they walk into the New Hazlett. Feel free to stop and say hi the next time you come to an event!
Krista Ream
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Krista is responsible for all things communication and design coordination. Whether it be e-blasts, social posts, press releases or program books, Krista’s job is filled with words and images. Krista enjoys the creativity of her role and getting to meet so many amazing artists!
Tony Clayton
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Tony Clayton is our Lead Lighting Technician, and he’s the guy behind the fantastic lighting effects you see on our stage! He manages our lighting equipment and ensures everything is in perfect condition, so your production looks incredible. Got a bright idea for your lighting? Just reach out to Tony — he’d love to hear from you!
David Balint, Kristina Kiritchenko, Eli Plummer, Tracee Imai, Eric Molina, and August Whichard
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You’ll see our front-of-house folks at every performance. They greet patrons, make sure we stay on schedule, and deal with emergencies should they arise. They provide outstanding customer service, to patrons and performing companies alike. Need help finding parking? They’re on it. Watch for them near the entrance to the Theater – they’ll be happy to help with directions.
Our Board
Susan Gillis Kruman, President
University of Pittsburgh Emerita
Godfrey Bethea, Vice President
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Jonathan Fortier, Secretary
Business Owner, Wheelfish
Shane Gastecki, CPA, Treasurer
Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Bevin C. Baker
PNC Private Bank
Oliver D.J. Beasley
Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh
Sarah College
Carnegie Mellon University
Teena Marie Custer
Lifespace Real Estate
Nicholas J. Gianaris
Nexight Group
Christopher Ketner
Origin Story Productions
Mike Larson-Edwards
Massaro
Richard E. Rauh
Josie Schultz
A to Z Communications
Brynn Elcock Smart
BES Consulting
Contributors
Anonymous II
Dee Delaney Arts Accessibility Fund
Donald and Sylvia Robinson Family Foundation
John E. and Sue M. Jackson Charitable Trust
McKinney Charitable Foundation through the PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee
New Perspective Communications
Queequeg Foundation
Sheila Reicher Fine Foundation
Wi Patterson Charitable Fund
