The Quantum Theatre

The Quantum Theatre isn’t an ordinary theater. Their December 2016 performance, the River, was performed in a modified drydock in the Aspinwall Riverfront Park. The play, written by Jez Butterworth, features a non-linear story about a man’s love life in which he brings various women to the fishing cabin where he grew up. To create the stage for The River, Quantum built an entire temporary edifice out of the drydock on the bank of the Allegheny River, with a large gap built down the middle of the stage that filled with water to symbolize the titular river (both the literal one and the one existing between the characters). During the climax of the play, which called for the lead actor to fall into the river, a door at the back of the stage opened and drained the gap into the Allegheny as well as let in a rush of cold air — a fittingly chilling moment for a haunting climax.

The Quantum Theatre takes pride in their mission to provide an extraordinary experience, experimenting with theatrical productions in a non-traditional sense. Since its debut in 1990, Quantum has held performances in a variety of spaces, ranging from a Giant Eagle warehouse to the Andy Warhol Museum. The theater rotates location for each performance, migrating around Pittsburgh once every one to two months. Karla Boos, the Artistic Director of the theater, is the lead decision-maker for Quantum’s productions; however, her team decides where the productions will be performed. Locations are chosen with regard to practicality, safety, and most importantly, entertainment. Once the location has been secured, the Technical Director and the Director of Production ensure that a safe, stable stage is created with materials supplied locally by Construction Junction, a nonprofit dedicated to the res and reuse of construction materials.

Outside of the performances, Quantum also plays a role in the community by providing educational programs for children and students. The organization supports current and future artists and performers by conducting a high school residency program, as well as other community education programs. Quantum also provides volunteer opportunities in which interested individuals can dive into the full culture of a nonprofit setting, either working individual shows or special fundraising events. Whether patrons come to see a play or take advantage of their many educational programs, the experience will not be like any other.