Basic Information for Kelly Strayhorn Theater
KST Address: 5941 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Alloy School Address: 5530 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Hours: Check website for event times
Website: https://kelly-strayhorn.org/
Admission: KST utilizes a Pay What Moves You program, allowing patrons to choose from a range of prices that fits their individual budget
Transportation: Bus and Car (street parking)
Access: KST is committed to ensuring access to all its patrons, please contact admin offices (412.363.3000) with questions
Sneak Peek for Kelly Strayhorn Theater
The Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, located in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, was originally built in 1914 as the Regent Theatre, a silent movie house. After undergoing various closures, it was clear the venue’s function as a movie theater was no longer serving the community’s needs. Following a campaign spearheaded by the local arts community, the theater officially reopened in 2001 as the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, a performance space named to honor the legacy of inclusion and jubilation left behind by two legendary Pittsburgh artists, Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn.
Today, the theater labels itself as “a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people.” Always committed to serving the community of East Liberty, they offer a variety of ways for people to get involved. Plays, dances, live music, and more are regularly showcased at the theater. Spring 2023 events included the "Neighbor to Neighbor" group exhibition and multidisciplinary performance BLACK HOLE: Trilogy And Triathlon, among others. Beyond the frequent performances that are open to the public, anyone can sign up for a dance class held at the associated Alloy Studios down the street. Plus, residencies and fellowships are offered to emerging artists, often with a focus on providing opportunities to underrepresented voices.
The Alloy School originally opened as Alloy Dance in 1995 and merged with the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in 2011. The building hosts two spacious dance studios alongside various offices for the staff. Now, The Alloy School and KST work together to provide endless opportunities to the East Liberty community and beyond. Classes such as Jazz Ballet, Hip Hop, and West African: Dance & Drum are held for students of all ages in eight-week sessions, but drop-ins are encouraged. The classes culminate in a performance showcase for students to express what they’ve learned. Pearl Arts is currently hosted at the Alloy School in a mutual-aid residency, helping to revamp the studio’s programming.
A list of upcoming shows, as well as information about class sign-ups and current programming, can be found on Kelly-Strayhorn’s website. And, if you’re interested, the space can be rented out for events.
Not Just a Neon Sign
Across from the towering East Liberty Presbyterian Church stands the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. The Secret Pittsburgh Class recently spent a day with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) learning about its history and current mission, and it helped me realize there is much more to this place than a blue neon sign lighting up a classic facade. This theater is a place where a great deal of thought and work is put into uplifting its community and celebrating creativity.
A Conversation on Education at Kelly-Strayhorn
Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, established in 2001, is a welcoming space that strives to make its visitors feel supported and seen from the second they walk in the door. What was once the Regent Theatre in the East Liberty neighborhood has transformed into a space embracing strong community, cultural value, and joy.
Breaking News: Local Theater Wants You (Yes, You!) to Pay them a Visit
Walking down Penn Ave, you might find yourself taking in the East Liberty Presbyterian Church in all its gothic glory, but I urge you to peel your eyes away and look across the street—at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater (KST). Tucked away between various shops and offices, you might find it hard to believe that this space houses a theater, but you’ll be pleased to hear that it has that and more.
Move with Us!
“Ground yourself. Close your eyes and let the electric energy which fills the room course through your body.” I let these words permeate my being as I concentrated the flow of energy down my spine and through my extended toes. Simon Phillips, the education coordinator at Kelly-Strayhorn Theater (KST), spoke in a hushed tone as he led us through this initial movement exercise. Allowing myself to sneakily peer through a half opened eye, I quickly glanced around at the collection of serene faces encased in a staggered circle. It was an intimate, but affirming movement.
Pitch of Pittsburgh
As I entered the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST), my ears instantly perked up. It was already colorful and open in there, yet the sound of music echoing through the lobby only made the atmosphere brighter. We stood around listening to our guide debrief the history behind this memorial of a place. I could not help but catch myself engaged in the music playing on the speakers. I wanted to know more about it: what song was playing, was this one of the playlists featured on their website, was it from a smaller local artist or a bigger Pittsburgh sensation?
From Theater to Studio: A Walk through East Liberty
My classmates and I stand in an inward-facing semicircle around Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s entrance while Executive Director Joseph Hall gives us a crash course in its surprisingly long history. It’s mid-February, and a few of us (including me) are shifting, stamping, and hopping about in the chilly air, but otherwise we’re interested and attentive, our focus assisted by Joseph’s adept storytelling.