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.