Prime Stage Theatre

The mission of Prime Stage is to entertain, inspire and enrich through professional theatre by bringing literature to life

Celebrating its 20th season in 2016-17, Prime Stage has established itself locally and nationally as a professional theatre with literacy education at its core. Each season, audiences experience three main stage adaptations of literature selected from the middle and secondary curriculum for the general public and student matinees.

The season opens with To Kill a Mockingbird. The season continues with George Orwell's timely story, 1984 and concludes with the Pittsburgh novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The annual Sensory Friendly performance for families who have young people with Autism and sensitivity or special needs will be presented during "Perks."

Our 2nd Stage at Prime Stage engages audiences in exciting and immersive new ways. Play readings support our Main Stage productions by reinforcing themes and opening a dialogue with audiences.
The Educational Programs address literacy and earning with the "Literacy in ACTion Program" for economically challenged schools.
Our Student Matinee Series brings the literature being read in schools alive for over 3600 students and teachers throughout Southwestern PA
"Discover Your Inner Hero" helps high school students at University Prep at Margaret Milliones School build their confidence and find their career passions with long-term mentors.
The Theatre Mentor Program for high school and college students trains future professional artists.

Testimonials

"I want to congratulate Prime Stage on its 20th anniversary of bringing literature to life. Your unique mission has made an impact not only on the arts but the education of many young people, adults and artists through your productions and programs." ~ Philip Horn, Executive Director of PA Council on the Arts

"It is such a thrill, as a playwright, to find theaters that simply won't give up until they have brought a production as close to perfection as humanly possible. Prime Stage's production of my play "The Giver" was such an experience, and it resulted in a graceful, awe-inspiring visual and emotional punch." ~ Eric Coble, Playwright

"I count Prime Stage as our sister theatre, as we are among a handful of professional theaters for young audiences to consistently include productions aimed at teens. Each year, Prime Stage blazes the trail with new commissions to bring to their stage important young adult literature adaptations. I admire their 20 year history!" ~ Jeff Church, Producing Artistic Director, Coterie Theatre, Kansas City

"I've been looking for a theatre that stimulates thought and presents literature for my granddaughter and I and Prime Stage is it." ~ A patron

"One student said, 'It was like they was [sic] telling my story.' You showed that there is a world beyond the one they've always known, beyond their neighborhood, beyond choices they've used to limit themselves." ~ Group Leader from Summit Academy

"Prime Stage made readers and theater lovers of our students. Thank you!" ~ A teacher

"No one believed in us or me. Thank you for always being here and showing me what I can do!" ~ An urban student in the "Discover Your Inner Hero" after-school program.