Selected
Highlights
Prime Stage has introduced theatre to thousands of
adolescents, educators and families. An ESL teacher in our
Adopt-a-School Program wrote: "In addition to refugees from Nepal, I
have students from Iraq. Seeing the plays improved their comprehension
and made them feel they understood what they read." A student wrote:
"Seeing the play live helped me connect with the book. I could tell how
people were feeling during each scene and what they were
doing.
1996 - Prime Stage was incorporated as a non-profit 501c3 organization to provide theatrical and educational experiences for families, students, and educators. "A Woman Called Truth" was produced at the former Station Square Playhouse.
Prime Stage moved to LaRoche College in the North Hills where we produced two seasons of literary adaptations and new plays, including the world premiere of "The Music Lesson" by Tammy Ryan which has won national awards and is produced around the country.
1998/1999 - Prime Stage moved to Civic Light Opera Academy and produced several regional premieres. Eva Schloss, best friend of Anne Frank, joined us for the performances.
We developed a partnership with the Holocaust Center of Greater Pittsburgh which lasted for several seasons. Prime Stage received recognition as “The best educational program” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
1999 - At the George White Theatre of Point Park University, Prime Stage produced the world premiere of "Clemente: The Measure of a Man". For this production, we worked with members of Roberto Clemente’s family and continued our relationship with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Prime Stage initiated its "Adopt-a-School Program" for students in Wilkinsburg.
2000 - Prime Stage moved to the Hazlett Theater to produce three seasons of literature, including the world premieres "Wade in the Water", "The Josh Gibson Story" and "We Will Remember: A Tribute to Veterans", which is puublished and presented nationally.
Prime Stage adopted “Bringing Literature to Life” to
target adolescent literacy, particularly
reluctant and struggling readers and their teachers.
Prime Stage
received national
recognition as the "Outstanding
Children’s Theatre Company in the
United States" from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.
Prime Stage initiated its Teen Advisory Board. Teens learn leadership skills as they have a vital voice in the in the selection of projects and productions. They also do community outreach projects.
- The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust invited Prime Stage to inaugurate a new theatre facility at 937 Liberty Avenue in the Cultural District and continue "Bringing literature to life".
2005 - Prime Stage began its Act 48 Teacher Workshops. We featured Newbery Award Author Lois Lowry at a workshop and reception for the premiere of "The Giver".
The Annual Celebration of Reading" produced in partnership with Tickets for Kids Charities began.
2006 - For its 10th anniversary season, Prime Stage returned to the New
Hazlett Theater. Mary
Badham, Academy Award nominee actress who played Scout in
the film of "To Kill a Mockingbird", attended performances and teacher
workshops during the production.
2007 - Prime Stage Co-Founder and Finance Director, Connie Brinda, was recognized for her contributions to the arts in Western Pennsylvania at the Woman in the Arts Celebration.
Prime Stage recognized Holocaust hidden children survivors
with "The Diary of Anne Frank".
2008 -
Prime Stage produced the world premiere adaptation of "The Westing
Game", based on the book by
Ellen Raskin. We also held a special event honoring Amy Kellman of the
Carnegie Library.
2009 – Prime Stage produced the world premiere of The Westing Game, based on the book by Ellen Raskin. We held a special event honoring Amy Kellman of the Carnegie Library.
2010 – Prime Stage, with support of local foundations, installed School/Community Reading Centers in two Pittsburgh Public middle schools.
Prime Stage initiated its “Annual Inspiring -Teacher-Inspiring Student” Recognition award and event.
Prime Stage Teen Advisory Board is invited to Harrisburg to present their program that raises awareness of Teen Dating Violence.
2011 – Our script of The Westing Game is published by Dramatic Publishing Company.
Prime Stage Teen Advisory Board is invited to present their new play and program that raises awareness of Teen Dating Violence with the YWCA Violence Awareness Week and several communities and organizations for youth.
