1996 - Prime Stage was formed and incorporated as a non-profit 501c3 organization to provide theatrical and educational experiences for families, students, and educators. The first show, A Woman Called Truth, by Sandra Fenichel Asher about Sojourner Truth was produced at the Station Square Playhouse, which is now where the Hard Rock Café is located at Station Square.

Prime Stage then moved to LaRoche College in the North Hills where we produced two seasons of literary adaptations and new plays, including the world premier of The Music Lesson by Tammy Ryan, which won national awards and is being produced around the country.

1998 - Because LaRoche College was expanding its programs, Prime Stage moved to the Civic Light Opera Academy for the 1998-1999 season. The company produced regional premieres including the first production of And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank to use age-appropriate casting. We were delighted to have Eva Schloss, the Stepdaughter of Otto Frank and best friend of Anne Frank, join us for the performances. We developed a partnership with the Holocaust Center of Greater Pittsburgh which lasted for several seasons.

1999 - At the George White Theatre of Point Park College, Prime Stage produced the world premiere of Clemente: The Measure of a Man, by Brian Kral. For this production, we continued our relationship with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and worked with members of Roberto Clemente's family to develop the production. Luis Clemente, Roberto, Jr, and Manny Sanguillen joined the company for a post-show "chat session" following a performance.

2000 - Prime Stage moved to the Hazlett Theater to produce three seasons of literature, including the world premiere of Wade in the Water, by Lynne Conner, The Josh Gibson Story, by Gregory Gibson Kenney, and We Will Remember: A Tribute to Veterans, by Sandra Fenichel Asher. This year, Prime Stage adopted the theme "Bringing Literature to Life" to target adolescent literacy issues, particularly reluctant readers. Bringing Literature to Life provides unique opportunities where young people, teachers, families and the general public can become engaged in projects, internet forums and public chat sessions that promote literacy among young people.

This year, Prime Stage received national recognition as the Outstanding Children's Theatre Company in the United States, by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.

That year, Prime Stage initiated its Teen Advisory Board. The goals are to ensure that teens have a strong voice in the development of the company and in the projects selected to produce. The TAB also does community outreach programs and volunteering.

2003 - The city of Pittsburgh closed the doors to the Hazlett Theater. That year, Prime Stage was invited to inaugurate a new theatre facility at 937 Liberty Avenue in the Cultural District by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to continue Bringing literature to life.

2005 - Prime Stage began its Act 48 Teacher Workshops, and in March

2006 - We were proud to feature Newbery Award Author Lois Lowry at a workshop and reception for the premiere of The Giver.

2006 - For our 10th anniversary season, Prime Stage returns to the New Hazlett Theater for all public and school performances, as well as teacher workshops. The programming will continue to address adolescent literacy with the selection of shows, presentation of educational projects and assessment tools.

In addition to producing and presenting projects, Prime Stage works with organizations that feature programs for youth and families. This has been a staple of the company since its beginning. Current collaborations include the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Children's Museum, and Ticket for Kids Foundation. Working together enables our organizations to expand the ways we all serve, entertain and educate adolescents, families, home schools and educators.