PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two longtime professional theaters here have merged into one.
The Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater have joined forces and will go by the name Confluence Theater.
“Pittsburgh is a city built by people who make things, innovate, and reimagine what’s possible,” said Brett Ashley Crawford, interim president and executive producer. “Confluence Theater of Pittsburgh honors that spirit, bringing together artists, audiences, and educators to create a theater company that can grow with this city for generations to come.”
Pittsburgh CLO has produced musical theater since 1946, when it was founded to help rebuild the community in the aftermath of World War II. Pittsburgh Public Theater has staged work since 1974, becoming one of the first organizations to produce August Wilson’s complete Century Cycle.
Confluence Theater of Pittsburgh brings two distinct theatrical traditions together into one company: the musicals that have defined Pittsburgh CLO’s legacy internationally, and the classics and contemporary plays of renown that have placed Pittsburgh Public Theater among America’s finest regional institutions.
By pooling audiences, staff, strategies and expertise, Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater will be better able to sustain operations without sacrificing theatrical excellence.
The new name was chosen from more than 3,000 submissions that were poured into a naming poll launched on July 31.
The name captures the spirit of coming together. Pittsburgh is defined by confluence, as its downtown sits where two rivers meet and become one, more powerful current. Confluence Theater of Pittsburgh is designed to transcend the stage. Its year-round model runs on live productions throughout downtown Pittsburgh, and education for all ages.
The search for a permanent president and executive producer is underway.
Confluence’s first productions bring together beloved favorites and daring new stories. Here is what’s on the schedule:
- “How Shakespeare Saved My Life,” Nov. 11-22, O’Reilly Theater.
- “Who’s Holiday!” Dec. 2-23, Greer Cabaret Theater.
- “A Musical Christmas Carol,” Dec. 11-23, Byham Theater.
Tickets to all three shows are on sale now at ConfluenceTheater.org.