PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER CORPORATION

Pittsburgh Public Theater opened in September 1975 after a decade in which the city had become known nationally as an unenthusiastic theater town. Once a major stop on the pre-Broadway circuit, there was no longer a suitable venue for road shows after the city lost several theaters due to closure.

The broad-based efforts of many private and public individuals throughout the community contributed to the successful launch of Pittsburgh Public Theater. Commitments to ensure full funding of the first season were made before its opening. A strong volunteer organization was developed, community engagement programs were created, and 7,100 subscriptions sold before The Public opened in 1975. The inaugural season was an enormous success, bringing great audience and critical acclaim for the three productions.

The Public enjoyed 24 years on the North Side before moving to its current home - the O'Reilly Theater - in the heart of the Downtown Cultural District. The new performing space, which was built by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opened with the world premiere of August Wilson's King Hedley II in December 1999.