People

Our Staff

René Conrad
Executive Director

René works with the Board of Directors to determine the vision and goals for the Theater, then sets about working with the staff on strategies to meet them. After 16 years of for-profit management, she traded in the long corporate hours of planning, budgeting, and fundraising for the long non-profit hours of planning, budgeting, and fundraising. But at the end of the day, when she comes downstairs, there’s dancing. Or singing. Or poetry or acting or sometimes even a girl on a trapeze. René thinks she has the best job in Pittsburgh.

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Scott Conklin
Director of Operations

Scott is the liaison and technical advisor to all the artists who produce and perform their work at the Theater. He works closely with them to make their magic happen. He ensures that all our theatrical equipment is, as he likes to say, rock solid. A problematic set design is no problem. Any audio and video glitches are immediately unglitched. He provides a smoothly functioning venue and assists in troubleshooting just about every electrical or mechanical thing we have around here, from the lighting console to the ice machine.

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Janus Young
Creative Programs Manager

Janus brings their production and freelance design experiences to manage and collaborate with CSA Artists, Artists-in-Residences, and local designers for the Theater’s original in-house programming.  Their favorite part of the job is seeing the artists they’re working with grow and succeed, whether that means crushing opening night, nailing a cue, balancing a budget, or getting a grant. The energy that comes with those wins is a true joy of their job.

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Dylan Baker
Production Manager

Dylan is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of productions, including planning, organizing, and supervising theatrical activities. He personally handles all pre-production elements, supervises each technical crew, and serves as our in-house advisor to artists as they develop their projects.  Dylan enjoys every opportunity to help each artist’s experience at the theater run as smoothly as possible as they bring their projects to life on the New Hazlett stage. He also finds that working in a beautiful historic building is a huge perk to the job.

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Allyson King
Program and Events Manager

Allyson King, Program and Events Manager, is the liaison between artists, community & corporate organizations, or any other individuals looking for a unique space to host their next performance or event.  With over a decade of experience in non-profit party and event planning, Allyson has the knowledge and skills to help every client get the best experience from their time with the New Hazlett.  She offers guidance and assistance through every step of the rental process, from the initial tour of the space to contracting to the final production meeting & load-in.  She loves being in such a historic and creative setting that inspires dynamic art for all ages, and strives to bring every clients’ vision to life, whether it be an artistic performance, corporate party, or dream wedding.

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Kevin Rabbits
Patron Services Coordinator

Kevin oversees our front-of-house staff and serves as the theater’s resident House Manager. From selecting your perfect cocktail at the bar to helping you find the best seat in the house, Kevin’s here to help you enjoy your time at the theater.  Interested in ushering at the New Hazlett? Give Kevin a shout!

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Nathan Wagner
Box Office Coordinator

Nathan runs the box office for all the theater performances. He works closely with the theater’s rental partners and CSA artists to get tickets on sale in an efficient and timely manner. In addition to being a ticketing guru, Nathan monitors and maintains the patron donor database. Nathan is usually the first face a patron sees when they walk into the New Hazlett. Feel free to stop and say hi the next time you come to an event!

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Zach Pyatt
Building Maintenance Technician

Zach’s job is to maintain the building and grounds, as well as handle any fabrication and construction needs for the New Hazlett.  A day in the life of Zach can entail anything and everything from fixing broken pipes, modifying railings or even making an access door to the HVAC unit on the roof. It’s no surprise that Zach’s favorite aspect of working at our theater is the great variety of projects on a day-to-day basis.

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Krista Ream
Communications Coordinator

Krista is responsible for all things communication and design coordination. Whether it be e-blasts, social posts, press releases or program books, Krista’s job is filled with words and images. Krista enjoys the creativity of her role and getting to meet so many amazing artists!

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David Balint, Eli Plummer, Rebecca Hurlbert, Tracee Imai, Hazy Jordan, Misha Laity, Alexis Retcofsky, Jasmine Roth, Sascha Wunderlin, and Lauren Wijangco
Front of House

You’ll see our front-of-house folks at every performance. They greet patrons, make sure we stay on schedule, and deal with emergencies should they arise. They provide outstanding customer service, to patrons and performing companies alike. Need help finding parking? They’re on it. Watch for them near the entrance to the Theater – they’ll be happy to help with directions.

Our Board

Evan H. Stein, President
Green Light Wireless /
FSA Consulting

Rebecca Culyba, Vice President
Carnegie Mellon University

Melanie J. Lucht, Secretary
Carnegie Mellon University

Shane Gastecki, CPA, Treasurer
Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.

Bevin C. Baker
Fort Pitt Capital Group

Jonathan Fortier
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Dana Fruzynski, Esq.
Wakefield Law Group

Susan Gillis Kruman
University of Pittsburgh

Laura Greenawalt
Level Agency

Richard E. Rauh
Point Park University /
Carnegie Mellon University

Danielle Graham Robinson
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Rob Zellers
Playwright

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