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.
Scott Conklin
Technical Director
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.
Kristin Helfrich
Director of Programming
Kristin works with artists that produce and perform work at the New Hazlett Theater. She provides administrative and planning support for productions and strives to make every event seamless. Kristin is focused on creating programs at the New Hazlett that give artists and organizations the opportunity to deepen their connection to the community. She truly enjoys bringing artists from different disciplines together to see what kind of magic can be made.
Kimberlee Love
Business and Finance Manager
As a lifelong theater fan, Kim was as surprised as anyone when she somehow ended up spending 25 years as a controller in a motorcycle dealership. And even more surprised that she liked it. But when the New Hazlett needed someone with her accounting skills she jumped ship (or, more accurately, bike) and has never looked back. Kim handles human resources and all the tedious money business, and she is pinch-me happy every day to be involved in – maybe even contributing to – keeping the arts alive and well in her hometown.
Patti Phillips-Best
Development Manager
Community engagement is the cornerstone of Patti’s work at the New Hazlett. Building on the professional work of the programming, marketing, and technical staff, Patti seeks to engage community members in supporting the organization with resources and outreach. Her rich career history in the arts, social justice, small business, and human services have all centered around tapping into people’s desire to connect and be inspired. To Patti, being involved in the arts as patron, producer or performer is integral to the overall well-being of a person.
Dylan Baker
Master Electrician/Assistant Technical Director
Dylan troubleshoots any lighting issues from wiring to control to checking to see if something is actually plugged in. He helps out any way he can whether that is installing a projector, building a set, or fixing some tech. Dylan’s in charge of booking technical staff for events, checking in and out equipment, and making sure the light plot is restored to our repertory plot. He also does the little things for the building such as installing kickstands for the doors, changing light bulbs, and moving things from one place to another to eventually somewhere else.
Courtney Bold
Venue & Hospitality Manager
Courtney knows what it takes to choreograph the perfect performance. As a former dancer, turned teacher she knows how to keep her corps de ballet (all front of house staff) leaping into action without missing any beats. From the lobby and bar to the moment you enter the theater each step is carefully planned to make the evening enjoyable for all. As the Venue & Hospitality Manager, she looks forward to you enjoying your time with us before, during and after the show.
Amber Holder
Program and Event Manager
Amber knows what it takes to organize a successful and fulfilling event, and she will provide you with guidance and assistance at every turn. With a background in music and theater, Amber understands clients’ language, their audiences, and their holistic goals. From start to finish, Amber helps clients understand all that the New Hazlett can offer, and how clients can maximize their time in the space. In addition to arts events, Amber is ready to help fulfill the creative couple’s dream wedding, the enterprising entrepreneur’s private event, the visionary business’ corporate meeting, and any other event creativity may inspire.
Phoebe Costanza, Michelle Engleman, Heather Hackett, Robin Hasenpflug, Tracee Imai, Bob Jungkunz, Heidi Nagle, Howard Parsons, Thomas Poole, Jesse Randall, Alexis Retcofsky, and Christi Welter
Front of House
You’ll see our front of house folk 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.