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.

Email René

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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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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Tru Verret-Fleming
Program and Events Manager

With over a decade of professional theater experience, Tru knows what it takes to organize a successful event and can offer guidance and assistance at every turn. Tru helps clients explore all that the New Hazlett can offer, and how they can make the most of their time in the space. Besides hosting arts events, Tru can plan a creative couple’s dream wedding, organize a visionary company’s corporate event, or stage something entirely new at New Hazlett.

Email Tru

Kevin Rabbits
Patron Services Coordinator

Kevin oversees our front-of-house staff and serve 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!

Email Kevin

Brandon Anderson, David Balint, Naomi Costanza, Rebecca Hurlbert, Tracee Imai, Zoë Pienkoski, Eva Resnick-Day, Alexis Retcofsky, Jasmine Roth, Nathan Wagner, Lauren Wijangco, and Linda Wortham
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

Brian P. Maloney, PE, Esq., Vice President
Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, PC

Rebecca Culyba, Secretary
Carnegie Mellon University

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

Bevin C. Baker
Fort Pitt Capital Group

Susan Gillis Kruman
University of Pittsburgh

Laura Greenawalt
Level Agency

Melanie J. Lucht
Carnegie Mellon University

Brien Marsh
Independent Financial Consultant

Richard E. Rauh
Point Park University /
Carnegie Mellon University

Danielle Graham Robinson
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Sanja Savic
Highmark Health

Rob Zellers
Playwright

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