New Hazlett Theater Unveils Artistic Roadmap for Future Growth and Expanded Programming
New Hazlett Theater Unveils Artistic Roadmap for Future Growth and Expanded Programming
Theater Formally Debuts Resident Company Model, Expanded Programming, and Announces New Partnership Ahead of 20th Anniversary Milestone
(Pittsburgh, PA) January 28, 2026 —The New Hazlett Theater (NHT) announced today a pivotal expansion of its commitment to the creative community, leading with a unified approach to growth and the already-active Resident Company Model (RCM). This framework is changing how the theater supports its core partners, fostering long-term resilience and collaborative growth within the historic North Side venue.
The New Hazlett Theater is simultaneously announcing a new Co-Presenting Partnership with The Becoming Arts Collective, demonstrating the theater’s immediate impact through a partner-focused approach. This growth is further reflected in the theater’s growing footprint, including the season debut of CSA: Off the Page and increased community programming, such as the newly launched Sounds of the Season holiday concert and a Northside Arts Block Party.
As the New Hazlett Theater prepares for its 20th anniversary in September 2026, these new initiatives mark a period of intentional growth. This milestone serves as a foundation for the theater to develop its programming and deepen its mission as it enters its second decade.
“At the New Hazlett, we strive to reflect our mission in everything we do: creating dynamic art through innovation and collaboration,” states René Conrad, Executive Director. “These new models and expanded programs are about sharing resources and taking a strategic approach to our future, ensuring our partners and artists can focus on what they do best—creating incredible, transformative art for our audiences.”
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Building a Resilient Future: Formal Debut of the Resident Company Model (RCM)
The Resident Company Model (RCM) is a comprehensive framework established in 2023 to rebuild capacity and reignite audience engagement post-pandemic. Moving beyond traditional rental arrangements, the RCM brings local arts organizations together under a formalized partnership with NHT as the anchor venue to achieve long-term stability and collective growth.
How the RCM Supports New Hazlett Theater Partners:
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Stability & Efficiency: Reducing production costs and exploring inter-organizational cost savings.
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Reach & Support: Amplifying joint marketing while providing priority space access, box office support, and Front of House labor.
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Collective Action: Facilitating professional development through shared DEAI and marketing workshops.
“We have been performing at the New Hazlett Theater since our inception in 2011. They have been a great partner with us, even before it was official. They have always been competent, efficient, kind, and responsive to our needs. Becoming a Resident Company member has strengthened that partnership. They led us through marketing sessions with Workhorse Collaborative and DEAI sessions, which gave us information that was useful to our organization. We’re looking forward to future knowledge and connections with the New Hazlett and our other Resident Company Members,” notes Marjorie Liese, Operations Manager for RCM partner Texture Ballet Company.
Now in its third year, the RCM is moving beyond its pilot phase toward a sustainable part of the organization’s business model. As the model progresses, the goal remains to solidify a governance structure that shares decision-making, ensuring every partner has a seat at the table to drive the future of the arts in the community.
“We are now in our third year of participation and have found working within such a unified formation has been considerably rewarding. There’s no doubt our organization is becoming stronger. We are learning from each other and gaining real skills and knowledge from one another,” says Gail Austin, Managing Director of RCM partner Kente Arts Alliance.
Enabling the launch and successful integration of the RCM were the generosity and sustained support from the following dedicated funding partners: Allegheny Regional Asset District, Arts, Equity, & Education Fund™, The Benter Foundation, Jack G. Buncher Foundation, and the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program.
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Expanding Visibility: Co-Presenting with The Becoming Arts Collective
NHT is thrilled to enter into a dynamic co-presenting partnership with The Becoming Arts Collective, commencing with the 2026/27 season. This collaboration widens the Collective’s visibility, connecting their artistic vision with new community members through NHT’s supportive partnership model.
The partnership is set to feature three programs at the historic North Side venue:
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The Bridges and Stages 10-Minute Play Festival
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Two full-length theatrical productions
“To partner with the New Hazlett Theater in this way is genuinely inspiring. Their mission is deeply aligned with our focus on bringing new and transformative art to this community. This co-presenting effort allows us to build stronger connections through compelling storytelling that aligns with our mission to uplift and inspire hope,” says Darrin J. Friedman, Managing Director and Founder of The Becoming Arts Collective.
NHT will actively support the Collective by sharing space and extending marketing reach, while the Collective retains creative control over the artistic direction.
“We’re thrilled to support The Becoming Arts Collective as they take this next step in their evolution,” says Melissa Cardello-Linton, Artistic Producer. “The Hazlett has long been a place where new voices take shape, and this partnership is a vibrant example of our ongoing commitment to uplifting Pittsburgh’s next generation of artists.”
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Honoring the Legacy: Extended Programming and Community Impact
A cornerstone of the theater’s identity, the Community Supported Art (CSA) Performance Series has brought hundreds of emerging artists to the stage since 2013. This season, the theater continues to enhance this flagship series with CSA: Off the Page, a three-part reading series that showcases the work of runner-up artists and bold new scripts, offering audiences a first look at the artistry shaping Pittsburgh’s future.
Building on this legacy of development, NHT is also scaling its direct community engagement. Last year saw the launch of Sounds of the Season, a new holiday concert tradition, alongside the Northside Arts Block Party. These initiatives reflect an intentional shift toward accessible programming that ensures the theater remains a vibrant, welcoming hub.
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A Vibrant Future: The 20th Anniversary Horizon
As NHT heads into its 20th year, the introduction of the Off the Page series, the RCM, and new community programming underscores a period of profound momentum. This era of transformation is leading toward an anniversary milestone where the theater will honor two decades of history while stepping into a future defined by collaborative growth.
Through these innovative partnerships and a refreshed commitment to its identity, the New Hazlett Theater is solidifying its role as an essential hub for artistic excellence and a expanding cultural future—ensuring that as the theater enters its third decade, it continues to evolve alongside the artists it serves.
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**Media Contact:**
Krista Ream
Communications Manager
Krista@newhazletttheater.org
About Community Support Art (CSA)
Since 2013, the New Hazlett Theater’s CSA Performance Series has brought emerging and mid-career performing artists to the stage. We’re passionate about providing a space for Pittsburgh’s amazing pool of creative talent to develop, collaborate, grow, and flourish. From dance to music and original plays to experimental animation, our CSA pushes the boundaries of performance at every show. For more information, visit https://newhazletttheater.org/csa
About The New Hazlett Theater
The New Hazlett Theater is more than a beautifully restored historic building. We’re a nonprofit organization working to nurture and promote art in Pittsburgh through innovation and collaboration. As a creative hub for a diverse range of artists, audiences, and performances, we provide vital resources to creators to enrich our cultural community. For more information on who we are and what we do, please visit www.newhazletttheater.org