REVIEW: Agnus Teaches Acting

by Sea Sombar | February 9, 2026

Walking through the halls of any old school, you see them: the outcasts with spiky hair and bleeding black eyeliner; brainiacs with their heads in a pile of books; delinquents with detention slips and cigarettes; athletes with muscles and grins; and the popular kids with posses and attitudes. All seem indifferent to one another, having nothing in common. Or so they think.

Whether it be whispers under stalls, notes across halls, or when they throw each other the ball, they all do one thing: talk about that teacher. Walking through the North Side of Pittsburgh, something sticks out: a new play did its homework at the historical New Hazlett Theater. Agnus Teaches Acting, by Zanny Laird, Lucas Fedele, and Treasure Treasure, brings all the emotions through over-the-top comedy and heartfelt moments hidden beneath laughter. At times it falls flat, but it always leaves you wanting more.

The second installment of the 13th CSA (Community Supported Art) season at the New Hazlett, Agnus Teaches Acting is best summed up by its own aptly placed character description: Agnus Stephenson is an “acting teacher,” a “self-proclaimed star,” and a “cabaret disaster.” Students beware: “class is in session,” whether they like it or not.

The character of Agnus Stephenson was originally a parlor trick used by Treasure Treasure to imitate one of her college acting teachers. The concept developed further in New York City when Treasure bumped into an old friend, Lucas Fedele. Through thought-provoking conversation and inner work, their creative energy sparked, and in 2017, the first Agnus show was born. That original show was a cabaret involving Agnus passing Joni Mitchell songs off as her own. Agnus went on quite the journey before arriving at the New Hazlett Theater, with every stop adding something special to the character’s legacy.

Crowds gathered, swirling into the theater with an excitement bubbling within to see a star shine on stage. Throughout the play, there were moments of prolonged laughter, total awe at Treasure’s range in the role of Agnus, and tender, quiet moments of reflection on the teachers who changed our lives for better or worse. Through expert writing and directing, jokes were effortlessly woven in with more serious moments and songs that maintained a balance of both.

For me, I was taken in and carried through by the titular character. Most of the attention given to her role in the overall narrative, she carried most of the jokes, and memorable moments. Although, at times, I forgot that the other characters were there with prolonged periods of heavy-Agnus and a performance that shined perhaps a little too bright for the 5 person cast, the other cast members still got their time in the spotlight. 

Agnus Teaches Acting gets an A. It pulls its punches with clever dialogue, quirky musical numbers, an okay cast, and a once-in-a-lifetime talent in Treasure Treasure as Agnus Stephenson. The show offers a good laugh and showcases someone we should look forward to seeing on a Broadway stage, an HBO comedy special, a podcast, or a tour. Catch Agnus around; you will find her where you least expect.