Alumni Theater Company

2012 ATC FACE OFF!

2012-01-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

2012 ATC FACE OFF
Friday, February 17, 2012; 7PM
Kelly Strayhorn Theater

PURCHASE TICKETS!
Alumni Theater Company presents the third annual battle of poetry, dance, songs, and scenes -all for the esteemed title of

2012 ATC Audience Favorite!
Tickets: $5 Votes:$1

Come join the fun -

featuring performances by emerging artists DeVaughn Robinson and Thee Official Gang. This is a night you don't want to miss!

This show is appropriate for ages 10 and up.

ATC Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!

2012-01-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater for inviting ATC to perform at their event "Many Hands" honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16, 2012! We had a great time performing alongside other talented youth from Hope Academy, Dreams of Hope, Visionary Performing Arts Academy, and Hip Hop on L.O.C.K. Here is a piece of ATC's performance:

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic time performing at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh! Thanks to everyone that came out! Happy New Year!

ATC Will Perform At Highmark First Night ® Pittsburgh 2012

2011-12-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

Alumni Theater Company is just one of the fantastic performances and creative activities at Highmark First Night® Pittsburgh 2012!

Come check us out at 7:30PM and 9:00PM performing in the CAPA Black Box Theater!

Click here for info about ATC's First Night Performance!

Click here for all the info about Highmark First Night® Pittsburgh 2012!

Thank you to Scotch 'N' Soda Theatre Company!!!

2011-11-22T11:49:00.001-08:00

On Friday, November 18th, Carnegie Mellon University's Scotch 'N' Soda Theatre held a benefit cabaret for ATC!!! We are so grateful for this support and had such a great time that night!

Watch this video of ATC performing 96,000 from In The Heights at the cabaret!

"I Am Artist" Performance Series Continues...

2011-10-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you to EVERYONE who came out to see

Alumni Theater Company's production ATC VS. THE WORLD!

It was a great ATC weekend!!!

Please join us for another one of the "I Am Artist" performances!

OPEN MIC NIGHT | November 4, 2011 | 7PM

Grey Box Theatre | 3595 Butler St.
Click here for tickets!
Student | $5
General | $10

Teen performers from throughout Pittsburgh will compete in a friendly talent competition! Judges will include: Director of Hip Hop on L.O.C.K. Emmai Alaquiva and singer/songwriter Bridgette Perdue! These judges will use their expertise to give insightful comments to each performer, with the goal of helping them become even stronger artists. The winner will be invited to perform with the Alumni Theater Company at ATC's annual FACE OFF held at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in February, 2012! Grab the spotlight! Contact ATC Director Hallie Donner to sign up to be a part of this performance. This will be a great night for the whole family. Purchase your tickets in advance – space is limited!

REAL/RAW Artist Showcase | November 5, 2011 | 7PM

Grey Box Theatre | 3595 Butler St.
Click here for tickets!
Students | $15
General | $20

You want the truth? You got it. Get to know the ATC young artists as they showcase original writings, music, and choreography that speak honestly about what their worlds are really like. Parents of teens are strongly encouraged to attend. This show is appropriate for patrons 12 and up. Join us for an "I Am Artist" closing reception after the performance.

For more information contact ATC Director Hallie Donner at hdonner@hotmail.com or 412.401.6309.

Thank you to our sponsors: PNC, BNY Mellon, PJ Dick, Cost Company, Urban League Of Greater Pittsburgh, Fifth Third Bank, UPMC's Center For Inclusion, and Giant Eagle!

I AM ARTIST 2011

2011-09-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

“I Am Artist” is an annual performance series presented by the Alumni Theater Company representing the artistic voice of today's urban teen.

Purchase a SERIES PASS for $20-35: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/202918

Included in this year’s “I Am Artist” series is:

ATC VS. THE WORLD | October 14-15, 2011 | 7PM
Kelly-Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Single tickets $5-10: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/203040
This dark musical revue blends hip hop, rock, and Broadway music with an original comic book adventure. A story of a struggle for power and identity, ATC VS. THE WORLD explores the way people behave in a time of crisis and vulnerability. In this world of chaos and ever changing landscape, only the strongest will survive. These teen warriors desperately try all modes of defense in a search to find the strength that lies within them. Some of them make it – others get left behind. This show is appropriate for patrons 10 and up.

OPEN MIC NIGHT | November 4, 2011 | 7PM
Grey Box Theatre | 3595 Butler St.
Single tickets $5-10: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/203053
Ever think you could be a part of an ATC show? Now’s your chance! ATC will perform scenes, songs, and dances, intermingled with performances by other brave teens from throughout Pittsburgh! Grab the spotlight! Contact ATC Director to sign up to be a part of this performance. This will be a great night for the whole family – get your tickets in advance – space is limited!

REAL/RAW Artist Showcase | November 5, 2011 | 7PM
Grey Box Theatre | 3595 Butler St.
Single tickets $15-20: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/203195
You want the truth? You got it. The ATC artists will showcase original writings, music, and choreography that uncover exactly what their worlds are really like. Parents of teens are strongly encouraged to attend! Join us for an "I Am Artist" closing reception after the performance. This show is appropriate for patrons 12 and up.

For more information contact ATC Director Hallie Donner at hdonner@hotmail.com or 412.401.6309.

Thank you to our sponsors: PNC, BNY Mellon, PJ Dick, Cost Company, Urban League Of Greater Pittsburgh, Fifth Third Bank, UPMC's Center For Inclusion, and Giant Eagle!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2011-12 SEASON SPONSORS!

2011-09-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

The Alumni Theater Company thanks the following companies for their

tremendous generosity!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

COST

COMPANY

SILVER SPONSOR

"I AM ARTIST" SPONSORS

ATC's Summer Intensive A Success!!!

2011-08-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

ATC members worked hard this summer creating new material to present in our upcoming "I Am Artist" performance series. The young artists met Monday - Thursday from July 18th - August 11th for 6-9 hours each day! A tremendous amount of impressive work came out of these sessions!

Instructors included:

ATC Director Hallie Donner: Hallie led the students to create a plot line, characters, monologues, and scenes that will be included in the original production ATC VS. THE WORLD.

Choreographer Staycee Pearl: Staycee worked with ATC to create choreography for pieces to be included in ATC VS. THE WORLD. Staycee also held extra sessions with ATC's more advanced dancers to create work for the REAL AND RAW SHOWCASE.

Spoken Word Artist Vanessa German: Vanessa worked with ATC students to create a spoken word opera to be presented as part of the REAL AND RAW SHOWCASE. The images and ideas that came out of this group are unbelievably honest and insightful.

Musician Bridgette Perdue: Bridgette taught the students musical pieces to be included in ATC VS. THE WORLD. The harmonies in these pieces is just amazing! In addition, Bridgette gave private voice lessons to select ATC members.

Thank you to these fabulous teaching artists!

Thank you to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School for providing rehearsal space for the first three weeks of the intensive!

And thank you to Carnegie Mellon University for providing space for our last week of programming! Students got a taste of university life, including a tour of Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama.
A real opportunity to see what they are striving for!

"I Am Artist 2011" performance series will be presented this fall:

ATC VS. THE WORLD - October 14-15; Kelly-Strayhorn Theater

REAL AND RAW SHOWCASE - November 4-5; Grey Box Theatre

Stay tuned for more information!!! You don't want to miss this!

ATC Performs REIGN at the Grey Box Theatre on July 16th!

2011-06-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

"Reign" is an original musical written by the talented members of the Alumni Theater Company. ATC will reprise this fantastic production originally performed during the 2010 I Am Artist Performance Series. With music created in partnership with Hip Hop on L.O.C.K., "Reign" is an in-depth look inside the minds of ten eclectic characters that all frequent the trendy, but down-to-earth club Reign. DJ Chocolate Drop is spinning the tracks, while these characters face their deepest fears and desires through conversations with a mysterious figure that can only be found at club Reign.

Buy your tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/181562
Download the Original Cast Album on iTunes: http://bit.ly/ATCReign
Follow ATC on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlumniTheaterCompany

ATC Girls Represent at "Speak Up"!

2011-05-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Alumni Theater Company performed at this fabulous event!

They were a part of helping girls learning how to speak up and use their voices to achieve their goals!

Thank you to PROGRESS for including us!

ATC Member DeVaughn Robinson wins third place in National August Wilson Monologue Competition!

2011-05-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, DeVaughn!

DeVaughn was the first place winner of the regional Pittsburgh August Wilson Monologue Competition, then went on to receive third place in the National Finals this past Monday, May 9, 2011. DeVaughn performed a monologue from August Wilson's last play "Radio Golf". Judges were impressed with DeVaughn's demonstrated deep understanding of the character Sterling Johnson, as well as his overall presence.

Thank you to Bill Nunn and Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company

for providing students with this tremendous experience!

Read about the Pittsburgh competition in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

and the National competition in Broadway World.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

This group of beautiful ATC girls entertained a group of mothers and grandmothers this past Sunday to benefit the East Liberty Family Support Center at the Kingsly Center. It was a great event that we were thrilled to be a part of!

Don't miss "GROUP THERAPY" April 15-16!

2011-03-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

"GROUP THERAPY" is an exciting assortment of original scenes, monologues, dance pieces, and songs that reveal what makes today’s teenagers crazy.

Screaming teachers, distrustful parents, annoying siblings, overly dramatic peers, meaningless schoolwork … How can anyone be expected to behave normally when they are
constantly surrounded by insanity?

The members of the Alumni Theater Company once again bring the unique artistic perspective of the urban teen to the stage proving that life is definitely hard, but at the same time a whole lot of fun.

Friday, April 15th and Saturday, April 16th at 7PM at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater!

Tickets: $10/adults and $5/students

Call 412.363.3000 for tickets & more information!

AUDITIONS FOR NEW ATC MEMBERS!!! SATURDAY APRIL 16TH!!!

2011-03-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Are you an undercover star ready to shine? Here's your chance!

AUDITIONS FOR NEW ATC MEMBERS are

Saturday, April 16th from 1:00 - 4:00

at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

Do you know an interested student entering grades 6-12 next year?

Here are the details:

plan to be there for the whole audition. Please be on time.
prepare a song to sing. Bring a CD with the intrumental version of the song or the sheet music so our accompanist can play it for you.
wear comfortable clothes so you will be prepared to dance.
have a great time while you are there! Don't be shy - ATC members have to be confident in their personalities!

To register for the audition or for more information contact

ATC Director Hallie Donner at hallie@kelly-strayhorn.org or 412.363.3000.

Hope to see YOU there!!!

And the winner is...

2011-02-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

The 2011 ATC Audience Favorite is

Shakya Johnson!

Thank you to everyone that came out to

ATC Face Off!

We had a ball!

2nd Annual ATC FACE OFF

2011-01-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

Who will get your vote as 2011 ATC Audience Favorite? Cast your vote at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater on Friday, February 11th at 7:00!

ATC, Bill Nunn, Ananse coverage in New Pittsburgh Courier

2010-12-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Nice article about ATC friend and collaborator Bill Nunn and the upcoming Ananse project (tickets for Saturday still available!) in the New Pittsburgh Courier yesterday:

“I consider it a sacred honor to carry on the telling of this simple African folk tale about right and wrong,” Nunn said about directing “Ananse and the Glue Man.”
...
The Bill Nunn Theater Outreach Project and the Kelly Strayhorn Alumni Theater Company first collaborated on a production in 2009 as a part of the “I Am Artist” performance series. The two entities were eager to work together and capture that magic once again.
According to Jennifer R. Sciullo, audience development director at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, “The relationship between the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Bill Nunn was cultivated by Hallie Donner, director of the Alumni Theater Company. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is excited to support this partnership and looks forward to future collaborations with Bill Nunn.”

Read the full article here, come to KST on Saturday for the KST Holiday Bazaar (11am-5pm), and stay for Ananse at 2pm! See you there!

ANANSE AND THE GLUEMAN

2010-12-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

This Saturday at 2:00PM at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater!

A perfect event for you and the special children in your life!

Tickets only $5!

Selected for the Post Gazette's 2Do Calendar this week!

The Bill Nunn Theatre Outreach Project partners with the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater to present the Alumni Theater Company in the African folk tale “Ananse and the Glueman”. In this tale, Ananse the Trickster dreams of a life with no demands and responsibilities. He schemes to fake his death and live a life of luxury, relaxing and living off of the crops of his farm while the rest of the village sleeps. Ananse’s plan goes smoothly until Ananse’s son notices that the crops have been depleted and hatches a scheme of his own.

The Alumni Theater Company portrays this classic tale through outstanding characterization under the direction of Bill Nunn, dynamic African dance choreographed by Ayisha Morgan-Lee and traditional African drumming led by Elie Kihonia. This exceptional performance will be enjoyed by all ages!

For more info: 412.363.3000 or hallie@kelly-strayhorn.org
Facebook Event Page

More on ’circle POP’

2010-11-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

More on ATC and circle POP from the examiner:

One standout of the evening came when four teenage dancers from the Alumni Theater Company expressed themselves with honestly and creativity in a quartet suggestive of YouTube culture. In a world where millions of kids create videos of themselves dancing, singing or just talking with the hope of becoming famous, the desperation is alarming.

Pearl’s dancers came across as just the opposite. Each performer stood in front of a large screen that projected an image of their face. The recorded text of their voices played while they took their turn with solo material.

One dancer spoke of her desire to perform on Broadway. “I want to smile until my teeth hurt,” she said. “But I don’t want a lead role, because I don’t have the chops for that.” Her truthfulness and self-critique came as a welcome surprise. Another dancer spoke of himself as a “vessel of artistry,” evidence that there are still young artists out there who are interested in the craft and not so much the fame.

Read the whole review here.

ATC members featured in circle POP

2010-11-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

From examiner.com, a nice article about circle POP, the latest creation of Staycee Pearl, fellow resident at KST and close ATC collaborator:

In addition to her spring cast, Pearl adds special guests to the piece: former Dance Alloy dancers Gwen Ritchie and Lisa Belcher, as well as members of the Alumni Theater Company - a group of talented city youth ranging in ages from six to seventeen.

Pearl’s inspiration for adding the kids stemmed from a Bill Cosby video she watched early in her choreographic process. Cosby asked kids what they wanted to be when they grew up and got several answers including actor, singer and basketball player. Above all, they wanted to be famous. When he asked one young woman how much she believed a famous person was paid annually, she answered, “Four thousand dollars?”

Pearl described the video as “heartbreaking,” but was thrilled to learn that the ATC kids had a different understanding. “Growing up in the theater, these kids have major confidence. They are driven. They have performance quality, and they are realistic about what they want to do with their lives.”

Hallie Donner named one of Pittsburgh's 40 Under 40!

2010-11-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

ATC's own Hallie Donner was named one of Pittsburgh's 40 under 40!

Check out Hallie's profile in Pittsburgh Magazine:

In 2001, Hallie Donner started the drama program at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School, located in East Liberty. Seven years later, she founded the Alumni Theater Co. to provide more intense learning and performance for youth in grades six to 12. Through hundreds of classes and directing more than 30 performances that teach the value of self-expression, she has reached out to nearly 1,000 youths during the last 12 years in Pittsburgh. “I’m helping to create a new generation of dedicated, confident citizens who have discovered their own voice and will lead Pittsburgh into the future,” she says.

And profiled in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle:

To Hallie Donner, success means making real, personal connections.

“I approach everything in my career with an open mind toward new opportunities and connecting with people, regardless of their race, religion or economic stature,” said Donner. “It’s a belief that we all should share, to walk in our gift and offer as much as we can.”

Donner offers all she can to her own theater group, the Alumni Theater Company, which she founded in 2008. The company is made exclusively of students, and many of the pieces produced are written in-house.

With only young talent, Donner’s ATC is full of life and inspiration. The students see the direct correlation between their hard work and reward on the stage of the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty, the company’s home base.

“For the company, success is allowing all members to contribute to each project as much as they are willing and able,” said Donner, “and for us to reach as many youth as possible.”

ATC doesn’t just perform to reach other students, it communicates; shows such as the company’s self-written “Reign,” which debuted last month, examine social stereotypes and the real people behind them. It’s no child’s play.

Way to go, Hallie!

Hip Hop On LOCK - The Waffle Wopp Promo 11.06.10

2010-11-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome promo for HHOL's Waffle Wopp, at the Waffle Shop in East Liberty, featuring ATC's own Hallie Donner!

ATC performs at KST Halloween Mayhem 2010

2010-10-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Halloween Mayhem 2010 at the Kelly-Strayhorn was awesome! ATC is proud to be a part of such a great organization. Check out these videos of ATC performing!

When it comes to street performance, anything can happen:

Reign cast album now available on iTunes!

2010-10-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

The Reign cast album is now available on iTunes!

Buy the album, then see the world premier of this original urban musical at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty on October 14th and 15th at 7pm. Tickets are $10, $5 for students. CDs of the album will be available at the show.

Special thanks to Hip Hop on LOCK for making this album happen!

Proceeds from the album and ticket sales support ATC programming throughout the year. Thank you for your support!