Inside the Playhouse The New Pittsburgh Playhouse

State-of-the-Art Learning Center in Downtown Pittsburgh

When Point Park University envisioned a new Pittsburgh Playhouse, located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, one of its foremost considerations was to create a state-of-the art learning center where students could merge their energy, talent and ambition into a central location. 

The University will reveal the result of that academic vision this fall. The 90,000-square-foot structure, which cost $60 million to build and furnish, is located on approximately 1.6 acres of land along the Forbes Avenue corridor between Wood and Smithfield streets. It is across the street from PNC Financial Services Group’s world headquarters.

“We believe the new Pittsburgh Playhouse is a game-changer for Downtown Pittsburgh,” said Paul Hennigan, president of Point Park University. “Not only will it create a dynamic learning environment for students in our Conservatory of Performing Arts, it will allow their creative process to be an integral part of the Downtown experience.”

Interdisciplinary Space Expands Opportunities for Students 

The new Playhouse is a 24/7 operation with:

The Playhouse also has a 10,000-square-foot production area, and 11,147 square feet of tech space for technical theater and cinema arts programs.

“It will become the heartbeat of Downtown Pittsburgh,” Hennigan said.

New Playhouse Offers Intimate View of the Making of Art

The new Playhouse is seamlessly interwoven with two existing historic structures – the University Center, designed by Frederick J. Osterling for the Colonial Trust Company, and the Stock Exchange Building, designed by prominent architect Charles M. Bartberger.

Designed by Cleveland-based architecture firm Westlake Reed Leskosky, the new Playhouse offers the public an intimate view of the making of art, as large windows offer an unobstructed view of performance venues typically shielded from observation. A hangar door connects one theater inside the Playhouse to the outdoor courtyard, providing students the opportunity to perform for the Downtown public at large.

With the opening of the new Playhouse, Point Park’s entire campus will be consolidated into one location, strengthening the connection of the Conservatory to the rest of the campus community.

“Point Park is, at its core, an urban campus, and the role of Downtown Pittsburgh in what we do is critical,” Hennigan said. “We have built relationships with organizations, nonprofits and businesses that provide our students with so many opportunities. Having our Conservatory fully integrated into Downtown will only enrich the experience of those students.”

While the Playhouse will allow the University’s already highly regarded theatre training program to greatly expand opportunities for Conservatory students, it also will be interdisciplinary.

“It would have been inconceivable to plan and construct this Playhouse without considering ways for all of our schools to take advantage of it,” Hennigan said. “After 14 years of work to make this a reality, I am excited for what it provides to all of our students.

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