Pittsburgh Theaters Merge: CLO & Public Theater Unite for Future

Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape is undergoing a significant shift as the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO) and Pittsburgh Public Theater (PPT) have officially voted to merge, forming a new, unified organization. The decision, following over a year of discussions, aims to bolster live theatre and arts education in the region, with the first full season slated to debut in January 2027.

A New Model for Pittsburgh Theatre

The boards of directors for both CLO and PPT approved the merger, a move spurred by a desire to create a more sustainable future for professional theatre in Pittsburgh. While initial talks included City Theatre Company, that organization ultimately decided not to participate in the consolidation. The new entity will operate as a dynamic destination within the city’s cultural district, hoping to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh and attract diverse audiences, according to a joint statement released by the theatres.

“This highly collaborative effort has been guided by an unwavering belief in the opportunity we have to shape our destinies together,” said PPT board chair Krysia Kubiak. “You can create a stronger, more sustainable approach that ensures live theatre thrives for generations to arrive and our cultural vibrancy continues to serve as a vital anchor for one of the most livable cities in the world.” Joseph V. DiVito Jr., chair of the PCLO board, echoed this sentiment, calling it a “once-in-a-generation chance” to achieve possibilities that would otherwise be unattainable.

Navigating a Year of Exploration

The path to this merger wasn’t swift. The organizations began exploring the possibility of combining forces in September 2025, as reported by American Theatre. This period involved extensive analysis and open conversations about how to best honor the individual legacies of both PPT and CLO while forging a new, unified identity. The decision to move forward reflects a proactive approach to the challenges facing regional theatre organizations nationwide.

The Legacy of Two Pittsburgh Institutions

Pittsburgh CLO, established in 1946, has long been a cornerstone of musical theatre in Western Pennsylvania, attracting nearly 200,000 patrons annually to its performances across three venues in the cultural district. Currently led by executive producer Mark Fleischer, the CLO has a rich history of bringing large-scale productions to the city.

Pittsburgh Public Theater, lauded by Wall Street Journal critic Terry Teachout as “one of the most accomplished resident theatres on the East Coast,” holds a unique place in American theatre history. It was the first company to produce August Wilson’s complete “Century Cycle,” including the world premiere of King Hedley II. PPT has consistently focused on pairing world-class talent with local artists, fostering a vibrant creative workforce and a pipeline of excellence within the city.

Zanny Laird and the 2026 Season

The merger announcement comes as Pittsburgh Public Theater prepares for its 2026 season, which includes a production of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” directed by Marya Sea Kaminski. Actress Zanny Laird is set to make her PPT debut as Petra Stockmann in the production, as highlighted in recent posts on Facebook and Instagram. Laird’s previous credits include work with Pittsburgh CLO, City Theatre Company, and Pittsburgh Opera, as noted in a 2013 program from the Pittsburgh CLO (CLO-PhantomProgram-WEB.pdf).

Transition and Leadership

To guide the transition, Dr. Brett Ashley Crawford has been appointed to lead the process, assembling a transition team to navigate the complexities of merging two established organizations. Dr. Crawford brings extensive experience in theatre management, audience engagement, marketing, production, and arts education, holding a position as a teaching professor and faculty chair of the MA Arts and Entertainment Management program at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College.

“Theatre, at its core, is about people, and people will continue to be central to our process and decision-making as we embark on this exciting transition,” Dr. Crawford stated. The focus will be on leveraging the strengths of both organizations to dedicate more resources to the art, the artists, and the audiences.

What’s on the Horizon

An interim board has been established to oversee the initial stages of the merger, comprising Joseph V. DiVito Jr., Lesley Evancho, Edward Karlovich, Christine Kobus, Krysia Kubiak, Richard Lipovich, Thomas McGough, Jessica Priselac, Peter Robinson, Bal Srinivasan, LaShawnda Thomas, and TJ Young. Kubiak and DiVito will continue to chair their respective boards during this transitional period.

The immediate priorities for the transition team include establishing the legal structure of the new organization, defining its leadership and operating structure, and aligning on a shared artistic vision. Other key tasks involve developing a real estate and venue strategy, creating a new brand identity, initiating an executive search for a permanent leader, and integrating essential technology and administrative systems. The announcement of the merged company’s programming is expected by early fall, with the first full season set to launch in January 2027.