What do we want to be when we grow up? For us this has become an existential question in more ways than one.
off the WALL productions (OTW) was founded July 1, 2007 in Washington County and relocated to Allegheny County in July 2012.
Since 2012, OTW has produced and staged 25 productions of either new plays or regional premieres. We have employed and paid (as per Union contracts) 25 directors and 101 professional actors. In addition, each show employed set, sound/music, lighting and costume designers, plus stagehands and front-of house-personnel, adding another 125 part-time jobs with the employees being paid a living wage of a minimum of $15.00 per hour. This we cannot sustain without your support.
Our focus on diversity in theater, especially by supporting female artists, has put us on a very special list; The International Center for Women Playwrights has honored us for five continuous years with the 50/50 Applause Award. More details here
But, we are also on another, very unique list. The Allegheny County Regional Asset District (ARAD) for the fifth year now has rejected our grant applications. Our work is not considered an asset to Allegheny County. We do not know the reason/s for this. Is it our focus on female artists?
Is it our focus on diversity and gender politics?
Is it our focus on new, sometimes uncomfortable plays?
If you read this and know the answer please let us know.
Meanwhile, do you want OTW to continue to be a much needed force in progressive theater in Pittsburgh? Support us by donating here
To remind the community of what OTW is all about, we will re-introduce you to some of our past productions during the coming month.
October 2012 - The Other Place (Our first show in Allegheny County)
A Pittsburgh Theater Premiere - Written by: Sharr White
Directed by: Melissa Hill Grande
With: Erika Cuenca*, Virginia Wall Gruenert*, Mark Conway Thompson*, Ricardo Vila-Roger. Featured performance artist: EMay
Just as biophysicist Juliana Smithton’s research leads to a potential breakthrough in dementia medication, her life takes a disorienting turn. During a lecture to colleagues at an exclusive beach resort, she glimpses an enigmatic young woman in a yellow bikini amidst the crowd of business suits. Who is this stranger, and why is she here? Gradually, a mystery unravels as contradictory evidence, blurred truth and fragmented memories collide in a cottage on the windswept shores of Cape Cod.
Reviews:
"...brilliantly...ingenious...exhilarating..." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"...Boundary-pushing...excellent..." - Pittsburgh Magazine
"...intelligent, moving...excellent..." - Observer-Reporter
"...sharp and realistic...frightfully important..." - Pittsburgh City Paper
"...New Location, Same Bold Productions." - Pittsburgh Owl Scribe
"...done superbly..." - WRCT Pittsburgh
"...taut and moving” - Coal Hill Review