Causes: Arts & Culture, Single Organization Support, Theater

Mission: Mission StatementThe mission of Prime Stage is to entertain, inspire and enrich through professional theater by bringing literature to life. VisionEnriching lives through theater and literacy with programs that deliver quantifiable results and benefits to the region.

Results: A patron wrote: "As a patron of Prime Stage for the past twenty years, I have been both entertained and inspired by their heartfelt, theatrically innovative, and community-centered productions. As a performer and a lifelong educator, I am deeply appreciative of their mission to provide educational resources and opportunities by bringing literature to life. Pittsburgh has been extremely fortunate to have Prime Stage as a long-time mainstay of its arts community. With its dedicated board members, loyal patrons, and talented staff, I look forward to being entertained and inspired by Prime Stage productions for many years to come!"Students share: “It helped me to enjoy books more and see details that I might not normally see. Teachers share: “Prime Stage enhanced my teaching methods. Not only did the students understand the literature, their confidence and test scores went through the roof as the year progressed. The experiences gave me creative insights on how to spark imagination in my students. My reluctant readers are more motivated to read and write. ” A group leader from Summit Academy wrote: “You give us the opportunity to show them (not just to tell them) that there is a world beyond the one they’ve always known, beyond their neighborhood, and beyond the choices they’ve always used to limit themselves. ” And a patron shared: “I’ve been looking for a theater that stimulates thought and presents literature for my granddaughter and I and Prime Stage is it. ” Teacher from Wesley Spectrum Academy - "Overall my students and I agree that this is a great program. I really enjoy the fact that this gives many of my students a chance to discover reading and the theater. A great deal of them do not have the means to do this in their free time nor do they know how to get involved in these types of activities. It is a great feeling having my students come up to me and tell me how excited they are about going or debating their feelings regarding the adaptation of the play/novel.

Target demographics: Audiences discover enjoyment in literature through the theater.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 8,000 students and teachers discover enjoyment in literature and theater

Geographic areas served: Southwestern Pennsylvania

Programs: Produce 3 live theatrical productions, Accessibility programs, and supplemental educational programs for middle and high school students, educators & families.