RAD-funded groups to shine in Sharpsburg at new Open Air riverfront venue

SHARPSBURG, Pa. – Summertime in Pittsburgh isn’t complete without some time along the Allegheny riverfront. Whether you’re taking in a Pirates game, watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July, or simply strolling along the North Shore – being by the water is unmatched.

And now Pittsburghers get the chance to enjoy a brand new riverfront venue. Starting on Thursday, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) is headlining a long weekend of performances next to the riverfront in Sharpsburg.

With the help of a $250,000 grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, RAD-funded groups like the PBT, Pittsburgh Festival Opera and Attack Theatre are able to cost-effectively bring the performing arts to the people in a unique setting.

"We are so thankful to RAD for their support that allows us to present Open Air for the second year,” said Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre spokesperson Jenna Bodnar. “The series is an excellent opportunity to bring the community together and shine a spotlight on the boundless talent of Pittsburgh arts organizations and, for the first time, regional dance studios."

RAD’s quarter-million-dollar Connection Grant is helping its assets defray the cost of Open Air performances through 2023. Last May, the groups performed a series of shows on Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s mobile stage, which drew more than 10,000 audience members to Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. The celebration of music, theater and dance helped re-connect many groups to their audiences after more than a year of shuttered theaters.

Now the mobile stage has taken up residency at the end of 19th Street in Sharpsburg. A former industrial site will be transformed this weekend into a setting for Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Depuis le Jour, as well as other ballet excerpts, plus dance and opera performances.

Such a packed weekend of the arts would be costly for RAD-funded organization on a traditional downtown stage, but through their RAD Connection Grant, smaller groups like Pittsburgh Festival Opera and Attack Theatre can share the stage and perform for a large audience at a fraction of the cost.

The schedule of performances (subject to change and weather cancellations) can be found here, with additional information available on the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s website and social media pages.

Thursday, June 9

• 4:30 p.m.: Pittsburgh Festival Opera
• 8 p.m.: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company

Friday, June 10

• 3 p.m.: Open Air: Shared Spaces
• 8 p.m.: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company

Saturday, June 11

• 3 p.m.: Shana Simmons Dance, Jamie Erin Murphy and Naina Roy Kathak
• 4:30 p.m.: Texture Contemporary Ballet and Attack Theatre
• 8 p.m.: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company

Sunday, June 12

• Noon: Confluence Ballet