Organization Program History

The Pittsburgh CLO is a great producer of musical theater in the greater Pittsburgh region, as well as the best school for students who want an education in acting, dancing, and/or singing. The CLO brands itself as celebrating the “true American art form” and the power it has to bring the community together. They position themselves as a family-friendly cultural institution that cherishes tradition, while also bringing new, successful works to their audiences. They pride (and market) themselves as one of the nation’s premier regional theaters and demonstrates that statement through their successful producing history (in Pittsburgh and Broadway), as well as meaningful memberships such as The National Alliance for Musical Theatre and The Broadway League.

The Pittsburgh CLO began in 1946, producing musical theater under the stars at Pitt Stadium, driven by the mission that musical theater could bring communities together. What began as an award winning summer season has now expanded to year-round programming at the CLO Cabaret, along with providing “unparalleled performing arts” training at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy. The CLO has a strong education program for adult learners and students with different abilities. Additionally, they support recognition for young performers around the greater Pittsburgh area at the Gene Kelly Awards. Pittsburgh CLO is “committed to ensuring a successful future for the American musical art form” by developing new musicals as an investor or producer. They continue providing quality musical theater and musical theater education, due to the income generated from their most beloved programs.

All quotes taken below from Google Reviews. It is so interesting to see the various perspectives of the community members. There were quite a few angry season subscribers that left negative reviews due to poor customer service. On the other hand, many people left 5 stars with no comments at all. Lastly, I found it interesting that one community member seemed to confuse Broadway in Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh CLO, but I guess that speaks to the quality of both groups.

Andy Wolfinger gave 1 star and wrote 3 months ago:

1) they do not answer the phones

2) they do not respond to emails

3) they always say due to higher than normal phone calls there are delays however it is not possible to always have higher than normal, maybe there normal is wrong

4) they did not send out my season tickets, I did not get my tickets yet and the first show is tomorrow

5) if you do ever get to talk with someone they are polite, apologetic and pleasant to talk with.

Blake Altman gave 5 stars and wrote 7 months ago:

With the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Academy, one word is yes. As a little kid always growing up with musical theater from the age of four the Pittsburgh CLO Academy sculptured and helped me become and be more efficient in my day-to-day life today and that’s on god. 🙏

If you ever think that your kid has a potential to get them into an acting class just one simple acting class and I recommend it here with all my heart. ❤️

Thank you CLO academy and thank you Patty she was amazing and she will help you along the way.

Eloise Li gave 5 stars and wrote 7 months ago:

I love the Broadway musicals that come through the city. I go every year. The singers are always so talented that I don't feel like I'm missing out by not seeing it in NYC. The quality of each show is fantastic. The sets and costumes are always great too. Looking forward to Kinky Boots, Hamilton, and Jersey Boys. Phantom of the Opera, Love will never Die, Titanic the Musical, Anastasia were all great choices and lots of fun.