Welcome to the world of Cabaret Pittsburgh where we celebrate the individual creative spirit, welcome diverse audiences, and encourage a return to intimate arts experiences.

Explore our newly re-designed website to learn who we are, why we exist, and what we offer that others don’t – and, if you are impressed – show your support by attending, volunteering, auditioning, donating – and most importantly sign up and become part of the Cabaret Pittsburgh online community.

This is only phase 1 of our website - phase 2 with interactive online activity is coming soon.  Tell us what you think at .
 

OUR PURPOSE

Cabaret Pittsburgh, Inc. has been incorporated by Stephanie Riso, with the assistance of her husband and voice expert Tony Richards, to educate Greater Western Pennsylvania communities to the value of unique, high-quality intimate musical experiences which celebrate and develop the individual creative spirit through the universal medium of music, and to bring together diverse people for a positive experience.

It is our hope that successful execution of our mission will result in the introduction of acclaimed cabaret artists and unique, high-quality, intimate musical experiences to untapped communities, the development of creative capital among youth and young professionals, and the creation of mutually beneficial associations with organizations and people who will help further our mission.

BACKGROUND

The concept of Cabaret Pittsburgh was developed in 2004 by co-founder and Managing Director of Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Inc., Stephanie Riso, and operated as a program of this 501c3 not-for-profit theatre company.  Following the same principles of PICT, Cabaret Pittsburgh set out to accomplish what the theatre had done successfully in just ten years, but for singers, musicians and cabaret artists.  Within two years, the program proved to be a success, and merited the opportunity to operate independently so that both organizations would continue on their respective paths and without competition.

 In 2004, Cabaret Pittsburgh activities were limited to 12 events reaching over 833 people.  These events were showcases of local talent held at a transformed coffee-house, La Prima Espresso, in downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district.  Hosted and programmed by husband and wife, Tony Richards and Stephanie Riso, young professionals and singers were highlighted once a month while audiences and students attended for the entertainment value.  Tickets were $20 and included crudités and complimentary wine, and each performer was paid a reasonable fee for their service.

 In 2005, Cabaret Pittsburgh wished to build on the educational value of re-introducing “classy cabaret” to Pittsburgh by adding the Renaissance Riverview Series at the Renaissance Hotel, in downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district.  This was a series of four events that presented established cabaret artists in an intimate room overlooking the river – much like the quality cabaret rooms found in NYC, LA and Chicago.  The Riverview Series tickets were $45 and included hors d’oeuvres and complimentary drink, and artists were brought to Pittsburgh to perform their act – two of them made their Pittsburgh debut.

 By 2006, Cabaret Pittsburgh became its own 501c3 public charity and increased its average attendance to 115 people per show.  The company also introduced the Inspiring Artists Series which connects national artists with local artists for growth, development and networking. 

2007/2008 is a stunning season with increased opportunities for local artists and a new online component bringing communities together.  Don’t be left behind – sign up now and take advantage of our building connections and esteemed reputation.

WHAT WE VALUE

• We define cabaret as an intimate, musical or theatrical experience that         celebrates the individual creative spirit.
  
  
• We believe that quality, intimate performances strengthen an appreciation for craft and the return to community.
  
  
• We believe that music and singing can be a universal communicator, can be used as a catalyst to bring together diverse communities, and can initiate dialogue to bring better understanding to the unfamiliar.
  
  
• We believe that quality musical theatre contains powerful text, music, and stories which can be effectively communicated even in the most intimate venues and without spectacle.  We wish to bring these stories to the forefront of theatrical communication by educating people to different perspectives and the human condition, and inviting the exploration of such stories.
  
  
• We believe it is important to preserve and share classic songs from the American songbook, as well as encourage today’s new voices.
  
  
• We have the desire to succeed - and upon that success – we wish to expand our educational value to other cities and places that are proven to be deficient from such activities.
  
  

Board of Directors:
 
Stephanie Riso, Founder and President       
 
Tony Richards, Artist Development (Advisor)
 
Anne D. Mullaney, Vice President
     Atty. Thorp, Reed & Armstrong
     Owner, Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle
 
James M. Singer, Secretary
     Atty. Pepper Hamilton Ltd.
 
Dione Cahillane
     Univ. of Pittsburgh, Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence
 
Ryan Stana
     RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc.
 
Paul Vincent
     President, Vincent Lighting Systems
 
Lynn Wright
     Revenue Agent, Department of Treasury
 
Carol Zeitler
     Frick Art & Historical Museum
 
Richard E. Rauh
     Advisor
 
Mayme Hausman
     Advisor

Mike McGann
     Advisor

Fabian O'Connor
     Advisor
 

Staff
Executive Director, Stephanie Riso
Artist Development, Tony Richards
Executive Assistant, Joshua Desjardins