With news about the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, ‘Wicked,’ Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company and more.
PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST NAMES INAUGURAL CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER: JSAON WITZBERGER
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President and CEO Kendra Whitlock Ingram announced that Jason Witzberger has been appointed as the non-profit arts organization’s inaugural Chief Revenue Officer, assuming the role on January 5, 2026.
In the newly created role, Witzberger will focus on growing earned revenue for the Cultural Trust by leading marketing and guest services efforts that drive ticket sales and build stronger relationships with patrons. Witzberger will also manage the growth of revenue streams, including facility rentals, parking, concessions, and more. The increased emphasis on revenue growth and long-term financial sustainability are expected to strengthen the Trust’s ability to serve the community — enabling free festivals, arts education initiatives, community engagement programs, the operation of Arts Landing, and other mission-aligned priorities.
Witzberger most recently served as the Vice President of Business Intelligence for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he built a 17-year career that began as an intern in baseball operations. His tenure was marked by significant achievements in revenue growth and operational efficiency, driven by a commitment to leveraging data analytics and technology, the Trust announcement said.
“Jason brings a proven track record, data-driven mindset, and fresh perspective that will strengthen our leadership team,” said Whitlock Ingram. “His unique skillset and passion for Pittsburgh make him an excellent fit for this critical new role.”
GPAC ‘IS PREPARED TO LEAD BOLDLY’ IN 2026
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council CEO Patrick Fisher, in his monthly newsletter Advocacy for the Arts, laid out a plan for the coming year:
“In 2026, the Arts Council is prepared to lead boldly. We will publish this monthly Advocacy in the Arts newsletter, work to implement the Fair Deal Checklist and Index developed with the Equity Impact Center, and bring local and state decision-makers directly into our arts spaces through a spring trolley tour. We will also license and pilot CreativeOhio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute program here in Southwestern Pennsylvania, strengthening the political will of our sector. And we will continue to engage city and county leadership as they shape their comprehensive plans, while preparing for the county’s anticipated investment in a cultural plan.”
To get GPAC newsletters, visit https://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/signup.
‘WICKED’ FILMS ARE GOOD FOR THE BOX OFFICE
If you have been obsessing about Wicked Parts 1 & 2, based on the stars, your love of the stage musical, the galaxy created when the first The Wizard of Oz book was launched in 1900, then you are not alone.
According to Billboard, Wicked has become the top grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical, grossing $634 million worldwide. Wicked: For Good has already grossed $468 million in its first 23 days, which puts it at No. 3, trailing Mamma Mia! (2008), with $611 million.
The list is drawn from boxofficemojo.com’s running tally of the 1,000 top-grossing films of all time, in terms of worldwide grosses … but there’s a catch. The price of a ticket for the blockbusters of yesteryear couldn’t make a dent in today’s box office. The enduring popularity of the 1965 movie version of the The Sound of Music, for example, is not in doubt. However, it has grossed $161.4 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo — not enough to make their list of 1,000 top-grossing films.
The touring company of Wicked, the Stephen Schwartz-Winnie Holzman stage musical, returns to the Benedum Center for a month, January 14-February 15, 2026.
🎟️ Visit https://trustarts.org/production/100705/wicked for tickets and details.
AWARD TO PITTSBURGH PLAYWRIGHTS EARMARKED FOR NEW WORK
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company has received a Community Project Matching Grant Initiative Award, bestowed by the Pierian Foundation during the Pierians, Inc., National Assembly in October of this year. Additionally, PPTC founder and artistic director Mark Clayton Southers was recognized and awarded a donation, to support the company’s educational programs aimed at fostering careers in theater. Southers received the cash award during opening night of A Dinah Washington Christmas, and said it would allow Pittsburgh Playwrights to produce a new play by Pittsburgh native a.k.payne. For information, visit https://www.pierians.org/.
A Dinah Washington Christmas, featuring Delana Flowers in the title role, continues in the cabaret of the Madison Arts and Entertainment Center through December 22.
🎟️ Visit https://www.pghplaywrights.org/ for tickets and details, including the December 31 celebration Playlist LIVE New Year’s Eve!
CANCELLED: Christmas Live with Joe Serafini and Friends has been cancelled due to illness. Full refunds for the December 20th show at the Pittsburgh Playhouse will be automatically issued to all ticket holders. More information: Call the box office at (412) 392-8000.
👉 Don’t forget—you can always explore the next two months of performances, organized by date or company, anytime at onStage Pittsburgh.
👉Did we miss your show? Send us your updates at info@onstagepittsburgh.com so we can share them in a future Call Board.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, CALL BOARD
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