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PMT was a part of my life from 8-18 years old. The training and experience that I received there is the reason that I am currently studying performing arts in college. Every teacher I studied with was extremely helpful, and each and everyone of them helped me move toward where I am now. PMT gave me lifelong (hopefully!) friendships, real experience in the professional world, a solid training background, and most importantly, the confidence to fight the odds and pursue my dream.

I have had children as a part of this program for over 13 years. They have grown and been successful. If there was no Pittsburgh Musical Theater in their life they may not have had this experience.. I grateful for their support over the years.

In 2007, I played the role of Grizabella in PMT's CATS. I did not receive my equity card, which would have been okay, but I only got $500 for two weeks of rehearsals and the run of the show. As a single mother and professional artist, I am a little disturbed that PMT, where I grew up training to be an actress.singer.dancer, has failed as a non-profit organization to give me the opportunity to move forward in life. I am a bit unsure about the organization because when I approached Mr. Peter Smith, the director of RENT, he told me that he hadn't seen me perform in 12 years. I thought that 2007 was only two years ago? I am grateful for the teachers I had growing up with Gargaro Productions and PMT, however, I am disapointed that they are promoting as a non-profit when EQUITY Actors are being cast over Non-Equity. There is a pattern that needs to end.

Cristina Aloe as Grizabella in PMT's CATS 2007

Pittsburgh Musical Theater in combination with the Richard E. Raugh Conservatory is an organization that has become one of extreme importance to our family. I have two children who have been attending classes and performing with PMT for approximately 5 years. Since the very beginning, my children and my whole family have found the teachers, directors,staff, and other parents and students to be more like family than acquaintances. The discipline my children have received from their training, and performing with PMT has given them a unique opportunity to learn valuable life skills and work ethic from the very young age of seven years old. All of these things have taken place by learning and doing what they love. The joy they receive in their lives by being part of this organization if priceless. They have found friends with similar interests and goals that they have never found anywhere else before. They have gained confidence, compassion and respect for themseleves and otherrs while working with the PMT actors and directors. I, as their mother, have volunteered in numerous activities with PMT and have to admit it has brought me as much personal gratification and happiness as well as my children's. My children truly feel like they are living their dreams by being given opportunities to perform and train with PMT. It is a unique and dynamic organization unlike any other I have ever seen in the world of theater. We feel blessed to have stumbled in through the doors of PMT and become part of their family.

My daughter has been with the program since she was 5 years old. There is nothing like this program in the area for promoting the youth to a theater arts program. All instructors have experience performing as well as teaching children and young adults. All kids are included in the audition process for any conservatory shows as well as professional shows. If awarded a role for a professional show they perform on stage with professional actors and learn the demands of performing on stage. Conservatory shows also have the same demands and all kids learn how to work and learn with their peers. The staff at PMT are also very professional and fair. The director, Colleen Petrucci of the conservatory runs the school very well and she is the "rock" of the school seeing that every aspect runs smoothly. The founding director, Ken Gargaro's passion to see that the youth are exposed to the theater is one of a kind. When anyone new comes to see a PMT production they are "blown away" at the talent that both Ken and Colleen bring to the show. I can't say enough about this program and only hope that they are rewarded for their contribution to the Pittsburgh Arts Community.