I recently had the great fortune of directing the world premiere of Andrea Lepcio’s latest play, Tunnel Vision, at Off the WALL and cannot sing their praises enough. OTW is a small but mighty company with a fierce commitment to excellence. They work tirelessly in their efforts to provide the community quality entertainment, to give their audiences varied cultural experiences and to introduce them to creative new works. Additionally, and perhaps even more importantly, they give artists the resources, support and a much needed creative home in which to experiment and develop their work. They are literally fostering those who may ultimately become the Irene Fornés, Lillian Hellman and Lorraine Hansberrys of our time. I cannot express enough how important Ginny and Hans’ contributions are--to their local community and to the artist world at large. Thank you, Ginny and Hans!
I first met Off the Wall when they asked permission to produce my play Looking for the Pony. This was the fifth production and they made the effort to invite me to Opening Night. The production was beautiful and included my favorite set of all the productions. This began my relationship with Virginia and Hans. They have gone on to read each of my new plays and have expressed interest in not just one, but two. They followed up on their interest by committing to produce Tunnel Vision, a difficult play with design and technical challenges in October 2015. They hired the director of my choosing and housed both of us in exceptionally comfortable artist housing for the rehearsal period. In addition to Hans and Virginia, their entire staff is professional and fun. The respect for artists is high. They have created a wonderful working environment where artists thrive.
As a frequent performer and audience member for Off the Wall Theater, I applaud the professionalism of staff and crew, the quality of chosen material & local talent, and their dynamic vision as an all-inclusive performing arts venue. I look forward to enjoying their new season and always value my time there on stage!
I have attended a show at Off The Wall and it was truly a wonderful experience. From the staff to the actors, everyone was welcoming and took the time to talk to you before and after the show. I applaud them for their dedication to support these actors and their love for the performing arts. I would highly recommend this theater to anyone interested in experiencing something new and refreshing. Can't wait to attend the next show.
Off The Wall is truly a breath of fresh air to the community and local artists. I absolutely enjoy attending the events and shows that are held at the theater and have brought many family and friends. As, I am a huge supporter of local business and female empowerment, I will definitely continue to show my support for the theater and am looking forward to the exciting new season!
Off The Wall produces amazing work by talented local artist both on and off stage If you haven't seen what they do, I promise that you won't be disappointed. Check them out!
I applaud Off The Wall for its focus on the female artist - actors, directors, playwrights, tech staff, managers - and for railing against the ubiquitous gender disparity that has persisted for centuries in the theater world. This company not only has vision, talent, and ambition - it also has a conscience.
Off the Wall is an amazing theatre company! Their commitment to all of their artists, the community and sparking conversation that is brewing the minds of the community is a necessity and what I believe theatre is for. They strive to give a voice to the underrepresented communities in the country and tell their stories with respect, grace and artistry.
My husband and I absolutely love the professional productions at off the WALL theater. The acting is wonderful and the impact of the thoughtful plays always extend well beyond the show itself, affecting how you view situations in day-to-day life. Off the Wall Theater is a wonderful addition to Pittsburgh Theater. Many thanks for Hans, Ginny and cast & crew for their ongoing work and dedication.
The time and efforts of the founders and the theatre performers are similar to the long running independent theatres where New York plays are tried out before opening on Broadway. Off the Wall strives each year to be cosmopolitan and audience stimulating. The facilities are also comfortable and access is easy regardless of weather. The most important support of the community and their welcoming to the theatre is also notable. No topic is banned or suppressed. Off the Wall means that they are in the forefront of public theatre.
I have known the founders of Off the Wall for ten years or more and have seen at least a score of productions at their theater. I love their drama selections because they are, if you will, off the wall, meaning thought-provoking, cerebral and entertaining. The productions are those that you rarely find in other theaters in the area. They take risks and love challenges. Since their move to Carnegie, they've added additional components to their theater such as dance, visual art and music. Hans and Virginia (the founders) untiringly bring some of the region's best talent to their stage.
Off the Wall reigns as an EXTRA-ordinary theatre company that is both artist and audience-centric alike. A true sanctuary for seasoned as well as developing theatre artists, and audience members hungry for provocative theatre fare. As a professional performer, I have been gifted the opportunity to take on meaty and challenging roles at OTW that have stretched me as a theatre artist in myriad ways. OTW shines as a vital gemstone in our cultural landscape. I personally owe the founders/directors, Virginia and Hans Gruenert, a debt of gratitude for choosing the greater Pittsburgh region as home for the development of their generous and multi-faceted artistic vision/service manifest.
Off the Wall Theater provides cutting edge theater found nowhere else in the area. The effort by the owners is a 100 percent commitment in time and money to help revitalize the town of Carnegie and to support young playwrights, actors and set designers at a time when public funds are difficult to come by. Their vision is a gift to us all.
Off The Wall brings to Pittsburgh something no other theatre does: cutting edge, current plays with top-notch productions. Unlike other local Equity theatres, Off The Wall utilizes local actors, director and designers. I have worked there as both an actor and director, and I salute them for creating an open and professional atmosphere. I don't think I have missed seeing a show there since 2009. While I might not like every script, every production is worth seeing for the high-caliber of directing, acting, and design. As both a theatre professional and a theatre-goer, Off The Wall is an outstanding experience.
Since the fall of 2012, during Off The Wall’s first year in Carnegie, the organization has helped dozens of artists fulfill a dream - to showcase their talents on a professional stage.
The production company has artistically flourished in the new environment, cooperating with visionary directors and designers who in turn brought out the best in a immensely talented pool of local actors. The play selection, celebrating the great tradition and value of women’s contribution to the theatrical canon, has been extended from four to six plays, and They continue to shine the light on today’s female playwrights.