Monongahela native plans to bring classical theater to Mon Valley

Monongahela native Elizabeth Elias Huffman was recently named the new artistic director of Pittsburgh’s Irish and Classical Theater.

Huffman has made a comeback to the Mon Valley and plans to bring some of her work to the area.

“One of my initiatives is what I call the Mon Valley initiative,” she said. “That is to bring whatever I do in Pittsburgh to this area, and there are several venues I’m looking at.”

Huffman hopes to bring her first co-produced Shakespeare in the Park show to the area by next summer.

“It’s just been part of my dream to do what I do. I’ve worked for many years as a professional and I think I have something to offer for this community to enjoy,” Huffman said. “And it’s where I grew up, so it means a lot to me.”

As part of her initiative, Huffman has her eyes set on the Monessen City Park amphitheater for future shows and has been in talks with mayor Ron Mozer to use the space.

She hopes to bring classical theater, comedies, hard-hitting contemporary dramas and even some international work.

“The mayor of Monessen has been very excited about giving us the opportunity to use this space, to put it to use,” Huffman said. “Here it is sitting, waiting for a show.”

She is looking at other venues in the Mon Valley to set up for future shows.

Huffman is also hoping to reactivate education programs within PICT, like an apprenticeship program for students who just graduated from college.

“They work the backstage area; they learn the ropes; if they’re interested in directing, they could assist and learn right in the trenches,” Huffman said. “Same with actors, they could be learning from some of the more substantial teachers in the Pittsburgh area.”

PICT will also offer educational student matinees for schools where they can learn about classical theater. Huffman has been a professional theater artist for more than 30 years and has been an artistic director for classical theater companies in New York City, Los Angeles and Portland, Ore.

Just recently she’s done “Steel Magnolias” at the Pittsburgh Public Theater and performed a solo show, “Not My Revolution,” at Off The Wall Productions in Carnegie.

Huffman and PICT are looking for new board members who can help in the organization’s fundraising efforts.

“We’re looking for people who are connected to the business community and who just love theater and want to see theater continue to thrive,” Huffman said. “So if they are interested in helping to build the company, then they should talk to me.”

Anyone interested in becoming a board member for PICT should contact Huffman at eehuffman@picttheatre.org.

Ladimir Garcia is a summer intern at the Mon Valley Independent through Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Media Partnership. He is a journalism graduate from West Virginia University and is originally from Beckley, W.Va.