Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to stage free 'Under the Stars' show at Hartwood Acres

A tradition is returning to Hartwood Acres with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Ballet Under the Stars” program on Aug. 24. With a variety of pieces from PBT classics past and future, this free performance will wow attendees of all ages.

“We are pleased to be participating in this community-based tradition, and it’s a great way to open our ’25-’26 Dream season,” said Adam W. McKinney, artistic director at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

This performance will partially serve as a preview of PBT’s upcoming 2025-26 season, which is packed with exciting and recognizable shows. Excerpts and numbers inspired by their “Dracula” and “America 250” programs will show off the exciting shows to come at the Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

“It’s also an opportunity to showcase some of the work from last season, in the event that audience members missed selections from our Emerald season,” McKinney said.

Greatest hits from the 2024-25 slate include selections such as “Emeralds Pas de Deux” and “Angels in the Architecture.”

In addition, the show will include pieces choreographed by PBT artists, giving these talented dancers the opportunity to show off another side of their artistry. Corps de Ballet members Matthew Griffin and Madison Russo will be in the spotlight with their respective works, “Dracula Vignette” and “Finale.”

The finale is in a more contemporary style and will also allow audience members to dance along with the company members from a distance, McKinney said. He choreographed something similar for the Hartwood Acres performance two years ago.

“I remember seeing 3,000 people on the hills of Hartwood Acres dancing with us,” he said.

Giving their dancers the opportunity to be creative with choreography is an important part of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s philosophy.

“Looking at what I wanted this particular performance to represent for PBT, from a curatorial perspective, it felt super important to include the artists and their choreography,” McKinney said.

Several dancers approached him, asking if there would be a place in the season to develop their skill and passion for choreography.

“Hartwood Acres, given its community feel, felt like an apropos moment to highlight their work.”

But the fun and fascination don’t stop with the onstage magic. In addition to the showcase, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., there will be an assortment of free family activities beginning at 5:30 p.m., including food trucks, face painting, balloon art, ballet crafts and even a miniature dance class.

If you’re looking for an even more heightened experience, there will be a picnic fundraiser happening during that time. In addition to delicious drinks and dinner, attendees will get the opportunity to meet McKinney and other PBT artists. Tickets are $100 for adults and $25 for children.

McKinney is excited for the event’s inclusion of all aspects of PBT, from their school to development to marketing and, of course, the dancers themselves. “This is an all-organization event,” he said.