Our PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh season is in full swing! And while your mind might jump to the spectacles on stage (and rightfully so!), did you know that you can also connect with these productions beyond the stage and hear from the people who brought them to life?

Maybe you’re curious: How does an actor make it to Broadway? What’s life like on tour? or How does the cast and crew unwind after a performance? Thanks to Creative Conversations, our pre-show discussion, and Broadway Talk Backs, our post-show exchange, you can find answers to those questions and more at select performances.

With & Juliet recently in town, our Marketing team attended both events to give you a sense of the experience and hear from attendees themselves.

Set the Stage with Creative Conversations

Greeted with snacks and upbeat pop music, attendees for the & Juliet Creative Conversation gathered in the Trust Arts Education Center to explore the world of theater more closely.

Importantly, these events are open to everyone—regardless of whether you have a ticket to the show.

“It’s a great way to learn about careers in the arts and get to know the artists who are lucky enough to perform at the highest level in their field,” said Kalee George, Manager of Arts Education Programs at the Cultural Trust and the event coordinator for Creative Conversation.

Local theater professional Harper York kicked off the evening with questions for the panel, which included two swing actors from the & Juliet cast. For those who aren’t familiar, swing actors are performers trained to step into multiple roles on short notice.

“Living out of a suitcase isn’t the most glamorous,” one of the actors shared, “but it’s an exciting way to see different cities.”

The conversation ranged from Shakespearean trivia and the development of characters on stage to lighthearted topics like the actors’ favorite Halloween candy and memorable on-stage moments.

Next, the audience had the chance to satisfy their own curiosities. The actors were asked to speak on how they managed stage fright, auditioned for their roles, and collaborated with the creative team to add their own personal touch to the performance.

One attendee, a regular Creative Conversation goer, said these events help her understand “things you don’t even think about.” At a previous event, she recalls learning how an actor took care of their pet—an insight that allowed her to appreciate the fuller experience of being a traveling actor.

Beyond the personal, newcomers agreed that their main reason for attending this Creative Conversation was to get the “inside scoop.”

Another regular attendee shared how these events have prepared them for what they were about to see on stage. For example, at a previous event, they learned to look for the changing streetlamps in My Fair Lady as a symbol of character development.

Continue the Conversation with Talk Backs

Now, let’s pivot to the post-show experience. With the air still electric after the & Juliet cast had taken their bows, the audience was invited to stay for a deeper conversation.

While the roles represented by Talk Backs speakers do vary, those who choose to take part always come with a genuine desire to interact with theatergoers. “Their participation is completely voluntary,” shares Kristin Baker, Program Manager at the Cultural Trust and event coordinator for Talk Backs. “They engage in this experience out of a genuine passion for sharing their perspectives and cultivating a meaningful connection with the audience.”

Seven actors and the tour’s drummer stayed after the show this time, while Baker moderated the conversation.

Out of costume and dressed in casual attire, the performers spoke about their personal connection to the story and specific challenges in their roles. They also answered fun questions like what their characters' day jobs would be or what social media platforms they would use.

As with Creative Conversations, the audience played an active role in the Q&A session. Questions included: “What was your first Broadway show?” “What’s your dream role?” and “How do you keep up your stamina as a swing actor?”

After the event, a mother and daughter shared their reflections. As long-time subscribers, they always make sure to choose the performances with a Talk Back. This time, they swapped their tickets so that they could attend the discussion. When asked why, they pointed to the insights they’ve gained from the actors and creative teams. Even the small details—like learning an actor’s favorite candy—has helped them get to know the person behind the role and the experience they bring to it.

“It’s amazing to see what the actors are like and to understand their personality,” the mother shared. “We’re so lucky to have something like this in Pittsburgh.”

Next time, we hope you don’t just enjoy the show— come for the conversation!