photo by Chloe Jakiela
 Actors perform “The Death Show” at the Maker Theater in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside Saturday night. This improv show involved the actors humorously choosing a person from the crowd and going through their wallet or bag to find out information to use and incorporate into the play, part of which the crowd member’s funeral was acted out.

Maker Theater down in Pittsburgh’s East End is exactly what guests want from a local theater – abstract, brash, loud, and above everything else creative. 

Formerly known as Steel City Improv, Maker Theater has changed its name, but not its mission. Successfully combining the brilliance of Steel City Improv with an unrivaled passion for the arts, Maker Theater is the perfect launching pad for the thriving creative culture here in Pittsburgh. 

An upcoming Bondage & Burlesque show in November highlights the fearless innovation the theater strives for with each of their performances.

“We wanted to do a burlesque show that had a bit of a bite to it,” said Kasey Daley, owner and instructor of Maker Theater.  “For me personally, I love burlesque shows. I lived in New York for a long time and used to go and see Dirty Martini, shows at The Cutting Room and it was never too much. They’re funny and they’re whole shows, and a whole experience. It is something I loved and I wanted to see it here.” 

The B&B show will have two shows involving ten acts. An 8 p.m. show which associate artistic director Mara Nadolski describes as “PG-13” will feature a more 1940’s Betty Page-styled show. The 10 p.m. show called “Bondage and Burlesque: The Safe Word Show” will be aimed towards a more adventurous crowd. 

Both shows aim to excite and explore the imagination of the audience especially with the ‘cabaret table’ – a 22-seat table where audience members will pay a little extra for a more ‘hands-on’ experience. 

“As soon as you buy that ticket, you’ve given (actors/actresses) the green light,” Daley said. “Those (seated) are more of the volunteer participants – they’re fair game.” 

Masks will be provided for all audience members, but those 22 at the cabaret table are subject to the show’s full experience. The B&B show provides local theater lovers a nice post-Halloween, Rocky Horror Picture Show type adventure courtesy of the creative engine at Maker Theater.

In addition, the Maker Theater helps co-produce various productions with local theater companies in an effort to help broaden the arts scene here in Pittsburgh.

“We just want people to do stuff. People have all kinds of crazy ideas and that’s good and we want them to do it,” Nadolski said. “Sometimes they don’t have the means to do it – so doing it as a co-production is beneficial for everyone.”

 In December, the theater will be co-producing Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” with Pittsburgh Classic Players. An in-house production, “Science Slam,” is a monthly story-telling show focused on science. 

“The development of new material, the development of our material – coming out of in-house and the co-productions are what really interest me,” Daley said. “We’re called the Maker Theater, we just want people to make stuff.”

Despite their creative productions and exploration into more drama-based performances, Maker Theater still holds true to the comedic roots from their Steel City Improv days. Daley and her husband, Justin Zell, started Steel City Improv five years ago, but Daley admits the name change to Maker Theater represents the couple’s desire to broaden their role as theater and business owners in the arts community beyond just comedy. 

However, the two still continue to teach improv classes where their motto is, “If you get good at improv, you will get better at life.”  

They have three levels of classes for participants and as an experienced actress, Daley understands the importance of improv in all aspects of the performing rhetoric. Recalling a recent experience from the set of Russell Crowe’s film “Fathers and Daughters,” filmed in Pittsburgh, where her improv skills came in handy. Italian director Gabriele Muccino took her and Russell Crowe into a corner and described what he wanted from them in the upcoming scene.

“We stood there and improvised for twenty minutes. It was surreal, but if I didn’t have that skill, I wouldn’t have known what to do,” Daley said.

She explains that improv, especially long-form improv, is a necessity for anyone with acting aspirations. She explained how often it is used in film and commercials and the ability to drive the ‘crux’ of a scene forward is vital. “Those are the skills you need to be a well-rounded actor,” Daley said. 

In addition to their emphasis on self-development, Maker Theater also offers Millennium Workshops – a corporate class where participants can learn the art of communication and improve their interview skills. 

“We open our doors to a different type of audience and not just the comedy fans,” Nadolski said. 

The Maker Theater will also be putting together another Burlesque show, The Third Ring Society, in January. The show is still currently being developed, but will feature a 1931 ‘secret society’ theme where a sexualized cult is looking for a new member.

 Daley and Nadolski describe the show as very “experimental.” They plan on the cast being very interactive with the audience focusing heavily on one-on-one experiences with each audience member. The Third Ring Society is just another example of one of the brilliant and fresh creations coming out of the performing company. 

For tickets to the Nov. 13-14 Bondage and Burlesque show, improv classes, or December’s showing of “Macbeth,” visit the box office at 5950 Ellsworth Avenue or call (412) 404-2695.