TIME TO ACT | Pittsburgh Opera

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EVENTS

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A group of high school students prepares for a production of Sophocles’ Antigone, joined by a new student, Alona, who comes with a formidable secret.

Pittsburgh Opera is proud to present this gripping world premiere. Time to Act demonstrates how the arts can uplift and unify victims of trauma, empowering them to act, while giving voice to the young citizens who have been most impacted by an ongoing cycle of devastating school violence.

Time to Act is composed by Laura Kaminsky, whose acclaimed opera As One has become the most-produced modern opera in America. Emmy Award nominee Crystal Manich, the librettist, is a Pittsburgh Opera mainstay whose works for stage, film, and circus have been seen across the United States, Europe, Argentina, and Australia.

Content warning: this opera contains a simulated safety drill, and discussions related to the topics of school shootings, school violence, and PTSD.

Time to Act is a Co-Commission by Pittsburgh Opera, Opera Montana and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, with additional funding by Opera Santa Barbara.

Michael Sakir conducts; Amy Hutchison directs.

PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES/LOCATION

Where: Bitz Opera Factory, Strip District

When:

Saturday, February 28, 2026 * 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 * 7:00 PM
Friday, March 6, 2026 * 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 8, 2026 * 2:00 PM

CAST AND ARTISTIC TEAM

Alona, the new girl: TBA

Tyson, an injured football player: Erik Nordstrom*

Bailey, a responsible and sweet spirit: Shannon Crowley*

José, an actor: Logan Wagner*

Robin Grace, the drama teacher : Yazid Gray **

Conductor: Michael Sakir⁺
Stage Director : Amy Hutchison ⁺
Scenic & Costume Designer: Lindsay Fuori
Lighting Designer: Mary Ellen Stebbins
Sound Designer: Pan-Pan Gou
Assistant Conductor: Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master: Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist: James Lesniak
Assistant Stage Director: Dana Kinney*
Stage Manager: TBA

+   Pittsburgh Opera debut
*     Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
**   Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Alumnus

SYNOPSIS

*Contains Spoilers*

Present day. A high school drama club prepares a production of Sophocles’ Antigone.

As the students grapple with the ancient story of love, loyalty and loss, a new student, Alona, joins the group. Alona carries a disturbing secret, and her arrival sparks discomfort and discord.

As the students collaborate, they uncover revelations about the play, each other, and themselves. A safety drill triggers a shocking revelation about gun violence at a nearby school, and the divided group strives to come together. Inspired by their discoveries as Alona’s secret is revealed, the students to decide to perform the ancient play using their own words, as a rite of healing and change in the aftermath of gun violence at another school.

Finding inspiration in Antigone that parallels their own lives, they take action to spur change for the promise of a better future.

DETAILS & RESOURCES

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Here are some details and resources to help. Also visit our Opera FAQs or our Accessibility page.

Run time: approx. 1 hour
Understand Every Word: Time to Act is sung in English, with supertitles projected above the stage
Content warning: this opera contains a simulated safety drill, and discussions related to the topics of school shootings, school violence, and PTSD.

CHILD POLICY:

Children must be ages 6 and up. Suggestions and tips for bringing children to the opera may be found at pittsburghopera.org/FAQ.
All children must have a ticket. There is a 50% discount for kids and teens ages 6-18.