From its roots in a school theater program, Alumni Theater Company (ATC) has blossomed into a full company comprised of three ensembles, which empower youth and young adults through high quality inclusion and training in a supportive, safe environment. At ATC, the voices of Black youth ring out, and the sound is powerful. We checked in with Executive Director, Bridgette Perdue, at the culmination of ATC’s 17th Season, to learn more about how they foster an uplifting sense of community in the performing arts.

What can a summer of intense focus on artistic expression do for young people facing a new school year, or their next steps as a professional?

For ATC, summer is definitely our busiest season. This particular summer, we curated programming for each of our Ensembles - Young Artist, Teen, and Professional.

Our Young Artist and Teen Ensembles are learning who they are and what it means to be an ensemble. They develop artistic skills during Summer Intensive that persist far beyond the stage. The standard at ATC is high: no one is off the hook when it comes to supporting each other and building a high-quality show together. Their confidence and trust in their own abilities are renewed, and being in a space that fosters this gives young people a boost going into the school year.

ATC is very much invested in our young people's education, personal development, and wellbeing. Throughout the summer we check in with these middle and high schoolers and ask, “How are you feeling? Do you have the resources that you need?’ We offer a listening ear and guidance as they decide whether they should go to school for the performing arts, and make sure to write them that glowing recommendation letter for the fall.

In our Professional Ensemble - who are college and career focused - there is more ownership over their craft and a higher degree of responsibility. Many have gone off to these new collegiate experiences, and yet they love just being in the building again, their ATC home. Over the summer they reconnect with people they've worked with since they were kids, but now they have new life experiences to add to their artistry. It’s a really powerful way of exploring their craft. This moment also allows ATC to check in with them. “Do you have the resources you need? Let’s talk about your extracurriculars: Try out for the step team! Join BSU!” It’s our goal that they are affirmed, well-equipped, and leave our space ready to go out again into the world.

What do you think is the key to managing leadership transitions and growth at ATC with grace?

I think the key to this is learning on your toes, being reflective, and establishing trust. Because Hallie Donner (ATC’s Founding Director) and I began with a foundation of trust, we were able to partner in leadership well and communicate effectively. Our approach of supporting each other while giving space to grow is what we’ve found works in a year of significant change.

Monteze Freeland joined us as Artistic Director this June, and has been an amazing partner in orchestrating all of our summer programming. Together, we directed Color Me Full, a production birthed from our Summer Intensive program; he's been entirely leading the masterclass sessions with the Professional Ensemble; and he and Shae Wofford (Marketing & Community Engagement Manager) curated the programming for the Teen Ensemble - a series of challenges across the disciplines of writing, acting, dancing, and singing. The summer is the perfect opportunity for him to get to know the talents of each member, but then also understand each ensemble and how ATC programming runs. That way he can make it even better because that's what he's here to do: take ATC to the next level as we prepare for Season 18 and beyond.

Stay connected with ATC and learn more about their ensembles and upcoming 18th Season through their vibrant newsletter and socials. AE&E Fund proudly supports Alumni Theater Company’s 17th and 18th Seasons.

Fall Cycle Focus: Critical Support Grants

With all the uncertainty surrounding funding in the arts and education ecosystems, AE&E Fund is focusing our Fall Cycle exclusively on critical support for professional arts organizations and independent schools in the Pittsburgh region. We want to support initiatives that are already underway or struggling to get off the ground because of lost funding or sudden budget changes. Now more than ever, we believe it’s important to work together and stay rooted in our shared values.

Grant requests for critical support should not exceed $20,000 and must be for exhibitions/performances, fellowships/residencies, or scholarship/education. AE&E Fund partners with an active grant are not eligible to apply at this time. Please reach out to grants@aeefund.org with any questions.

The application period runs from September 1 through September 26.

Before submitting a request, we kindly ask that you take a moment to review our grantmaking page to ensure your proposal aligns with our current funding priorities.

Grant Portal Interface Update

When you log in to our Grant Portal, you will notice some changes that we hope will make our system easier to navigate. If you have any difficulty accessing your previous requests or follow up reporting, please do not hesitate to contact grants@aeefund.org.

Partner Events

Mark your calendars for two must-see AE&E Fund grantee exhibitions in the greater Pittsburgh region this September!

The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Collection of Samella Lewis

This exhibition celebrates Elizabeth Catlett’s achievements in sculpture and printmaking and honors a half-century of her artistic activism in support of women.

Drawn from the collection of Dr. Samella Lewis (1924–2022)—an artist, historian, and Catlett’s former student—this exhibition highlights Catlett’s impact as an artist and educator. It celebrates her lasting influence and the ways she merged art and activism to inspire change.

September 7, 2025 — January 4, 2026

Black Photojournalism

Black Photojournalism presents work by more than 40 photographers chronicling historic events and daily life in the United States from the conclusion of World War II in 1945 to the presidential campaigns of 1984, including the civil rights movements through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

Drawn from archives and collections in the care of journalists, libraries, museums, newspapers, photographers, and universities. Each print represents the energy of many dedicated individuals who worked to get out the news every single day.

September 13, 2025 - January 19, 2026

Arts, Equity, & Education Fund™ strives for a better reflection of the real world in arts and education.