Playbox Productions is proud to present True West by Sam Shepard.
A bold new Pittsburgh production of one of the greatest American plays ever written.
Set in the sunbaked foothills of Southern California, True West follows two estranged brothers, Austin and Lee, as a simple reunion at their mother’s house spirals into a volatile battle over identity, success, family, and the American dream. Widely regarded as one of the greatest American plays ever written, Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize finalist remains as sharp, funny, and unsettling today as ever.
This production will run September 24 – October 4, 2026 at the Three Stories Theater right in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, produced by Playbox Productions — an emerging independent theatre company dedicated to creating authentic, innovative, and truthful performance experiences right here in Pittsburgh.
Following the success of Playbox’s inaugural production of George Orwell’s 1984 in December 2025, which employed and supported over 35 local artists and creatives, True West represents the company’s continued commitment to revitalizing important modern classics while creating paid opportunities for Pittsburgh performers and theatre-makers.
Your support through this Fractured Atlas campaign will directly help fund:
- Paid opportunities for local actors, designers, and production
- Scenic, lighting, sound, and costume design
- Rehearsal and performance space costs
- Marketing and audience outreach
- Production photography and archival media
- Accessibility and audience engagement initiatives
Playbox Productions believes that powerful live theatre should be accessible, daring, and community-driven. As a growing independent company, donations make it possible for us to compensate artists, take creative risks, and continue building sustainable professional theatre opportunities in Pittsburgh.
True West Production Team:
Executive Producer — Marc Palombo
Managing Producer — Anna Hanson
Associate Producers — Jay Chapman & Gabby Wilson
Production Manager — Alyssa Bruno Walls
Director / Fight Director — Samuel G.C. Muñoz
Stage Manager — Liz Yarnot
Assistant Stage Manager — Ian Thomas
Assistant Stage Manager — Lauren Mitchell
Scenic Design — Noah Glaister
Lighting Design — Joe Borsch
Sound Design — Britt Pierce
Costume Design — Kostadena Hartley
Props Master — Cloe Joos
Props Assistant — Cedar Elwood
Marketing Coordinator — Sam Puleo
Marketing Coordinator — Colleen Hammond
Photo & Video - Brandon D'Alessandris
Additional casting and production team announcements forthcoming.
Website: https://PlayboxProductions.com
Contact: playboxpgh@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting independent theatre and helping bring True West to life.