The Attack Theater blends varied art forms with contemporary dance, creating passionate portrayals of everyday life. The company carries the audience on a journey of wide-ranging emotions with daring, dramatic choreography. The dancers, musicians, designers, video artists and actors perform in various "found" locations, as well as the Attack Theater Studios.

One of Pittsburgh's premiere modern dance companies and schools, the Dance Alloy presents world-class dance theater that explores the human condition through the power of dance and the magic of theater.

Founded in 1969, The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's repertoire ranges from classics such as "Swan Lake" to Balanchine and works by contemporary choreographers. PBT's presentation of "The Nutcracker" at Benedum Center each winter is a holiday tradition. Pittsburgh's premiere dance company also maintains a competitive ballet school.

For 30 years, the Dance Council has brought an array of national and international dance companies to Pittsburgh, establishing contemporary dance as a primary art form for local audiences. Performing at the Benedum and Byham Theaters.

The City Theatre specializes in contemporary plays, bringing to Pittsburgh playwrights such as Adam Rapp, Christopher Durang and Jeffrey Hatcher. The mission is to provide an artistic home for the development and production of work that engages a diverse audience with a wide variety of productions, from one-person shows to comedies and cutting-edge dramas.

Founded in 1974 by Dr. Vernell Lillie to present the works of playwright-in-residence Rob Penny and other African-American writers, Kuntu's intent is the examination of African life through plays that educate, entertain and move audiences to social action. Kuntu stages four major productions a year at Pitt.

The Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theater (PICT) is committed to telling the world's greatest stories through top-notch productions that provoke a civic dialogue about issues of our time. Past performances include classics such as "Julius Caesar," "Stuff Happens," "Hedda Gabler," "Private Lives" and "Pride and Prejudice."

Four companies under the auspices of Point Park University perform in this Oakland space. The Rep, the professional theater group, specializes in off-beat and new plays. The other three companies comprise students from the Point Park Conservatory for the Performing Arts, The Playhouse Dance Company and The Conservatory Theater Company, with five productions a year. The Playhouse Jr. specializes in shows for children.

The Pittsburgh Public Theater brings diverse theatrical productions that encompass classics of the American theater, masterworks from the international repertoire, world premieres, contemporary plays by authors such as August Wilson and musicals of merit. Under the leadership of Ted Pappas, who also directs, PPT has gained a national reputation.

Founded and run by artistic director Karla Boos, Quantum is dedicated to making affordable, high-quality theater that presents compelling stories from classic works to original new voices. It also provides a forum for playwrights to develop their work, promoting non-traditional casting and cultivating partnerships with local schools and community organizations. Quantum performs in interesting "found" spaces, such as the stables at Hartwood Acres, making each production an adventure.

The Bach Choir has been critically acclaimed for its innovative, precise and entertaining concert performances devoted exclusively to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach as well as composers from the Renaissance to the 21st century.

The Chamber Music Society presents an annual series of concerts and educational events for listeners ranging from connoisseurs to chamber music newcomers. Performing repertoire from over three centuries and numerous premieres by living composers, the Society provides a comprehensive perspective on the art of chamber music.

Western Pennsylvania's only professional Baroque ensemble playing on period instruments. The musicians’ dazzling technique and artful interpretation have won wide recognition. Their repertoire includes works from 17th century Italy, France, Austria and Spain, and such masters as Corelli, Marais, Castello, Schmelzer, Kapsberger and Bach.

The Civic Light Opera's acclaimed musical theater productions have welcomed some of Broadway's brightest stars and launched the careers of numerous talented performers such as Kathleen Marshall, Rob Ashford and Patrick Wilson as well as Sutton Foster and Stephen Flaherty. This winter see “Plaid Tidings” at the Cabaret Theater and the classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Focusing on creating new works and interpreting older works in new ways, the Opera Theatre performs in English with a modern direction. The OTP performs at the Byham Theater. Upcoming performances include “Die Fledermaus” and “Lost in the Stars.”

Led by artistic director Christopher Hahn, the Pittsburgh Opera combines its long history with exciting ambition, which has made it one of the most dynamic opera companies in the country. Each season, the Pittsburgh Opera produces four major operas at Benedum Center, ranging from classics such as "Madame Butterfly," to contemporary operas such as "Flight" and "The Elixir of Love." World-renowned stars are featured, along with superb production values.

One of the nation's leading orchestras. Led by Sir Andrew Davis with Marvin Hamlisch as principal Pops conductor. Mellon Grand Classics is the symphony's flagship series featuring classical music's greatest compositions. The PNC Symphony Pops Series does programs such as “Mancini at the Movies,” “Holiday Pops,” “The Romantic Songs of George Gershwin” and others. Don't miss the breathtaking performance of Handel's “Messiah” this holiday season, performed by the Mendelssohn Choir. The PSO performs at Heinz Hall.

Presenting the best early music performers from all over the world and the music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque and Early Classical periods. But the R&B Society is unpredictable. You might hear a turn-of-the-millennium piece from either 1000 or 2000, or Vivaldi's “Four Seasons” played on recorders. Concerts in Byham Theater and Synod Hall.

The River City Brass Band performs a 49-concert series in seven different regional venues. In addition, the 28-piece ensemble tours extensively throughout the U.S. with more than 60 performances each year as part of its community concert series, major symphony pops series and arts festivals. Sensational repertoire for brass instruments.