Who We Are

You are welcome here

The Becoming Arts Collective is a vibrant force for artistic innovation, dedicated to amplifying the voices of emerging playwrights and showcasing their extraordinary stories on the Pittsburgh stage.

We celebrate the transformative power of live theater, inviting our audiences to dive deeply into a rich experience where storytelling transforms into a gesture of empathy, strength, and determination.

In a world yearning for connection and understanding, we are committed to crafting narratives that resonate and inspire. Whether you are an actor, director, or theatre artist, we invite you to join us on this thrilling journey to become an integral part of our mission.

Together, let’s create a space where every story matters and where everyone feels at home.

You are welcome here!

-- Darin J. Friedman, Managing Director

Our Story

Becoming Arts Collective is a dynamic arts incubator dedicated to developing and producing plays for the Pittsburgh stage. We champion the work of emerging playwrights from Pittsburgh and worldwide, providing them with the support and platform needed to bring their creative visions to life.

Our success is built on a community of visionary artists, collaborators, and storytellers passionate about the artistic journey. By fostering an environment of innovation and respect, we aim to shape the future of theater while honoring the rich artistic heritage of our region. At Becoming Arts Collective, our people make us who we are.

Meet The Team

Darrin J. Friedman

Founder & Managing Director

Darrin is an award-winning playwright and

screenwriter, he explores the complexities of mental health and societal pressures upon the marginalized and tries to discover the human experience in new and relevant ways. From following strong protagonists on their quest for elusive answers to navigating the struggles of flawed characters seeking truth, he is

dedicated to shaping stories that inspire. Darrin is a Woodward / Newman Award Finalist for his play “The Butterfly Anchor,” and his short film "A Mother's Love," which he not only wrote but directed, has been repeatedly recognized for its screenplay in film

festivals and competitions alike.

Art DeConciliis

Artistic Director

Art has been acting and directing with a diverse

number of Pittsburgh theater companies for more than 40 years, listing credits with Prime Stage Theatre Company; PICT; Stage 62; South Park Theatre; LHRT and others. He was a long-standing

Board member, Instructor and Chair of the Artistic Committee for Little Lake Theatre Company, where he has been a part of over 200 productions. A previous Post-Gazette Performer of the Year,

Art is also an active voice-over artist in both the US and Canada.

Heather Friedman

Artistic Producer

Heather is a passionate theatre creator who brings a unique blend of artistic insight and real-world empathy to every production. A lifelong lover of storytelling and a classically trained soprano in recovery, she now channels her creative energy into the collaborative process of theatre-making, often partnering with her husband on projects that center on humanity, resilience, and transformation. When not immersed in rehearsal or behind the scenes, Heather works alongside leading hematologist-oncologists to develop educational programs that champion person-centered care for patients with blood cancers. She is also a proud wife and mother, roles that continue to inspire her creative voice and deepen her connection to the stories she helps bring to life.

Ponny Conomos Jahn

Artistic in Residence

In a career spanning over 3 decades, Ponny Conomos Jahn has worked the gamut of the extended theatre industry. From non-theatrical performance coaching to leading dramatic writing workshops, she believes wholeheartedly that skilled theatre instruction enriches direction and purpose which, in turn, creates inspired performance.