The Becoming Arts Collective Names Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre as Artistic Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Becoming Arts Collective Names Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre as Artistic Director
Acclaimed Director and Educator Joins Pittsburgh Theatre Company to Lead Creative Vision and Expand Artistic Programming
Pittsburgh, PA – The Becoming Arts Collective is thrilled to announce the appointment of Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre as its Artistic Director. This strategic addition marks a significant milestone in the company's evolution as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's performing arts landscape, bringing together two passionate advocates for theatrical excellence and emerging voices.
Burgess-Lefebvre earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing from Illinois State University and worked with the world-renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago before moving to Pittsburgh, where she has worked as a director, actor, and costume designer for the last 20 years. She was the director of So, There’s a Leprechaun Now? at R-ACT theatre, which won First Place for "Best Theater Production" in the City Paper's Best of PGH 2024, was awarded Best Director of a Musical (Pippin at Little Lake Theatre) by Broadway World in 2022 and her productions at the 2023 and 2024 Pittsburgh New Works Festivals were, respectively, awarded Best Play. Most recently, her 2025 Pittsburgh New Works production was named Audience Favorite by festival attendants. Barbara is an Associate Professor of Theatre and English at Robert Morris University, and her directorial work at that university has won national recognition from the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Additionally, Barbara works as a teaching artist for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
"Barbara's arrival represents a transformative moment for The Becoming Arts Collective," said Darrin Friedman, Founder and Managing Director. "Her commitment to authentic storytelling, her expertise in actor development, and her deep roots in Pittsburgh's theatre community align perfectly with our mission to celebrate emerging voices and create performances that foster empathy and connection. This partnership will elevate our artistic programming and strengthen our position as an arts incubator for groundbreaking work."
The Becoming Arts Collective has established itself as a thriving theatre company dedicated to bringing transformative live theatre to the Pittsburgh stage. Under Friedman's leadership, the organization has developed a reputation for nurturing both emerging and established artists.
Burgess-Lefebvre expressed enthusiasm about the creative partnership: "I am thrilled to join the creative team at The Becoming Arts Collective! I can't wait to pour my energy into supporting and amplifying our shared mission of bringing fresh, compelling, and uplifting theatre to Pittsburgh. The opportunity to collaborate with Darrin and other artists who are equally passionate about this vision fills me with excitement and purpose. This is the work that matters to me, and I can’t wait to create great art together! "
The new Artistic Director will oversee the collective's creative vision, guide the selection and development of productions, and lead the organization's artist-in-residence program, which currently features master classes in the Uta Hagen Technique developed and taught by Ponny Conomos Jahn. Her academic background and professional experience will enhance the collective's educational initiatives while maintaining its focus on innovative storytelling.
For more information about The Becoming Arts Collective and upcoming productions, visit www.thebecomingartscollective.com or contact darrin@thebecomingartscollective.com.
About The Becoming Arts Collective
The Becoming Arts Collective is a Pittsburgh-based performing arts incubator dedicated to celebrating emerging voices through storytelling that fosters empathy and connection. As a collective of passionate theatre artists, the organization develops and produces new theatrical works, offering readings, workshops, full-scale productions, and educational programming. The company believes in crafting performances that resonate and inspire, creating a space where every voice matters and everyone feels connected.
Media Contact:
Darrin Friedman
Founder and Managing Director
The Becoming Arts Collective
darrin@thebecomingartscollective.com
