ACT ONE Theatre School

ACT ONE Theatre School offers theatre programs that include engaging classes for children and teens. The program includes a K–1st Grade program, a 2nd–8th Grade program, a High School Program, and the Act One Summer Camp. Act One Summer Camp includes guest artists such as actor and instructor Theo Allyn.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

ACT ONE Theatre School was founded in 1986 and has been changing children's lives for over 30 years. Its programs for Kindergarten through high school are offered for summer fun and are based on an atmosphere of acceptance and fun that helps children and teens hone their skills and creativity. According to the mission statement, motivated by excellent literature, sensitive instructors, and high-quality performance expectations, Pittsburgh theatre students gain professionalism, critical ability, and lifelong self-confidence.

The leadership team includes Executive & Artistic Director Mark Domencic, Executive & Managing Director Janet Van Cott Domencic, Founder Karen Cordaro, High School Program Coordinator Julianne Avolio, Production Consultant & Alumni Liaison J.R. Hall, Technical Director Jared Pfennigwerth, Accounting Manager Christine Roman, Acting Instructor and Guest Artist Theo Allyn, Acting Instructor for 2nd–8th and High School Program Delaney Bird, and Acting Instructor (2nd–8th) Jeff(rey) Chips. Staff members include professional actors, directors, educators, and teaching artists with extensive regional and local theatre experience.

Staff credentials include advanced degrees and specialized training. Mark Domencic holds a BFA and MM in Piano Performance from Carnegie Mellon University and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Music Education from Boston University. Janet Van Cott Domencic received a BA in Sociology from Dickinson College and studied Voice with Brenda Smith, Charlotte Sonne, and Myrna Paris. Karen Cordaro holds a BA in Psychology from Seton Hill College, teacher certification in secondary English, and attended the University of Pittsburgh for post graduate studies. J.R. Hall received a BA in Speech Communications from the University of Pittsburgh and an MFA in Playwriting from Carnegie Mellon University. Christine Roman holds a BA in Accounting & Finance from Robert Morris University. Delaney Bird holds a BA in Theatre and a BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology from West Liberty University, as well as an MFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Theo Allyn’s training includes the Atlantic Theatre Company Acting School and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Community involvement and professional work by staff include college teaching, theatre work, and writing. Mark Domencic serves as Professor of Music at the Community College of Allegheny County, Artist Lecturer in Music Theory at Carnegie Mellon University, and Head of the CCAC Allegheny Campus Humanities Department, with past faculty appointments at Robert Morris University and California University of PA, and has music directed for theatre companies including Pittsburgh CLO and Saint Vincent Summer Theatre. Karen Cordaro wrote the script and co-wrote lyrics for SESJUN, directed the ROUTE 66 performance with the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful in Rotterdam, wrote lyrics for a WELLA BALSAM European commercial, wrote lyrics for Ernie Sabella’s opening song at the Ensemble Studio Theatre’s award gala in New York City, and has written for Paramount International. J.R. Hall was commissioned to adapt John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row for the National Steinbeck Festival’s 50th Anniversary celebration and completed a commission from Beacon College for the book of a musical entitled Normal-C. Julianne Avolio has taught with Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Arcade Comedy Theatre, City Theatre, and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Delaney Bird works locally with Pittsburgh Performance Society and Saltworks Theatre Company. Theo Allyn has regional and local credits with multiple theatres including City Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Dobama Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Diversionary Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Quantum Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical.

Credentials and awards include recognition for staff performances. Dobama Theatre’s Little Women, in which Theo Allyn played Jo, was awarded Best Non Musical Production of 2023 Cleveland, and Theo Allyn received a San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Craig Noel Nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for This Beautiful City.

A testimonial from former student Mia D. states, “Act One was a life-changing experience for me– it gave me the confidence and courage to walk through the rest of my life as no one else but myself.”

Last updated July 14, 2026.