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WHEREAS, Ms. Karla Boos grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and went on to earn her Master of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute for the Arts; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Boos founded Quantum Theatre in 1990 to bring a version of the experimental theater she brought to life during her time in Los Angeles to the City of Pittsburgh’s art ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, Quantum Theatre’s first production was a low-budget staging of Harold Pinter’s “The Collection” at The Artery, then a gallery and music venue in Shadyside that is now the home of the restaurant Soba; and
WHEREAS, during its early years Quantum Theatre produced one or two shows a season, many of which were staged at the old Pittsburgh Center for the Arts now known as the Pittsburgh Center For Arts & Media; and
WHEREAS, by 1997 Quantum Theatre had solidified its unique approach to environmental theater by creating new, enthralling, and unusual spaces for many productions; and
WHEREAS, Quantum Theatre stages its productions environmentally, bringing the works out of the typical theatre setting and into a variety of locations such as the One Oxford Centre in Downtown Pittsburgh, the swimming pool under Braddock Library, the Historic Carrie Blast Furnace Site, the Pittsburgh Zoo, abandoned buildings in Lawrenceville, and Mellon Park, to name a few, in an effort to transport the viewer, the staff, and the thespian to a unique environment that further enhances the company’s fantastic theatrical experience while providing an appreciation for the location in question; and
WHEREAS, Karla Boos has produced all 106 of Quantum Theatre’s works, directed 33, acted in 17, and wrote or adapted nine original productions of Quantum’s 26 world premieres; and
WHEREAS, Quantum Theatre has become a fixture of Pittsburgh's art scene and has been recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative work; and
WHEREAS, Karla Boos is a member of the National Theatre Conference, the international Women’s Forum, the recipient of the Carol R. Brown Award for Established Artist as well as its predecessor the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Creative Achievement Award for Emerging Artist; and
WHEREAS, the Theatre continues to support young playwrights, actors, and directors from the region and around the world; and
WHEREAS, Karla Boos will retire in December of 2026 after directing her final production for Quantum Theatre, William Shakespeare’s final play “The Tempest” at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, running from July 17 through August 23, 2026.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Ms. Karla Boos for her outstanding 36 year tenure with Quantum Theatre and thanks her and the staff for providing innovative works to enrich Pittsburgh's art scene as well as their willingness to help and mold upcoming artists within and beyond Pittsburgh; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare August 23, 2026 "Karla Boos Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.