From Judas to Agnus: Treasure Treasure returns to the Pittsburgh stage

 

The New Hazlett Theater invites audiences to the premiere of Agnus Teaches Acting, a satirical musical premiering February 5-6. The production stars acclaimed Pittsburgh artist Treasure Treasure as the infamous Agnus Stephenson—a woman whose acting prowess is matched only by her relentless desire to explain it to you. Written by Zanny Laird, Lucas Fedele, and Treasure Treasure, Agnus Teaches Acting is a mockumentary-style musical mashup that blends the bright lights of NYC with the hilariously overconfident coaching of Agnus Stephenson.   In a technique class that functions less like actual training and more like getting trapped in a one-person show the teacher forgot wasn’t happening on Broadway, the legendary Agnus Stephenson descends upon Studio C to mold three semi-capable students into international stars. Through a chaotic cocktail of original songs, outrageous exercises, and unpredictable tirades, Agnus displays a pure intention to help, yet she inevitably becomes the star of her own syllabus. "This production of Agnus Teaches Acting is years in the making. Lucas, Zanny & I wrote our first few scripts for Agnus sometime in 2017, in the form of hour-long cabaret acts performed in the village in New York.  Agnus was born from a certain frustration we had with the industry. I, myself, was a child actor.  I had grown accustomed to talentless nitwits trying to tell me how to ‘make it.’ Agnus provides a space to transmute that rage,” Treasure says.

Bringing the formidable Agnus to life is Treasure Treasure, a Carnegie Mellon University graduate whose recent career highlights have solidified her standing as a premier talent in Pittsburgh and beyond. Treasure arrives at the New Hazlett following a string of transformative roles, including a critically acclaimed turn as Judas in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s 2025 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and a lauded portrayal of the title character in Quantum Theatre’s 2023 production of Hamlet. A win for the theater is securing the talents of Agnus Stephenson, whom locals may remember for her stirring rendition of Maxine Nightingale’s “Right Back Where We Started From” during her one-woman cabaret version of Slap Shot on the Gateway Clipper Cruise. Stephenson is perhaps best known for her coaching style—a method described by some as “profound” and by others as “highly confusing.” “Treasure is singular. Period. Her work stands alone, carrying intelligence, courage, and an unmistakable presence. What sets her apart is not only her artistry but the depth and seriousness with which she approaches her craft. She is an artist of rare substance, and I am deeply excited to see where her journey leads next. As for Agnus, Agnus is absolute. She does not ask for attention; she assumes it. Everyone is in for a really delicious treat," New Hazlett Theater Artistic Producer Melissa Cardello-Linton says.

Led by the woman who once famously instructed a background extra to 'breathe with more subtext,' Agnus Teaches Acting offers a raw look at the grueling process of being told exactly what is wrong with you before the studio rental runs out. Ultimately, this comedic investigation proves that being 'perfectly bad' with enough heart—and enough over-the-top musical numbers—might change the world.

Agnus illustration by Tug Rice "I'm a superstar, my students know it, and they're intimidated by me.  But if they're patient and follow my method, they'll become good actors.  They'll still owe it all to me.  And I'll never let them forget that." Stephenson says.

The multi-talented cast includes Treasure Treasure (Agnus Stephenson), Joe Kosha (Student A), Richard McBride (Student B), Wallis Lucas (Student C), Moire Del Carmen (Front Desk Person), and Elexa Lindsay Hanner (swing). The creative team for Agnus Teaches Acting features co-writers Treasure Treasure, Zanny Laird, and Lucas Fedele (book, music & lyrics). The production is directed by Lucas Fedele, with lighting design by Andy Ostrowski ("Andy O"), additional compositions by Kyle Buchheister, musical arrangements by Rick Edinger & Kyle Buchheister, sound design by Kyle Buchheister, and scenic design and costume consulting by Lillie Tuck.

Agnus Teaches Acting has three showings only: Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 PM and Friday, February 6 at 10 AM & 7:30 PM. Individual tickets are available for purchase on the New Hazlett website. Tickets range from $25–$35, with the matinee being pay-what-you-can.

Meet the Star

Agnus Stephenson (pronounced STEFF-IN-SUN) is a world-renowned acting teacher and global superstar of stage, screen & Ripley-Grier. Throughout her illustrious career as a theatrical educator, she has convinced thousands of students that it's not the dreams that count, it's how you manage expectations.  This tried-and-true method has created countless success stories in former students such as Victor Garber (Titanic) and Ben Platt (Dear Michael Hansen).  IG: @agnusteachesacting

Meet the Artist

Treasure Treasure (she/her) is a multidimensional artist whose career spans three decades. Notable appearances: Hamlet (Quantum); Cabaret (Hangar), First Lady (PICT) & Jesus Christ Superstar at the Byham Theater.  Broadway: Annie Get Your Gun.  She most recently performed and re-envisioned all of Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense at Thunderbird Music Hall. Treasure's EP, HYPNEROTOMACHIA, is available on all platforms and is in rotation on 91.3 WYEP.  Her short film, which synthesizes trans identity & yearbook portraiture, was recently in exhibition at the August Wilson African-American Cultural Center, and she is a former F.I.N.E. artist-in-residence at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.  Treasure will star in Hedwig & The Angry Inch with City Theatre in Spring 2026.IG: @wowitstreasure

Agnus Teaches Acting arrives as the second production in the New Hazlett Theater’s 2025–2026 Community Supported Art (CSA) series. Now in its 13th year, the CSA program remains a cornerstone for emerging talent, providing artists like Treasure Treasure the resources to bring fresh, original concepts to the stage. This season also marks the debut of CSA: Off the Page, a staged reading series designed to amplify even more creative voices. By showcasing three works from CSA runners-up, this new initiative offers a raw, intimate look at the bold storytelling and experimental scripts that define the CSA mission.

2025/2026 Community Support Art Season Lineup:  Birthday at Tiffany’s A dramedy by Christine CMC Bethea November 20–21, 2025 1980s Homewood: A middle-class couple will do anything to keep their 7-year-old’s birthday on track—even if it means playing nice with the impossible. Agnus Teaches Acting A musical comedy by Zanny Laird, Lucas Fedele and Treasure Treasure Feb 5-6, 2026 Agnus Stephenson: acting teacher, self-proclaimed star, and cabaret disaster—class is in session whether students like it or not. Grappling A theatrical dance journey by Erin Koewe April 24–25, 2026 A queer, zero-gravity world of dance, family, and pop, exploring love, labor, and time with humor, joy, and cosmic imagination. 2025/2026 Off the Page Staged Reading Lineup: There Goes The Bride by Noah Van Ess & Catcher Sanchez Jan 12, 2026 There Goes the Bride is a musical comedy about a caterer who gets stuck working at his ex-girlfriend’s wedding. What follows is a whirlwind of wedding chaos, emotional twists, and show-stopping songs. It's a heartfelt story about letting go of the past, breaking free from who we thought we had to be, and embracing the unknown. Cosmic Microwave by Julia Fraser March 23, 2026 Rita, a former translator of Italian poetry, and her husband leave New York for remote serenity in New Mexico. There is an odd, persistent buzz that envelops the landscape and pierces her fresh start. When her tech-optimist neighbor echoes her concern, they set off to discover the elusive sound and restore silence before it explodes her marriage and sanity. Gloria, Jean, and the Sexy Ghost Show by Matt Henderson April 20, 2026 A surreal journey through a lockdown world, exploring the fundamental need for human connection and the indelible power of trash TV.

Accessible seating and assistive listening devices are available for all CSA Season 13 productions. The New Hazlett Theater is also eager to invite student groups to the theater, including talkbacks with the artists. Please email Nathan Wagner with any questions.

Season art & design: Bootstrap Design Co. | CSA Season 13 Artist Portraits: Matt Dyak | Performance photos: Renee Rosensteel Supporting sponsors: Simpson McCready and FNB Bank

About Community Support Art (CSA) Since 2013, the New Hazlett Theater’s CSA Performance Series has brought emerging and mid-career performing artists to the stage. We're passionate about providing a space for Pittsburgh’s amazing pool of creative talent to develop, collaborate, grow, and flourish. From dance to music and original plays to experimental animation, our CSA pushes the boundaries of performance at every show. For more information, visit https://newhazletttheater.org/csa  About The New Hazlett Theater The New Hazlett Theater is more than a beautifully restored historic building.  We're a nonprofit organization working to nurture and promote art in Pittsburgh through innovation and collaboration. As a creative hub for a diverse range of artists, audiences, and performances, we provide vital resources to creators to enrich our cultural community. For more information on who we are and what we do, please visit www.newhazletttheater.org

The New Hazlett Theater is located in Allegheny Center on Pittsburgh's North Side. Detailed driving and transit directions are on our website. Please keep in mind and plan for bridge or closures. You can find additional information here. Garage Parking Thanks to a generous partnership with Allegheny Health Network, our patrons have access to a garage right in front of the theater on specific show dates. *The lot closes one hour after the performances. Street Parking On-street parking in Allegheny Square is available at no cost after 6 pm Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday.