Press release
Arcade Comedy Theater Names Kathryn Spitz Cohan Executive Director
New leader will help shape the next chapter for Pittsburgh's home for comedy
PITTSBURGH, PA (October 7, 2026) – Arcade Comedy Theater has named Kathryn Spitz Cohan its new Executive Director. Kathryn will lead the business of making comedy possible: strengthening business operations, administration, fundraising, and organizational development while partnering with Arcade’s programming, education, and production leaders and Board of Directors.
Kathryn brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and arts administration. She is the founder and was the former Executive Director of Film Pittsburgh, where from 2001–2025 she oversaw programs including the Three Rivers Film Festival, Pittsburgh Shorts and Script Competition, JFilm Festival, ReelAbilities Pittsburgh, Teen Screen, and the Robinson Short Film Competition.
“I was drawn to Arcade because of its commitment to artists, its sense of community, and the people who make it happen. Everyone involved has a love for the theater that is infectious,” said Kathryn. “I’m excited to get to know and work with the Arcade team, learn from this community, and help support the people and creative work that make Arcade such a distinctive part of Pittsburgh’s arts community.”
Kathryn’s first priorities will include listening to performers, students, staff, volunteers, audiences, and other stakeholders; understanding what is working well and where Arcade can strengthen its foundation; and supporting the creative work and community at the heart of the organization, all in service of giving Arcade’s artists, students, and audiences even more reasons to show up and laugh together.
Arcade Comedy Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in downtown Pittsburgh dedicated to presenting fun, accessible, and affordable live comedy. Through performances, classes, and community engagement, Arcade provides an inclusive space where artists and audiences connect, create, and celebrate the art of laughter.
To learn more about Arcade Comedy Theater, visit arcadecomedytheater.com.
About Arcade Comedy Theater
Arcade Comedy Theater is a 501(c)3 non-profit theater organization located in the heart of Pittsburgh's Cultural District that produces, presents, and educates in the art of comedy. The Arcade was founded in 2013 as the city's first non-profit theater exclusively dedicated to comedy, with a mission to strengthen and enrich the community through laughter for all. In 2017, the theater successfully expanded from a small storefront to a custom and accessible three-story, two-theater facility in order to serve more artists and audiences with new programming and class opportunities.
The theater presents a variety of programming 52 weekends a year in improv, stand-up, sketch, and other comedic forms, plus a bi-monthly matinee improv show for kids. Improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy classes for all ages and levels are taught by talented professional actors and comedians within the Arcade Academy. Arcade's Corporate Training and Entertainment strengthens the communication skills of professionals and makes work fun throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Arcade has been named "Best Place to See Live Comedy" by the readers of Pittsburgh Magazine multiple times, and has been featured in WQED, Yahoo News, and Paste Magazine. Learn more at arcadecomedytheater.com.
