Staff

Meet the Team

Andrew Lotz, Ph.D.

Interim Executive Director

Nia Johnson

Director of Programming

Nia is Arcade’s Director of Programming, as well as a comedian, actress, and improviser. As a graduate of Arcade’s improv program, her love of improv and Arcade grew with the theater when she became a house manager in 2017, with the move to 943 Liberty Ave. Nia has been a member of Arcade max team Change Machine, as well as a cast member of such beloved shows as Playlist and The Smallest Show in Town. She also co-produced a month-long live-read series for Arcade’s first-ever Black History Month celebration. Nia is excited about the possibilities of this position and committed to expanding the Arcade audience and community.

Connor McCanlus

Academy Director

Connor McCanlus is a Pittsburgh native and proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. McCanlus studied acting at Clarion University and received his comedy training at Steel City Improv Theater. He was an original member of Well Known Strangers and spent many years under the tutelage of the late Woody Drennan. Comedy highlights include being half of the duos Hipsterpotamus, babyGRAND, and The John Connor Chronicles. McCanlus has coached numerous comedy teams including Point Park University’s improv club from 2014-2016 and has taught workshops for Philly Improv Theater, Coalition Theater, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, University of Pittsburgh, and the 2025 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. McCanlus has directed theatrical productions for Front Porch Theatricals, Throughline Theatre Company, Uncumber Theatrics, and is currently the Resident Director of the Sketch Comedy Lab at Arcade Comedy Theater.