Today in Wheeling History: September 10--Karla Boos, founder of Pittsburgh's Quantum Theatre, was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame at WesBanco Arena (2021).
Karla Boos, born to Paul V. and Anna C. Boos, moved to Wheeling, West Virginia at age 10. She graduated from Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy and was profoundly influenced by Harold "Hal" O'Leary at Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre. After attending Bethany College in West Virginia, Boos transferred to the University of Pittsburgh and later earned a graduate degree from the California Institute of the Arts in Santa Clarita.
In 1990, Boos returned to Pittsburgh and founded Quantum Theatre, known for staging experimental productions in unconventional spaces throughout the city. These include the Union Trust Building, the former North Side Carnegie Library, Allegheny Cemetery, and the Carrie Furnace blast furnaces in Swissvale. Notable productions include "The Winter's Tale," a Baroque pastiche performed in collaboration with Attack Theatre and Chatham Baroque, and "All the Names," adapted from José Saramago's novel. In 2018, she served as guest curator for the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts, where she directed the world premiere of "Chatterton," based on Peter Ackroyd's book, at Trinity Cathedral Pittsburgh.
Boos has received accolades including the Carol R. Brown Award for Established Artist and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Creative Achievement Award for Emerging Artist. She is a member of the National Theatre Conference and the International Women's Forum. Throughout her career, Boos has drawn inspiration from international artists and sought to transcend traditional American realism. She recalls a pivotal encounter with playwright August Wilson at the Crawford Grill in Pittsburgh, which provided early encouragement for her vision.
As of 2024, Quantum Theatre has an exciting lineup for their 2024-2025 season. Highlights include "A Moon for the Misbegotten" directed by Cody Spellman at the Longue Vue Club in Verona, PA; "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" directed by Jed Allen Harris at the Union Trust Building theater in Pittsburgh; and "The Return of Benjamin Lay" at the Braddock Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh.
Boos continues to be an active participant in Pittsburgh's arts community, supporting organizations such as Chatham Baroque and the Pittsburgh Symphony. She lives in Pittsburgh with her longtime partner, Joel Le Gall, and is close to her daughter, Ana Hoffman, son-in-law, Josh, and two granddaughters. On September 10, 2021, Boos was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame at WesBanco Arena, recognizing her contributions to theatre and her Wheeling roots.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/TMWom) (https://shorturl.at/jpFa4) (https://shorturl.at/Qwis9) (https://shorturl.at/saTS9)
Photo credits: Wheeling Hall of Fame, Weelunk
Karla Boos, born to Paul V. and Anna C. Boos, moved to Wheeling, West Virginia at age 10. She graduated from Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy and was profoundly influenced by Harold "Hal" O'Leary at Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre. After attending Bethany College in West Virginia, Boos transferred to the University of Pittsburgh and later earned a graduate degree from the California Institute of the Arts in Santa Clarita.
In 1990, Boos returned to Pittsburgh and founded Quantum Theatre, known for staging experimental productions in unconventional spaces throughout the city. These include the Union Trust Building, the former North Side Carnegie Library, Allegheny Cemetery, and the Carrie Furnace blast furnaces in Swissvale. Notable productions include "The Winter's Tale," a Baroque pastiche performed in collaboration with Attack Theatre and Chatham Baroque, and "All the Names," adapted from José Saramago's novel. In 2018, she served as guest curator for the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts, where she directed the world premiere of "Chatterton," based on Peter Ackroyd's book, at Trinity Cathedral Pittsburgh.
Boos has received accolades including the Carol R. Brown Award for Established Artist and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Creative Achievement Award for Emerging Artist. She is a member of the National Theatre Conference and the International Women's Forum. Throughout her career, Boos has drawn inspiration from international artists and sought to transcend traditional American realism. She recalls a pivotal encounter with playwright August Wilson at the Crawford Grill in Pittsburgh, which provided early encouragement for her vision.
As of 2024, Quantum Theatre has an exciting lineup for their 2024-2025 season. Highlights include "A Moon for the Misbegotten" directed by Cody Spellman at the Longue Vue Club in Verona, PA; "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" directed by Jed Allen Harris at the Union Trust Building theater in Pittsburgh; and "The Return of Benjamin Lay" at the Braddock Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh.
Boos continues to be an active participant in Pittsburgh's arts community, supporting organizations such as Chatham Baroque and the Pittsburgh Symphony. She lives in Pittsburgh with her longtime partner, Joel Le Gall, and is close to her daughter, Ana Hoffman, son-in-law, Josh, and two granddaughters. On September 10, 2021, Boos was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame at WesBanco Arena, recognizing her contributions to theatre and her Wheeling roots.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/TMWom) (https://shorturl.at/jpFa4) (https://shorturl.at/Qwis9) (https://shorturl.at/saTS9)
Photo credits: Wheeling Hall of Fame, Weelunk
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