You got a guy™ for venue tickets

Philip Chosky Theater at Carnegie Mellon University Tickets

Now selling

Upcoming Events at Philip Chosky Theater at Carnegie Mellon University

Loading current ticket availability

The venue

About Philip Chosky Theater at Carnegie Mellon University

The Philip Chosky Theater sits in the Purnell Center for the Arts at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. This traditional proscenium theater can be configured as a thrust stage with an elevated apron for flexible staging, making it a versatile home for CMU Drama productions and collaborations. The venue regularly hosts two opera productions each year in collaboration with the School of Drama, alongside a rich lineup of CMU Drama performances including classic and contemporary works.

Our goal is to help you secure your seats with ease. We’ve gathered essential venue details, parking, transit options, and nearby hotel and dining recommendations so you can plan a smooth visit to the campus and the city’s vibrant theater scene.

The theater is named in honor of CMU alumnus Philip Chosky and remains an active, integral part of CMU’s performing arts offerings. The space accommodates up to 450 patrons and is located at 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, within the Purnell Center for the Arts. Whether you’re attending a CMU Drama production, an opera collaboration, or a special campus performance, we’ve got you covered with practical details to streamline your theater experience.

  • Seating: The venue offers traditional seating in a proscenium configuration, with the flexibility to reconfigure as a thrust stage and an elevated apron for varied productions.
  • Parking: Free parking is available in the Morewood Parking Lot on evenings and weekends. Paid parking in the East Campus Garage is typically around the best available price on evenings and weekends.
  • Transit: CMU shuttles (TripShot app) service the campus, and Port Authority buses connect to Oakland (e.g., 28X Airport Flyer; local routes 61 and 71).
  • Nearby hotels: Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center (100 Lytton Ave), Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place (3454 Forbes Ave), Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center (100 Lytton Ave).
  • Nearby dining: Nearby options include casual to refined choices within a short walk or campus-adjacent corridors—ideal for pre- or post-show meals.
  • Notable past and current uses: CMU Drama productions such as House of Bernarda Alba, In the Red and Brown Water, Hurricane Diane, Company, Titanic, the Musical, and other major seasons have called the Chosky Theater home.
  • Accessibility: The venue is in a pedestrian-friendly campus area with accessible routes from the parking facilities and campus transit options.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Capacity: up to 450 patrons.
  • Location/Address: Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center for the Arts, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
  • Venue type and configuration: Traditional proscenium theater that can be configured as a thrust stage; apron can be elevated for flexible staging.
  • Notable use: Two opera productions are mounted each year in collaboration with the School of Drama.
  • Parking: Free parking at the Morewood Parking Lot on evenings/weekends; paid East Campus Garage parking (about $11) on evenings/weekends.
  • Transit: CMU shuttles (TripShot app) serve the campus; Port Authority buses (e.g., 28X Airport Flyer to Oakland; local routes like 61/71) access the area.
  • Nearby hotels: Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center (100 Lytton Ave), Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place (3454 Forbes Ave), Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center (100 Lytton Ave).
  • Notable events hosted: CMU Drama performances in the Philip Chosky Theater (e.g., House of Bernarda Alba, In the Red and Brown Water, Hurricane Diane, Company); past productions include Titanic, the Musical and other major seasons.
  • Renamed/demolished: No demolition or renaming; the space is named Philip Chosky Theater after CMU alumnus Philip Chosky and remains in use within the Purnell Center.