Steven W Mergogey-Conti was awarded with the Special Contribution to the Arts Award at the 38th Annual Shellie Awards this year. Steven was honored for his years of service, but more recently his invaluable support and
countless volunteer hours to the company.
Steven, a Pittsburg resident, was introduced to PCT nearly 25 years ago,
when a friend of his in the third grade made him accompany her to the
preview night of “Annie”. Later he would finally work up the courage to audition leading him to a role in the musical ‘Oliver.’ Later in life, after taking time to go to college where he studied theatre and directing, he joined the Board of Directors as Media Coordinator and directed his first show, “Disney’s Mulan Jr.” He has been an active member of the Board and has directed at least one show per season since.
“I ask you to envision this: A pre-teen playing his first role in children’s theatre, a teen performing as an adult in a serious drama, a young adult; acting, singing and dancing in a musical, a media coordinator managing a website, a graphic artist producing posters, a creator of on screen, pre-show presentations, a house manager; in charge of concessions and the ushers, a children’s theatre director, a musical director, a member of the board of directors!” said PEAHOF inductee Betty Brown, PCT’s Executive Manager during her speech when presenting the award. “Now, did you envision 10 people? I’m only talking about one.”
Thanking the Board of Directors of PCT, his family and his husband, Steven gladly accepted the award. “It’s hard work, it’s fun work and it’s well rewarded; to look at the audience and to just see everything come together in the end.” Steven said as he accepted his reward. Catching up with him later he had this to say, “It is an honor to be recognized by my peers in such a way. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, months even years, before a production opens, but as I said earlier, it is worth everything that comes with it with one look at the audience enjoying themselves.”
Congratulations Steven, keep up the awesome work!