About Saltworks
Educate. Challenge. Inspire.
We aim to impact the lives of children, youth, & families through the power of live theater
Years Serving Pittsburgh
We've spent nearly half of a century using theatre to help with mental health, addiction, and other social issues.
Focused on Wholesome Growth
We encourage every child to be the salt that flavors and preserves a life of adventure!
Our History
Our Mission
Saltworks Theatre Company is a non-profit, professional arts organization that uses drama to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of children, youth, and families.
A Life-Changing Name
The name “Saltworks” was chosen with the belief that theater can improve and change lives. Just as salt seasons and preserves food, Saltworks endeavors to flavor and foster experiences that can improve the quality of life.
How We Impact Our Community
School Assemblies & Dramas
Since our inception, more than 25 different social issue educational dramas have been produced for audiences ranging from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Young Actors Studio
Amidst introducing children to acting, a of the program is to build character, confidence, and a sense of community where peers encourage each other to succeed.
Hiring Pittsburgh Actors
Our Tour Group consists entirely of talented local actors, giving them the opportunity for paid acting work that builds their skills and resumes.
Meet the Saltworks Team
Stephanie Wilsey, PhD
Executive Director
Heidi Ramsey
Bookkeeper and Media Coordinator
Amber Fantini
Board Chairwoman
Lauren Scheller-Wolf
Production Manager
Board of Directors
Chair: Amber Fantini
Danielle Blackburn
Kay Burkot
Karen DiVito
Sally Getty
Loan Hutton
Laura Penrod Kronk
Kelly Morgano
Jennifer Tepe
Kathy Woll
Board of Advisors
Dr. Gillette Elvgren
Tim Hartman
Susan Huckestein
Robert Kaiser
Emma Swift Lee
William Roemer
Dr. Mark Stevenson
Our 2026-2027 Saltworks Troupe
Our current school tour actors are all Pittsburgh natives eager to share their theatrical talents to provide programming for schools on mental health, addiction, bullying, social media, resilience, health and wellness, relationships, and more!
Samantha (Sami) Roth
Where are you from?
Butler, PA
What college did you graduate from?
Point Park University: BFA in Acting/ Minor in Dance
What is your favorite place to eat?
Olive Garden
What is your favorite pastime?
Manage and care for my four fish tanks!
Do you have brothers and sisters?
I have 4 fish, 100+ snails, 10 shrimp, and my best friend–my dog Millie!
What do you like to do with your friends
Take adult tap and jazz classes! I have been dancing professionally for 7 years.
Why did you want to work for Saltworks?
Because I love working with kids! At my evening job, I wear a lot of dance shoes and my kids call me “Miss Sami.”
What is your greatest expectation of your time with Saltworks?
The opportunity to educate towards safer and more inclusive tomorrows!
Julianna Eyer
Where are you from?
Right here in Pittsburgh, PA! Specifically Bellevue, right down the road from Saltworks.
What college did you graduate from?
I have my B.A. in Theatre Performance from Seton Hill University in Greensburg. Go Griffs!
What is your favorite place to eat?
I’m a pretty adventurous eater, so it’s hard to pick a favorite! I’ve really been
enjoying Lucky Bites in Bellevue recently.
What is your favorite pastime?
I have so many hobbies. I really love reading, crafting, building Legos, and
playing with my dog, Pippa. I’m also a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, so I go to a lot of hockey games.
Do you have brothers or sisters?
I’m an only child, but thanks to my husband Jacob, I have a pretty cool sister-in-law.
What do you like to do with your friends?
Game nights! Video games, card games, board games, I love them all.
Why did you want to work for Saltworks?
Art has a really powerful way of reaching people, especially young ones. If I can use my theatrical skills to reach people and spread positivity, then I believe that’s a worthwhile way to use them.
What is your greatest expectation of your time with Saltworks?
This is my second year on the tour, and I’ve learned a lot about myself both as an artist and a person. I expect that I’ll continue to learn and grow from the students we encounter just as much as they learn and grow from interacting with us. I’m also super excited to work with old friends and make new ones along the
way!
Bob Colbert
Where are you from?
New Kensington, PA
What college did you graduate from?
Messiah College: BFA in Musical Theatre
What is your favorite place to eat?
The Melting Pot
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading and researching plays and musicals
Do you have brothers or sisters?
I’m an only child!
What do you like to do with your friends?
Watch movies, talk about theatre, perform together.
Why did you want to work for Saltworks?
Because I’d grown up doing Young Actor’s Ensemble and classes and camps, and wanted to come back to the place where my love of theatre was first cultivated.
What is your greatest expectation of your time with Saltworks?
My greatest expectation is to become friends and good castmates with my fellow actors, and leave a positive impact on the kids that we perform for.
David McGrogan
Where are you from?
I am from Carnegie, PA!
What college did you graduate from?
I graduated from Slippery Rock University in the Spring of 2026 with a BFA in Acting. GO ROCK ❗❗❗
What is your favorite place to eat?
My favorite place to eat is Downey’s House in Robinson Township.
What is your favorite pastime?
My favorite pastime is playing video and board games, as well as anything Pokémon related! My favorite games are DELTARUNE, The Pokémon TCG and Here to Slay!
Do you have brothers or sisters?
No, I am an only child.
What do you like to do with your friends?
When I’m with my friends I really like to do whatever! I like going out to eat, playing games, and improv comedy when we can. Any fun, quality time with my friends is enough for me.
Why did you want to work for Saltworks?
I wanted to work for Saltworks because I am very passionate about theatre as an art being used to educate and impact, and those goals aligned brilliantly with Saltworks’ vision and tour goals. On top of being able to stay local and build roots in the Pittsburgh area, I also get to act and travel with a tour, which is an incredible experience!
What is your greatest expectation of your time with Saltworks?
My greatest expectation is that I want to make friends and thrive in this new and exciting time in my life. I want to be able to grow as a performer while also learning from those around me to make the world a happier place. I’m excited to begin my professional acting journey with a group of friendly faces at Saltworks!
Kaylyn Guerrieri
Where are you from?
Nazareth Pennsylvania
What college did you graduate from?
University of Pittsburgh- Masters of Psychology and Minor in Theatre Arts
What is your favorite place to eat?
Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite pastime?Hanging out with family and friends
Do you have brothers or sisters?
A 16-year-old brother named Trent! He is one of my best friends!
What do you like to do with your friends?
I like to tan, go out to eat, dance, and go on adventures and day trips.
Why did you want to work for Saltworks?
I wanted to work for a company that brings together my two passions- helping people and theatre. I also always dreamed of being a paid actress, and this helped revive a dream I thought I lost!
What is your greatest expectation of your time with Saltworks?
My expectation is to help others through the power of theatre. I want to inspire, teach, and have fun! I think theatre is underestimated, and I want to prove the world wrong. I want this year to be one of the best I have ever had, and I cannot wait to make so many memories!
An Enduring Source of Hope for Pittsburgh Families
We believe that presenting social issue dramas in the schools and our Young Actors Studio are integral to introducing children to the arts and inspiring them to use their talents to be healthy contributors to their community.