Attack Theatre
Founders
Attack Theatre
Founders
Michele de la Reza & Peter Kope
2021 - 2022
Capital High School
Charleston, West Virginia
2022 - 2023
Albert Gallatin
2016 - 2017
Wylandville Elementary
Washington County, Pennsylvania
2017 - 2018
Ben Franklin
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
2018 – 2019
Bentworth Middle/High School
Washington County, Pennsylvania
2021 - 2022
Capital High School
Charleston, West Virginia
2022 - 2023
Albert Gallatin School District
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Attack Theatre
Founded in 1994 by Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza, Attack Theatre combines modern dance, original live music, and interdisciplinary art forms to present work in traditional and non-traditional spaces. The company has produced over 200 original dance performances and collaborated with notable symphony orchestras, opera and theater companies, and art museums; performing locally, nationally, and internationally. Attack Theatre connects with more than 30,000 people annually through interdependent artistic and educational programs which underscore the company’s core belief that movement is an essential part of living and learning.
For more than 20 years, Attack Theatre has conducted movement-based arts education programs in school and community settings throughout Pittsburgh and beyond. Rooted in reflection, investigation, and imagination, these programs utilize movement and dance to emphasize 21st century skills that are transferable across content areas and disciplines. Each program is tailored to focus on problem solving and critical analysis skills, build interdisciplinary connections, develop communication and cooperation skills, and cultivate creativity and self-confidence.
Attack Theatre has also served as a curriculum consultant for Pittsburgh Public Schools, South Fayette School District, and Burrell School District as they integrate dance into K-12 health, wellness, and physical education. The company’s passion and expertise in the field of kinesthetic learning also guided Arts Education Collaborative and Slippery Rock University in developing the first Creative Movement Endorsement at a Pennsylvania university.
Prior to founding Attack Theatre, Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza were lead dancers with Pittsburgh-based Dance Alloy and New York City’s Perks Dance Music Theatre. With Attack Theatre, they were the recipients of the Harry Schwalb Excellence in the Arts Award, the Hardie Educator of the Year, and three Pennsylvania Council on the Arts fellowships. Attack Theatre was recently honored by the Consortium of Public Education for the company’s innovative work in the field of arts education. www.attacktheatre.com