Post-Industrial Productions (PIP) was founded as a theatre company in 2011 by Bob Van Valin, debuting with its inaugural production of THIS IS OUR YOUTH by Kenneth Lonergan. From the start, Bob sought to create work that resonated with young and diverse audiences—individuals who, much like the disaffected youth at the heart of Lonergan’s play, struggled to see themselves reflected in traditional theatrical productions and spaces.
With a strong background in theatrical video and sound production, Bob embraced the language of film as a bridge to contemporary audiences, offering a fresh and accessible theatrical experience while keeping ticket prices competitive with a typical trip to the multiplex.
Under the PIP moniker, Bob went on to stage several more productions, including HORACE (2013), A MAN’S A MAN (a co-production with Subversive Theatre, 2013), MAUSER (2015), and THE TASK (2016). However, he soon recognized the need for a more structured leadership team to further the company’s mission. In August 2018, PIP officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a formal board of directors, marking a new chapter in its growth.
That same year, the newly established leadership team launched PIP’s inaugural 2018-2019 season, featuring two bold productions: MEDUSA UNDONE (a WNY premiere of a new play by Bella Poynton) in January 2019 and Arthur Miller’s AFTER THE FALL in March. MEDUSA UNDONE explored timely themes of sexual assault and victim-blaming through the lens of Greek mythology, while AFTER THE FALL brought a fresh perspective to a lesser-known Arthur Miller work by incorporating filmed sequences and projections.
Following the success of its first season, PIP set its sights on securing a permanent performance space to support its growing vision. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans, as performance venues across Buffalo were forced to close. In response, PIP pivoted to producing virtual content—first by fundraising for local nonprofit organizations aiding the community and later by fostering the development of new works specifically designed for video-call-based storytelling, reflecting the realities of gathering during the public health emergency.
Since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, PIP has focused on developing staged readings of new works while continuing its search for a permanent performance space.
“After growing and working in the local arts and theatre scene, I noticed dwindling attendance from young people at the theatre. I asked myself what was keeping them away. Was it because the average price of a theatre ticket is more expensive than a trip to the movies? Was the subject matter of the plays being produced actually relevant and thought-provoking?”
-Bob Van Valin, President & Artistic Director
Mission and Vision
Post-Industrial Productions seeks to carve out a theatrical space for underserved audiences by offering affordable, captivating, and socially-relevant theatre that is fit to engage young adults and the surrounding WNY community.
To help achieve this aim, PIP employs the language of film and video to communicate with younger audiences in a way that is both familiar and engaging. PIP also understands that true connection requires partnership and cooperation, and endeavors to form lasting bonds with local non-profit organizations to help support their missions through the power of theatre.