Canon Theatre appoints inaugural managing director
New Canonsburg theater anticipates fall grand opening
The Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute has named veteran musical theater performer and nonprofit leader Blair Trunzo as the inaugural managing director of the revitalized Canon Theatre, positioning him to lead the multi-faceted arts venue during its grand opening this fall.
According to a release from the Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI), the appointment represents the next step in CECI’s vision to transform the historic theater into a vibrant destination for live entertainment, arts education and community gatherings.
CECI purchased the former Canonsburg Middle School building for $500,000 in early 2025, and is in the final stages of a complete renovation of the space, according to CECI Vice President Paul Scarmazzi.
A recently completed report completed by Custom Consulting LLC. estimates that once open, the Canon Theatre could drive about $250 million in total economic impact over the next two decades, placing Trunzo at the helm at one of the largest performing arts venues in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
As managing director, Trunzo will lead the theater’s day-to-day operations while working with the CECI board to establish programming, cultivate community partnerships, and prepare for Canon Theatre’s inaugural season, according to a release.
“I am honored to join CECI at such an exciting moment in the organization’s history. The Canon Theatre is more than a beautifully restored performance venue – it is a place where the community will come together to experience extraordinary entertainment, celebrate special occasions, inspire young artists and create lasting memories,” Trunzo said. “I look forward to working alongside the board, our community partners, sponsors and volunteers to establish the Canon Theatre as a destination that reflects the pride, spirit and sense of community that define Canonsburg.”
Trunzo graduated from South Fayette High School before studying Musical Theater Performance at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy Conservatory in New York City.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from California University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Touro College and a certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence from Johns Hopkins University.
As a performer, Trunzo began his professional career at the Pittsburgh Savoyard and Stage 62 before appearing in New York City productions directed by Tony Award-winning artists and on national tours, including Thomas & Friends, which toured through Washington County in 2004, according to a release.
He later served the Boys & Girls Club of Queens in Long Island City, New York, and managed auxiliary and performing arts residency programs at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh.
“Every chapter of my career has prepared me for this moment,” Trunzo said. “I’ve had the privilege of performing on stage, leading nonprofit organizations and creating opportunities for young people through the arts. Now, returning to the area where my journey began, I have the opportunity to help build a theater that will inspire audiences, support artists and strengthen the cultural life of our region. That is both humbling and incredibly exciting.”
Scarmazzi said the board was impressed with the depth of Trunzo’s expertise in both the performing arts and the nonprofit sector, saying that his high-energy, get-it-done attitude will be an asset to the new theater.
Trunzo began his role in early July, Scarmazzi said.
“This theater has always been about bringing people together,” CECI Board President Tony Colaizzo said in a statement. “Today, we’re welcoming (Trunzo) to the CECI family, but we’re also inviting our entire community to join us in bringing the Canon Theatre to life. Together, we’ll create a place that inspires, entertains and serves our region for generations. The best chapters of the Canon Theatre are still ahead of us.”