Dedication to Creation.
Commitment to Craft.

Justin Fortunato is a dynamic theatre producer, director, and arts administrator known for his commitment to innovative storytelling and community-centered arts leadership. With a cross-disciplinary career spanning twenty years, he has built a reputation for developing compelling productions that balance artistic ambition with operational excellence and financial stability.

As a producer, Fortunato has successfully overseen the development and execution of a wide range of theatrical works, from new play premieres to reimagined classics. His approach emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, and audience engagement, ensuring that each production is both artistically impactful and financially sustainable. He is particularly skilled at guiding projects from concept through completion, cultivating partnerships with artists, organizations, and stakeholders to bring creative visions to life.

In his work as a director, Fortunato is recognized for his thoughtful interpretation of text and his ability to foster strong ensemble performances. His directing style blends a deep respect for narrative with a contemporary sensibility, resulting in productions that are both emotionally resonant and visually engaging. He is dedicated to creating inclusive and diverse rehearsal environments where artists feel empowered to take creative risks and contribute meaningfully to the work. Past directing credits include over 40 productions at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center (Les  Miserables, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Shrek, Mary Poppins, Newsies, Big Fish, Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, Singin' In The Rain, Matilda, In The Heights, Carousel, Memphis, Into The Woods, The Play That Goes Wrong, An American in Paris, Catch Me If You Can, Titanic, Footloose, Anastasia, Legally Blonde).  In 2016, Fortunato collaborated with Stephen Sondheim and the estate of James Lapine to direct the first ever male witch production of Into The Woods starring Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Titus Burgess and Arielle Jacobs for an extended production at Miami's Adrienne Arsht Center. Most recently, Fortunato received critical acclaim for his newly staged production of a long-time Pittsburgh favorite, The Chief at Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse. As the founder and Artistic Director of Carrnivale Theatrics, Fortunato counts among his directing credits the Pittsburgh premiere productions of In The Heights and Next to Normal. 

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His work supports Lincoln Park's mission of making high-quality arts education accessible and affordable while creating pathways for young performers to train alongside working professionals. Through collaborations with the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, students receive instruction from resident teaching artists and gain hands-on experience by participating in professional productions, helping bridge classroom learning with real-world artistic practice. Fortunato has also championed initiatives that expand educational access and inclusion in the performing arts. Under his artistic leadership, Lincoln Park has invested in productions and partnerships that inspire students and demonstrate the transformative power of theater, while supporting programs such as the Henry Mancini Awards, which recognize excellence in high school musical theater across western Pennsylvania.

Beyond the stage, Fortunato’s contributions as an arts administrator demonstrate his leadership and commitment to the sustainability of the arts sector. He has experience in organizational management, programming, fundraising, and community outreach, with a focus on expanding access to the performing arts while supporting diverse voices. His administrative work reflects a strategic vision that aligns artistic goals with long-term institutional growth and financial sustainability.