RealTime Arts connects human beings through unique theatrical experiences.
From ghosts of the furnace, photo by Dominique Murray
RealTime Arts' Veteran Partners
for our upcoming large-scale show, there is a blue that only children see
RealTime Arts creates new performance works amplifying the stories of real people who wish to be heard.
To build our upcoming show "there is a blue that only children see", slated for production in 2026, we’re working with our partner DTCare, a humanitarian organization who works with Ukrainian veterans in their program Hero’s Compass. With their help, we’re bringing Ukrainian and US combat veterans together via mail and Zoom, to connect with each other in mutual support, and to share with audiences their experience through our new play.
Meet two of them: Ukrainian veteran Daria Fugalevych and American veteran Paul Leonard.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Daria Fugalevych and her husband both joined the Armed Forces. She served in the 135th Territorial Defense Battalion of the 114th Brigade, participating in combat missions in the Donetsk region. She completed her service in 2024 as a junior lieutenant and specialist in moral and psychological support. Currently, she is deeply engaged in veteran policy, community development, and reintegration programs; she is the program manager of our partner DTCare’s program “Hero’s Compass,” which helps veterans return to civilian life.
Paul Leonard served honorably in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Delta Force), serving 21 years of active duty. Paul also served with A Company, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Purple Heart (wounded in combat), and many other commendations. He currently lives in North Carolina, where he has been a Physicians Assistant since 2008, caring for patients with a wide range of health challenges.
For more information or if you are a combat veteran and wish to be part of this project, reach out directly to us at info@realtimearts.org.
Most Recent
FORGE US TEETH OF METAL: Ukraine’s stories revisited
Thank you for joining us at Carnegie Coffee Company on Thursday, September 4 for the second event in our Ukrainian Storytelling Series, supporting RealTime's upcoming large-scale work, “there is a blue that only children see”.
Like our first event in April, Forge Us Teeth of Metal introduced audiences to timeless Ukrainian tales and songs, brought to life by some of Pittsburgh’s best local actors and Ukrainian musicians. Tickets included free coffee, tea, and smoothies with snacks, beer and wine available by donation. And audiences had the chance to take part in post-show interactive conversations that will be folded into the piece itself, as well as to send a personal message to a Ukrainian soldier or veteran, showing them we care about their fight.
Such a great night of culture, connection, and creativity.
Thank you to all the veterans who came— and thank you for your service.
L-R: Hazel Leroy, Cynthia Dallas, Julianne Avolio, Cotter Smith, Joseph McGranaghan.
Mari and Oleksandr Frazé-Frazénko
So why a Ukrainian Storytelling Series?
It’s all part of supporting our developing large-scale work, there is a blue that only children see— a new music-theater work that brings Ukrainian and US veterans together to tell their stories to each other, and to you. Did you know:
Pittsburgh is home to over 40,000 Americans of Ukrainian descent!
At these events, we raise funds and gather YOUR thoughts and feedback to fold into our final show.
These events let our Ukrainian veteran (and civilian) partners that you care about their struggle.
Want to participate, as a veteran? Wish to donate or volunteer? Reach out to us!
Ongoing:
Adult Class
Realtime’s Art/Life Unlimited:
from consumer to creator
Whether you haven’t made anything in years or you’ve just been stuck in “scroll mode,” Art/Life Unlimited is a dynamic six-week course designed to help you bring more creativity into your daily life, in any area you wish-- from developing a steady art practice to making gorgeous Excel sheets to painting your bathroom to naming your Spotify playlists.
Through artist mini-demos, immersive exercises, and lively discussion, you’ll see the world — and yourself — with fresh eyes. What colors light you up? What symbols keep appearing in your daydreams? What might you want to build, to express, to make happen? This is not about being an artist (though you might find out you are one). It’s about waking up your senses, breaking out of passive consumption, and realizing you’re allowed to shape your world — one small act of creation at a time.
Ready to get your creative on?
Classes will be offered again in the Fall.
Stay tuned for information to sign up!
10 Years of REalTime arts!
2025 marks 10 years since the founding of RealTime Arts (formerly RealTime Interventions), and we’re so excited to celebrate, reminisce, and look towards the future with all of you.
Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing memories, photos, and highlights from our shows, plus we have some exciting new things planned. Stay tuned!
Artwork credit: Melanie Marshall
What we do
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We connect
Every project is created by a diverse constellation of individuals with knowledge and experience reaching well beyond the arts, united by the story we’re telling together.
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We collaborate
We’ve built networks of nonprofit, arts, education and business partnerships that inform and inspire each project.
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We create
Browse the projects we’ve created with a broad range of collaborators, from theater artists to scientists to rock bands to social workers to our neighbors down the street.
Audience member
“This was the best, most moving night of theatre in my lifetime.”
Audience member
“RealTime makes theater about communities, with communities in mind, and they don't pay lip service to it. They walk the walk, they don't just talk the talk.”
Photo Credits
Common Ground Culture, Dominique Murray, Allie Reefer, Jen Saffron, Heather Mull, Famous in NY