The Hazlett Theater, former North Side home of the Public Theater but shuttered since city support funds ran out last fall, plans to re-open to limited performances next year as the New Hazlett Center for the Performing Arts.

Those represented on the new board are the Andy Warhol Museum, Children's Museum, Prime Stage Theatre, Northside Leadership Conference and City of Pittsburgh, which owns the building.

Over the past year, the board has raised $1 million from local foundations toward the $1.8 million needed to put the Hazlett back into full operation. Capital renovations are planned for spring/summer 2005. The anticipated grand reopening is slated for fall 2005.

Tom Sokolowski, secretary-treasurer for the board and director of the Warhol, credits the Heinz Endowments, Grable Foundation and other funders.

More immediately, to celebrate the anticipated renewal, the board will host an open house and community celebration, 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 15. It will feature presentations by nearly 20 local artists and arts organizations doing music, theater, dance, film and video, puppetry, poetry, children's performing, hands-on activities and more. Suggested donation is $1.

"A revitalized and thriving Hazlett will be a center for diverse cultural activity and a creative partner in the excitement [of the] changing North Side," said Debbie McClain, co-director of the board and executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference.

The Jan. 15 celebration coincides with Attack Theatre's "This Ain't the Nutcracker: The Fitting Room," running Jan. 13-15 and 20-22 (tickets at 412-394-3353).

For Hazlett booking and rental information, contact Ben Harrison at 412-237-8366.