The Center for Theater Arts was founded in July, 1981 with 53 students, to bring the highest quality of performing arts education to a diverse range of children and teenagers throughout Allegheny County. When the Center opened its doors, it was the only non-profit performing arts school in the area. While others have since begun, the Center's unique program established ground-breaking curriculum in vocal studies for children, introduction to performing arts for younger students and a quality acting course.

Operating on seed money from Allegheny International Corporation and the Westinghouse Foundation, the Center rented space in two locations in the South Hills. In 1983 the Center moved to Jefferson Jr. High School in Mount Lebanon where it remained for 13 years. In 1996 the Mt. Lebanon School District announced plans to convert Jefferson School into a new middle school and the Center located new studio space at 250 Mt. Lebanon Boulevard.

The new space provides five studios with adjustable areas for classes, rehearsals, workshops and informal presentations as well as a student lounge, office space and storage. The location allowed the Center to continue to serve its current student base by remaining accessible. Further, improved access to public transportation and location on major roads allowed students and their families more options and greater convenience. Free parking is located just outside the main entrance and students are able to wait inside for pick- up after classes. Direct access to the PAT "T Line" makes Center classes available to many additional children.

Since its opening, the Center has offered classes in classical ballet, Pointe, jazz dance, tap, voice, musical theatre, acting  and audition skills as well as performance opportunities for its students. In addition, classes in musical theatre have been offered, free of charge to  students with special needs for twenty-four years currently funded by grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation and Dominion Foundation.  Since 1995 grants from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust allowed expansion of this program to include weekly classes at the Pathfinder School which serves mentally retarded students from seven school districts from the South Hills.