Ross Getting New Performance Venue, Music And Film Studio

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA — A comedian with nearly a million Facebook followers has purchased an former church and plans to turn it into a comedy club and film production facility.

Steve Hofstetter bought the building at 3312 Babcock Boulevard, most recently the Melwood Party Center.It contains nearly 20,000 square feet of showroom, studio space and office. The building already is commercially zoned and has parking for more than 50 cars.

"When we’re done with construction, this building is going to be stunning," Hoffstetter said.

The former chapel will be converted into a showroom seating between 200 and 300 people depending on configuration. Hofstetter pledged the space will have comedy, music, theater and special event performances.

"We will be outfitting the chapel with professional lighting and sound so that we’ll be able to film live performances at network quality," he said.

"The décor will be unique – as the film sets are just movable panels so they will be pushed against the walls when not in use. You’ll be able to take in a comedy show while seated in an old saloon, a living room, or a barbershop. The only limit is our imagination."

Hofstetter envisions a venue in which Pittsburgh comedians will have an opportunity to open for major headliners. He wants frequent open mics, locally produced shows, and writing groups.

The audio studios are designed by Audible Images, a company that has worked for artists such as the Dave Matthews Band and the Wu-Tang Clan. A former storage area will be convered into a workshop space.

The new venue is expected to open this summer.