On May 17 and 18 at 7:30 PM, Sierra Madre Playhouse will present the world premiere of In Search of an Exit, a groundbreaking evening-length dance performance by Los Angeles-based interdisciplinary artists Steven Atwater and Thomas Ford. This thought-provoking work explores themes of otherness and belonging through an immersive blend of movement, sound, and technology.
Exploring Identity Through Movement and Sound
The performance is part of the Playhouse’s Dance @ the Playhouse series and brings together Atwater and Ford’s shared vision of dramatizing marginalized experiences. Drawing from sci-fi folklore and the embodied histories of ostracized communities, the piece uses original sound scores and emerging movement vocabularies to create dynamic, emotionally resonant worlds on stage.
Innovative Artists with National Recognition
Atwater and Ford are acclaimed for their interdisciplinary approach and have presented work at major venues including the Joyce Theater and the Kennedy Center.
- Steven Atwater, founding director of companyONE, has showcased his choreography at the Martha Graham Dance Company’s Next@Graham series, Peridance APEX Showcase, and more. His students have gone on to prestigious dance programs at institutions like Ailey/Fordham and SUNY Purchase.
- Thomas Ford, Assistant Professor of Practice at USC Kaufman, has built a multifaceted career as a performer, writer, and educator. His work has appeared at top venues like Ailey Citigroup Theater and Symphony Space, and he’s taught at elite institutions including Joffrey Ballet School and Hunter College.
Details and Ticket Information
Performances will take place on:
- Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM
at Sierra Madre Playhouse, located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.
Tickets range from $12–$35 and can be purchased by calling (626) 355-4318 or visiting www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
About Sierra Madre Playhouse
A cultural gem in the San Gabriel Valley, Sierra Madre Playhouse presents diverse, socially resonant programming that spans theater, music, dance, comedy, and more. Housed in a historic 99-seat venue, the Playhouse has earned accolades from the Los Angeles Times, Ovation Awards, and NAACP Awards for its artistic excellence and commitment to community engagement.
