Seattle, Wash. - Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) is proud to present Air Play, conveived, created, and performed by Acrobuffos Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, with air sculptures in collaboration with Daniel Wurtzel, directed by West Hyer. Seen on 5 continents by 150,000 people Air Play will take flight in the Charlotte Martin Theater for 12 magical days, this June 1-12 at SCT.
In Air Play umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. With stunning images and gales of laughter, Air Play bounces on the edge of definition: part comedy, part sculpture, part circus, part theater. No translation necessary in this circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land of air, Air Play transforms ordinary objects into uncommon beauty. Created by circus performers Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone in collaboration with kinetic sculptor Daniel Wurtzel, Air Play was devised through years of experimentation with simple materials, movement, and technology.
"Ms. Gelsone and Mr. Bloom were first inspired to work with silks after seeing airborne art by Daniel Wurtzel. The result is “Air Play,” a wordless hourlong spectacle...The show expands on Mr. Wurtzel’s work, sending packing peanuts, umbrellas and balloons of various sizes aloft in balletic counterpoint with the performers." –Rob Weinert-Kendt, “Making Magic out of Thin Air” for The New York Times.
Great for all ages, Air Play creates beauty and inspires laughter across cultures and continents. It has played from the southernmost opera house in the world in Chile, to London’s Royal Festival Hall, Melbourne's State Theatre, Shanghai’s Grand Theatre, and on American stages at the New Victory Theater, McCarter Theatre Center, and more.
"The curtains open and we see a man holding on to a huge piece of light fabric, dancing in the air, moved by a circle of fans. The wonder begins and I suddenly feel like a child again, receptive to every single magical moment in Air Play.” –A Younger Theatre
Tickets for Air Play are on sale now and can be purchased at sct.org.
"Ms. Gelsone and Mr. Bloom were first inspired to work with silks after seeing airborne art by Daniel Wurtzel. The result is “Air Play,” a wordless hourlong spectacle...The show expands on Mr. Wurtzel’s work, sending packing peanuts, umbrellas and balloons of various sizes aloft in balletic counterpoint with the performers." –Rob Weinert-Kendt, “Making Magic out of Thin Air” for The New York Times.
Great for all ages, Air Play creates beauty and inspires laughter across cultures and continents. It has played from the southernmost opera house in the world in Chile, to London’s Royal Festival Hall, Melbourne's State Theatre, Shanghai’s Grand Theatre, and on American stages at the New Victory Theater, McCarter Theatre Center, and more.
"The curtains open and we see a man holding on to a huge piece of light fabric, dancing in the air, moved by a circle of fans. The wonder begins and I suddenly feel like a child again, receptive to every single magical moment in Air Play.” –A Younger Theatre
Tickets for Air Play are on sale now and can be purchased at sct.org.
The details
What: Air Play, conceived, created, and performed by Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, with air sculptures in collaboration with Daniel Wurtzel, and directed by West Hyler
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre – under the space needle at 201 Thomas Street
When: June1–12
Cost: Tickets from $25. Purchase at sct.org.
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre – under the space needle at 201 Thomas Street
When: June1–12
Cost: Tickets from $25. Purchase at sct.org.
Safety
SCT is joining arts and cultural peers in extending COVID policies through the end of the season. To learn more about what we are doing to keep artists, staff, and families safe, visit www.sct.org/safety.
accessibility offerings
ACCESSIBILITY OFFERINGS
SCT for ALL
Under SCT for ALL, SCT provides low-cost and free tickets to young people and any family who express need. To book tickets simply call (206) 441-3322 or email the Ticket Office and set any price for any upcoming show in the 21-22 season.
Audio Described Performance: June 4, 2022 at 11a.m.
American Sign Language Performance: June 11, 2022 at 6p.m.
Central to Seattle Children’s Theatre’s mission is a commitment to serving diverse communities including those who are deaf and hard of hearing and who have low vision or blindness. Tickets for ASL/AD performances are available throughout the season online or through the Ticket Office at tickets@sct.org or (206) 441-3322.
The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance
June 12, 2022 at 11a.m.
SCT’s Sensory Friendly performance incorporates special modifications to accommodate children and families with sensory needs. Learn more about Sensory Friendly Performances here.
Air Play Industry Night for Educators and Arts Partners | June 1 at 7p.m.
Industry Night is a chance for educators and arts collaborators to connect and experience the joy of SCT ahead of the general public. Pay-What-You-Choose (PWYC) performances occur every first preview for all remaining productions in the 21-22 season. Tickets can be booked by contacting the Ticket Office via email, 206.441.3322, or in-person during regular operating hours.
SCT for ALL
Under SCT for ALL, SCT provides low-cost and free tickets to young people and any family who express need. To book tickets simply call (206) 441-3322 or email the Ticket Office and set any price for any upcoming show in the 21-22 season.
Audio Described Performance: June 4, 2022 at 11a.m.
American Sign Language Performance: June 11, 2022 at 6p.m.
Central to Seattle Children’s Theatre’s mission is a commitment to serving diverse communities including those who are deaf and hard of hearing and who have low vision or blindness. Tickets for ASL/AD performances are available throughout the season online or through the Ticket Office at tickets@sct.org or (206) 441-3322.
The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance
June 12, 2022 at 11a.m.
SCT’s Sensory Friendly performance incorporates special modifications to accommodate children and families with sensory needs. Learn more about Sensory Friendly Performances here.
Air Play Industry Night for Educators and Arts Partners | June 1 at 7p.m.
Industry Night is a chance for educators and arts collaborators to connect and experience the joy of SCT ahead of the general public. Pay-What-You-Choose (PWYC) performances occur every first preview for all remaining productions in the 21-22 season. Tickets can be booked by contacting the Ticket Office via email, 206.441.3322, or in-person during regular operating hours.
Cast & Creative team
Writers and Creators Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone
Performers Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone
Kinetic Sculptor Daniel Wurtzel
Director West Hyler
Technical Director Todd Alan Little
Stage Manager Flora Vassar
Lighting Design Jeanne Koenig
Costumes Ashley Dunn Gatterdam
Sound Design Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone
Additional Sound Design Phil Ingle
Props Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone
Representation Boat Rocker Entertainment and Aurora Nova
Performers Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone
Kinetic Sculptor Daniel Wurtzel
Director West Hyler
Technical Director Todd Alan Little
Stage Manager Flora Vassar
Lighting Design Jeanne Koenig
Costumes Ashley Dunn Gatterdam
Sound Design Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone
Additional Sound Design Phil Ingle
Props Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone
Representation Boat Rocker Entertainment and Aurora Nova
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As of 2022, Seattle Children Theatre’s celebrates its 120th World Premiere since 1975. SCT is a leading generator of new works, providing children of all ages access to professional theater and theatre education. Under new initiatives, SCT for All provides low cost and free tickets to young people and families. In addition, every first and fifth grade classroom in Seattle Public Schools can receive free tickets under One&Five. Learn more information about both of these programs at sct.org.
The 2021-2022 season is supported by generous contributions from season sponsors Microsoft, ArtsFund, The Shubert Foundation, Safeco Insurance, and Liberty Mutual Foundation which will help the organization serve 130,000 annually and provide more than 60,000 free or significantly reduced tickets to children in the Puget Sound area.
The 2021-2022 season is supported by generous contributions from season sponsors Microsoft, ArtsFund, The Shubert Foundation, Safeco Insurance, and Liberty Mutual Foundation which will help the organization serve 130,000 annually and provide more than 60,000 free or significantly reduced tickets to children in the Puget Sound area.
