The Playhouse Presents ASCEND: A Vision in Art & STEM
Written by Molly Green
ASCEND is PPU Pittsburgh Playhouse’s upcoming production series featuring breathtaking visual and aural artistry. Audiences can look forward to enchanting projections, music, dance, and aerialist performances. A fusion of STEM and art, ASCEND will offer a unique interactive experience for all audiences. ASCEND homes in on universal themes such as humanity and the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Over 20 marvelous performances of ASCEND will take place between April 24 and May 18, 2025, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Highmark Theater. You can grab your tickets now on the Playhouse website.
A key pillar of ASCEND’s mission is education and engagement programming. In addition to performances, ASCEND conducts fun, educational, and skill development workshops for Pittsburgh youth. They partner with five local youth organizations–Best of the Batch, Gwen’s Girls, 412 Youth Zone, Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center, and the ESTEEM Group. Interested school groups can participate in field trips for behind-the-scenes workshops, Q&A sessions with the cast, and much more.
Furthermore, ASCEND hosts corporate team building events in which employees engage in collaborative, creative, and problem solving activities in an energetic environment. Your staff has the opportunity to attend the mesmerizing ASCEND performance, tour behind the scenes, and learn about the production process as well as its relevance to your own professional work and growth. Team building dates are scheduled Wednesdays from April 30 through May 14 and Thursdays/Fridays from May 1 to May 16.
This exciting interdisciplinary project invites Pittsburgh residents and visitors to release, unite, and empower. ASCEND plans to be an annual production and a fundamental Pittsburgh favorite for entertainment, engagement, and education.
ASCEND is co-written and created by Kiesha Lalama, Jacob John White, and Jaxon White. The production also features digital design by Daniel Fine, music composition by Ryan McMasters, and costume design by Michael Montgomery.
