ASCEND Celebrates Earth, Air, Water, and Fire in Art

Become Part of the Elements With ASCEND

ASCEND is the brain child of Kiesha Lalama, Jacob John White, and Jaxon White plus an impressive team of talent that had been eight years in the making.

At its core, ASCEND uses technology and a movable set for an immersive show that focuses around the four elements of nature- earth, air, water, and fire.

As you enter the theater, you are ushered on the set featuring a central stage and a stunning illuminated ring hanging overhead with colorful scenes projected on it.

Each act showcases the different elements in a beautiful, changing progression. Throughout the experience, the stage moves, performers appear all around you, and the illuminated ring above ushers in beautiful transitions to accentuate each of the elements.

From choreographed dancers to stilt walkers and an aerial ballet act, the acts blend beautifully to their respective theme. The intensity of the performances is amped up by the audience being inside the set, and you really can have a unique experience based on where you're standing, what angle you are seeing all the action, and in some cases, by turning around to see a full 360 degree experience (we lost count at the number of times we turned around and saw a performer behind us!).

We don't want to spoil other elements of the show beyond this, but suffice it to say, we really love the unconventional take on what theater could be like. This isn't your typical show where you watch from seats in the distance- you're really in it!

This is especially noted in the final act of the night, which turns the set into a defacto dance floor for a few minutes where the guests get into the action. So when the party finale starts, and you'll know when it happens, lean into it and start dancing!

We really love immersive art when done well, and we really hope more performances take a cue from ASCEND to make theater a much more personable experience. Don't miss this one!

ASCEND is a multi-sensory show at the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University running through May 31st, 2026. Grab tickets here. We were guests of the Pittsburgh Playhouse during the preview night.