Set in a historic WPA-built amphitheatre, the piece weaves together sketch comedy, poetry, and narrative scenes to explore Akron’s cycles of displacement and discovery, innovation and exploitation. It’s not textbook history—Blimpulse centers the voices of the everyday people who lived through Akron’s biggest moments.
Directed by Katie Beck and co-written by Tessa Gaffney and Jeff St. Clair, Blimpulse is a time-traveling, genre-blending performance that invites audiences to reflect on our past and imagine our future, together. It’s a story of what was, what is, and what still might be.
The ensemble consists of local actors, Samantha Byake, Emory Cohen, Justin Hale, Rosilyn Jentner, Michael Martin, Roschelle Ogbuji, and Ruben Ryan, embodying iconic characters such as Simon Perkins, John Brown, and Harvey Firestone. Audiences will experience Sojourner Truth’s legendary speech, attend a Devo concert, and more—all in one evening, under the stars.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfort, and prepare to see Akron in a whole new light.
Click HERE for tickets!
Waters Park (140 Olive Street)
Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3
Thu–Sat at 8:00 PM | Sun at 3:00 PM
Free Admission (suggested donation – $20) All proceeds to benefit Gum-Dip Theatre.
Rain location: Balch Street Theatre, 220 S. Balch Street
