Kelly Ashton Todd
BAC Open Fall 2023 Theater/Dance Residency
Photo by Effy Grey
Endangered Species
Set in the near future where today’s most recognizable and plentiful creatures are now sharing ecosystems and fighting for financial aid to protect their kind, an extravagant competition is created by a host who is trying to stay relevant while she gives the community (i.e. the audience) the power to make life-altering decisions. "Endangered Species" will tell the story of three threatened species: a Rambouillet Sheep, North American Raven and a Pilot Whale. The use of text and dance movement is utilized as each species shares their story with the audience and fights for the protection of their species. Currently, each faces unique environmental issues that threaten to quickly wipe out their entire species. However, though these environmental events are defined as different (i.e. contamination, pesticides in nesting environments, animal slaughterhouses), they are all interconnected. "Endangered Species" encapsulates how the characters are deeply intertwined in varying relationships while each having distinct back stories and personalities informed through scientific data, mythology and stereotypes.
Please Join Us: BAC Open House Studio Showing, November 16 at 2:30PM
Content Warning: Endangered Species includes sensitive subject matter including references to sex, violence, and content regarding assisted suicide.
Endangered Species will premiere at Gibney January 26, 2024. More information and tickets available HERE
Artist Bio
Kelly Ashton Todd is a director, choreographer, performing artist, and environmental activist who makes work for both live theater and film. Her work explores land and human exploitation, environmental politics, and surrealism. She received a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University and a Double Minor in Biology and Environmental Science (2011) along with a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University (2021). Todd performed with the award winning off-Broadway show Sleep No More from 2015-2022. Todd’s choreography has been showcased globally. She has presented work at Kaufman Hall at the 92nd st Y, Dixon Place, NOoSPHERE Arts, ‘T’ Space Rhinebeck, Usine C, and Meow Wolf Santa Fe. She has been awarded the Brooklyn Arts Council Grant (2019, 2020, and 2022), Jerome Hill Foundation Finalist, F21 NYSCA in Media Grant, Puffin Foundation Grant, LEIMAY Fellowship, Human Impacts Institute Environmental Health Fellowship, NYFA Fellowship in Choreography, and Emerging Choreographer for Springboard Danse Montreal 2022. She was a panelist for the United Nations in 2023 where she spoke to the intersection of climate change, female empowerment, and technology. Her award winning environmental dance film series, Under Review, has attended over 20 film festivals nationally and internationally.
Creative Team
Kelly Ashton Todd - (she/her) Creator, Story Developer, Director, Choreographer
Ria Meer - (she/they) Story Developer
Truth Colon - (she/they) Performer
Stephanie Crousillat - (she/they) Performer
Ingrid Kapteyn - (she/her) Performer
Tori Spark - (she/her) Performer
John Pete Hardy - (he/him) Costume and Mask Designer
Learn more about BAC Open and view all Fall 2023 Open artists