Darren & Heather Stevenson
Founding Directors

Husband and wife team Darren and Heather Stevenson founded PUSH Physical Theatre in 2000 out of a desire to push the boundaries of conventional theatre.

Born and raised in England, Darren met Heather, a New Jersey native, during their studies at The Center in St. Louis, MO. Their shared love of theater, and performance planted the seeds for their relationship and eventual collaboration.  During the early part of their career they also studied with Several Dancers Core in Atlanta and The Goldston & Johnson School for Mimes at Kenyon College. "Darren Stevenson has developed a physical ability that makes the art look easy," says Greg Goldston.

In 1997, the Stevensons moved, with their children, to Atlanta where they founded The Studio School of the Arts, a community-training center that reached hundreds of students each year.

In 2000, they relocated to Rochester, New York, where PUSH Physical Theatre was born. Rather than relying on their trained movement vocabulary PUSH was formed from a shared belief that each performer should bring their unique life experiences to the stage. Although PUSH performers have a solid technical and acting base, they incorporate any movement that speaks to the audience. If the perfect method doesn’t exist, they invent it.

In its short history the five member company has worked with Borders Books and Barnes & Noble and developed an Arts in Education program for schools across the region. PUSH has created commissioned work based on a Picasso and Louise Nevelson exhibit for Cleveland Museum of Art. For this performance, they used costumes from the Art Crew Collection. In 2003, the company performed for a Youth Jam audience of 5,000 at the Cleveland Convention Center. Darren Stevenson set his original work, "Samson," on Inlet Dance Theatre. PUSH has a continuing collaborative relationship with Corning Museum of Glass. They have signed on for a 10-year alliance with artist Glenn McClure and author Dava Sobel for a collaboration called "The Galileo Project." It is based on Sobel's New York Times best-selling novel Galileo's Daughter. As well as numerous television appearances including PBS, PUSH continues to perform in venues ranging from theatres, art museums, churches, schools and colleges across the United States, England and Mexico.

Tom Ohl
Company member

In his 4 years with PUSH, Tom Ohl has brought a unique blend of athleticism and creativity to the stage. Pulling from his experience as a Teacher of the Deaf and interpreter, his jump into the performing arts world has inspired an exciting adaptation of skill that intrigues audiences. Having taught numerous school workshops and authored several residency grants, he has shown an unwavering commitment to helping young people create, communicate, and learn in and through the Arts. Tom hails from Buffalo, NY.

Heather Holt
Company member

Heather (Haly) Holt’s innate ability to connect with the audience makes her vivacity in performance intriguing to experience. She has a unique ability to combine intensity with a sense of peace. Trained through the Royal Academy of Dance, she is known for her innovative concepts in choreography and has a passion for working with students of all ages and seeing them realize their movement potential. She is also the shortest member of the company, married to the tallest member and is the new mother of the youngest member of the PUSH Family.

Topher Holt
Company member

Topher Holt has been actively involved in the performing arts since his first solo in the 3rd grade choir. He's been trained as a comedian, dancer, mime and singer/songwriter. He brings a powerful strength and presence to the stage. Originally from Detroit, MI, Topher carries a little of the Mo-town soul into whatever he does. His interests have led him in the studies of sociology, anthropology, theology, history and the arts. Topher currently lives in Rochester, NY with his wife, Heather, and their new son.