UMO Ensemble

We are a theatre of connection – to our audience, to the ensemble, to our bodies, to the imagination. Our work is image-rich and physical. We work with a broad palette, combining character, movement, music, sculpture and story. We seek the ancient alchemy of live performance, through which thoughts and images under the surface of culture are given voice and form.

UMO Ensemble is an innovative, compelling and critically acclaimed not-for-profit physical theatre company based in the Pacific Northwest. Over the past 30 years, UMO has created more than thirty original shows, many of which are actively in repertoire. UMO is also constantly devising new original work with our community of physical performers.

UMO’s mission To stir the human spirit and incite the imagination by providing awe, challenge and inspiration through original and compelling art.

A Brief History of UMO

UMO began our creative collaboration in 1989. The Ensemble’s creative process is rooted in physical theatre: improvisations in movement, character, vocalization, and writing are the basis for the creation and development of new works.

In its over 30 year history, UMO Ensemble has become known as one of the most innovative, compelling and critically acclaimed performance companies based in the Pacific Northwest. The Ensemble has performed in LORT theaters, at festivals and in schools throughout the Northwest, the United States, Canada, and Europe, and is considered one of the first ensembles to use the phrase “physical theatre.” UMO has created over 30 original shows, expanded to include a rich family of multidisciplinary associate artists, and seeks to inspire the next generation of artists through The UMO School of Physical Arts.

UMO Ensemble and UMO School joined Open Space for Arts and Community in 2023. The merger recognizes the mutual goals and commitments of both organizations, their shared constituents, and seeks to enrich and inspire our community with art and learning.