Games, Grapples, and Growth Grit — it’s all fun and games… until someone grows.
Growing Takes Time is a life-sized interactive arcade where the audience becomes the astronauts, presented as Noo Arts Wildflowers Rooftop with stunning NYC skyline views.
Inspired by Pikmin, performers exist as PIKMII inside a living performance world where collective survival depends on responsiveness, care, and collaboration.
Participants move through childhood anxiety-driven game structures — functioning as levels that build respect, trust, and community.
Blending contemporary dance with jiu-jitsu–inspired partnering, the experience uses conflict, resistance, and cooperation as engines for growth.
Work together and the group levels up. Lose coordination and the game stalls. Resolve tension and the world evolves.
Alongside the arcade, explore a digital art gallery installation in collaboration with Josh Sauceda, showcasing visuals that extend the Growing Takes Time universe.
The audience doesn’t watch the world — they power it.
Play the game. Earn rewards. Grow together.
Event Timeline
Doors Open — 6:00 PM
Immersive Arcade Performance — 7:00–8:00 PM
Rooftop Dance Party — 8:00–10:00 PM
Move through the world, complete missions, and earn rewards — then stay for a post-show rooftop dance party with skyline views.
RAIN DATE: June 21st
Featuring PIKMII Performers: Juwai Pitkin, Macee Eppard, Ashton Atteberry, Anna Patterson, Peter Elizalde, Dahlia Levine, Joy Raylon Hill, Cam Arnold, Kerry Sheehan
Featuring Command Center: Nirah Burwell
Created & Directed by Karley Wasaff
Digital Gallery Collaboration: Josh Sauceda / ARCHIV3
Presented in partnership with Noo Arts
This project is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council of the Arts.