We're building a fire performance for Burning Man 2026 called Soot vs Cinder. A choreographed piece for seven performers — part dance, part stunt, all fire.
Below are the roles we still need to fill — all are essential. If you see yourself in one of these, or in two of them, head to the contacts page and get in touch with Stripes.
Designs all movement, formations, and fire manipulation sequences. In fire performance the stunts are the choreo — so this role owns both the dance and the danger. Builds the piece from music outward and runs rehearsals alongside Stripes.
Owns fire safety end to end. Runs tool checks before every burn, holds the perimeter with duvetyne and extinguishers during the piece, and is the first person moving if anything goes sideways. Works with CEO of Combustables on fuel handling and with the Stunt Coordinator on burn-path planning.
Designs and sources the look for all nine performers. Fire performance costuming is its own discipline — natural fibers, tight silhouettes, no loose sleeves or synthetic anything near a flame. Collaborates with Story and Director on the Soot-vs-Cinder visual language.
Sources, builds, maintains, and preps every fire prop on the show — poi, staves, fans, fire swords, whatever the Stunt Coordinator calls for. Owns the wick schedule, the spare-parts kit, and the pre-show prop check. Works closely with CEO of Combustables on fueling.
Curates the soundtrack, cuts the edits, and runs playback on the night. Syncs music to choreo beat by beat. On playa that also means owning the speakers, the power, and the backup plan for when the main rig hiccups.
Calls the show. Manages entrances, exits, spacing on uneven ground, and the performance perimeter between crowd and fire. Different from Safety Coordinator — Stage Manager thinks about show flow, Safety thinks about preventing disasters. Both matter.
The ninth performer. Learns multiple tracks in the choreo and covers wherever a body is needed — if someone's sick, tired, or in costume-change jail. Also floats as extra hands for any of the support roles above during load-in and strike.
Develops the narrative arc and thematic through-line for the piece. Writes the story the choreo hangs on.
Owns the creative vision. Final call on blocking, pacing, and look. Runs the room in rehearsal.
Coordinates logistics, scheduling, budget, and resources. The person who makes the show possible offstage.
Films and documents rehearsals, build days, and the performance itself. Owns the archive that becomes next year's pitch deck.
Sources, mixes, and manages fuel for every prop on the show. Owns the fuel dump, the fueling protocol, and the empties at the end of the night.
