THE 40-YEAR OLD BALLERINO by Chris Davis • 2026 Philly Theatre Week

At 40 years old, Chris Davis seizes on ballet class as a way to replace all other addictions—drugs, alcohol, Modern Family, and the toxic tropes of 90s John Cusack movies. With only a barre for support, Fringe favorite Chris Davis mixes dance and storytelling in a 50-minute comedy that shows you change is always possible, no matter what your age. Catch the show before it makes it way to this year's Edinburgh Fringe!

"The kind of innovative spirit that the Fringe was originally created to showcase." —The List ★★★★

"A strikingly original writer and performer." —The Scotsman

“Get your tickets now!” —Broad Street Review

BIO

Chris Davis (actor/writer) is a writer and performer residing in Philadelphia, PA.  His solo shows have toured throughout the United States and Europe. He received training from the National Theatre Institute (04') and is a graduate of Albright College.

Recent projects include solo shows One-Man Nutcracker, The 40-Year-Old Ballerino, The Presented (★★★★ —The List), The Last Emperor of Mexico, One-Man Apocalypse Now (★★★★★ “superbly crafted” —Underdog Reviews), Juan-Winfield, Bortle 8 (“…a strikingly original writer and performer.” —The Scotsman), Drunk Lion (“A potent success” ★★★★★ —Wee Review), and Violence of the Lambs (“…absurd comedy at its very best." ★★★★★ –The Student Newspaper). He performed in the Edinburgh Fringe from 2014–2019 and will be returning this year 2026.

About Philly Theatre Week:

Theatre Philadelphia hosts the 9th annual Philly Theatre Week: a celebration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant theatre regions in the nation. Dozens of productions are included in venues all over the city and suburbs from April 23–May 3, and pay-what-you-can tickets to all are available on Theatre Philadelphia's website.

2026 is Studio 34's 2nd year hosting Philly Theatre week in its studio's and lounge, with SIX full productions under one roof, many situated back-to-back as a sort of mini-festival. Click these links to see what we have to offer:

• Philly Clown Slam: April 23

• Fascist Groove: April 24+25

• 40-Year-Old Ballerino: April 25+May 2

• The Orange Tree: April 25+26

• Punch Back: April 30+May 1

• Philly Puppet Slam: May 2+3

Studio 34 is a mixed-use yoga, healing, and arts space that hosts performances most weekends throughout the year in addition to classes, meetups, and wellness services. We are a sober space located up a flight of stairs right on SEPTA's #34/T2 trolley line. Visit www.studio34yoga.com to see all of our offerings.