Lecoq-trained theater artist Geoff Sobelle (Pew Fellow, 2006) calls himself "a dedicated absurdist." For Sobelle, comedy is the highest form of art, and illusion, film, and outdated mechanics appear to humorous effect in his works as well as those he creates with Trey Lyford for their company, rainpan 43. Sobelle lists Chaplin, Beckett, Rube Goldberg, and Magritte among his influences. The Center has supported productions of All Wear Bowlers; machines, machines, machines, machines, machines, machines, machines; Flesh and Blood and Fish and Fowl; and Elephant Room, as well as the development of The Object Room, a solo performance. Sobelle is a card-carrying member of the Society of American Magicians.
