TORI SPARKS

is a New York-based performing artist with a decades-long career in site-specific modern dance and immersive theater. Tori has originated many iconic roles in award-winning productions, infusing each of her characters with extraordinary depth and theatrical incisiveness. 

Tori has danced with many notable choreographers, including Noémie LaFrance (Descent, Noir), Andrea Haenggi (AMDaT), Beppie Blankert, and Johannes Wieland. Tori has also collaborated with artists such as  Julia Mandle and Michelle Handelman (Irma Vep, The  Last Breath). 

Saying that Tori is one of the key, genre-defining performers in the rise of immersive theater is an understatement. Tori was an original cast member in both the Boston and New York productions of Punchdrunk's Sleep No More, originating the role of Lady Macbeth to widespread critical praise. Her fierce, psychological, and gritty portrayal of Lady Macbeth has become legendary within Sleep No More. Tori's creative sensibility is woven throughout the world of Sleep No More: she devised the roles of Catherine Campbell and Agnes Naismith, later played Hecate, provided voice-over for one of the show's most coveted 1:1 scenes, and served as Rehearsal Director during her time with the production from 2009-2020.

In 2017, Tori co-produced, performed, and art-directed the immersive experience HERE in collaboration with director Kelly Bartnik and cast, which was presented at Wildrence in New York City to sold-out audiences.  HERE was featured in Episode 1 of the documentary Immersive World, which received an  Emmy Award (2020).  In this episode, Tori represents three immersive worlds: Sleep No More, Third Rail  Projects, and HERE.  

Tori originated several roles for Third Rail Projects, including Red Queen (The Looking Glass / Then  She Fell) and Mom (Roadside Attraction/ The Grand Paradise), and provided movement coaching for Then She Fell. In 2024, she worked as a performer, deviser, and co-choreographer for Emursive's Life and Trust, originating the role of Megaera. In 2025, Tori was the Immersive Specialist for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Masquerade, directed by Diane Paulus. For this immersive adaptation of Phantom of the Opera, Tori coached and trained performers in audience interactions and safety.

Tori has performed with Oddknock Productions, devising material for their immersive work in  Denver.  For the Theater for Young Audiences’ National Festival, Tori presented the immersive children’s show Middlemist Red with writer/director Kate Douglas.  She continues her collaborations with choreographer Kelly Ashton Todd, performing in her dance theater works and films.

If you'd like to see or hear Tori on a screen near you, check out Freakonomics, PBS' Shakespeare  Uncovered: Macbeth with Ethan Hawke, and Gossip Girl. 

written by Ilana Gilovich