Nikola Tesla Comes to Seattle!

In 1892, the famed inventor Nikola Tesla awoke with partial amnesia, and using his incredible willpower, he pieced his life back, memory by memory. Ricky Coates returns from the Fringe Festival Circuit with the energetic, original theatrical biography, TESLA EX MACHINA.

The Seattle writer-actor examines science and humanity through a virtuosic one-man performance, featuring charismatic live demonstrations of Tesla's most renowned experiments, framed by a touching exploration of memory, family, and what it means to be human in an age of technology. Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ricky received his BFA from the University of Arizona and has been working as a professional actor for over 15 years. He currently resides in Seattle, Washington and tours the world with his original plays. Ricky strives to break the conventional approach to solo-work and touring shows. He loves creating physical, intelligent, and entertaining theatrical productions with "nerdy" themes.

TESLA EX MACHINA has been touring to Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Saskatoon, and Edmonton to great acclaim. "Coates is excellent, particularly in his physical portrayal of Tesla." - CityBeat "The coolest props you'll see this year" - Saskatoon StarPhoenix "Coates makes you believe you are a fly on the wall in Tesla's lab." - Planet S

TESLA EX MACHINA will play at the Pocket Theatre 8312 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98103 on August 25, at 6:30pm-7:30pm and August 26, 8:30pm-9:30pm Tickets will be $10 + fee (in advance).

Written and Performed by Ricky Coates Directed by Darian Lindle. Photography by JMC Photography.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Choreography - Top 3

1. Lauren Yalango-Grant, Christopher Cree Grant - The Lost Boys

23% of votes

2. Christopher Gattelli - Schmigadoon!

19.1% of votes

3. Omari Wiles, Arturo Lyons - CATS: The Jellicle Ball

17.7% of votes

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