1. By Sara Reimer CMNS - 488 February 12, 2008 When Art gets LOUD

2. STOMP combines: Percussion Movement Visual Comedy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTahKhYgEb0

3. The Name… “…to Stomp is to stamp your feet loudly, and there used to be a jazz dance called ‘The Stomp’, so it seemed appropriate to us…”

4. The Beginning Came into being in 1991 in Brighton, UK Founders: Luke Cresswell & Steve McNicholas, who initially were performers in a street comedy musical under the name “Pookiesnackenburger” Now Theatres in: London, New York, Las Vegas, and a crew on world tour. In 2006, STOMP’s New York production passed its 5000th performance mark. Today

5. Stomp Defined by McNicholas: “I think it's the universality of rhythm, of humour and the kick you get from seeing a group of people of wildly varying backgrounds coming together to build something special out of very simple elements.” "It helps not having any words, so it really can appeal to all nationalities!” "a world where rhythm is the only language: a piece of theatre created by musicians, with […] characters who can only communicate through rhythm.”

6. Social Involvement: In 2006, Stomp’s founders directed a public service announcement for television called STOMP OUT LITTER, which featured the cast “sweeping up” at iconic locations in the five boroughs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llBD5Z7Syiw They furthermore filmed an Imax 3D movie about South Africa’s Sardine Run, to be released this year.

7. Sell-Outs??? Featured in commercials for companies such as: Coca-Cola, Target, Nike, and Toyota http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqqt0hHfNI8 The essential atmosphere and style of Stomp appear to stand in contrast to their involvement in commercials.

8. Which brings us to the Big Question: Is Art compromised when commercialized???