The rhythm of percussion echoed through the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for the opening night of STOMP.  But this music wasn’t made from instruments – it was a collection of plastic bags, coffee tins, trash cans and empty water bottles.  The music wasn’t from a cast warm-up, or from the studio crew testing equipment.  The sound was created by STOMP ticket holders in the STOMPing Grounds – an interactive experience where guests have the chance to be a part of the show by using stage props from the production.

Patrons of all ages packed Founders Hall before the show for their chance to heighten their STOMP experience by becoming an unofficial STOMPer.  Everyone jammed out with props, all of which could be found around your house.

A STOMP crewmember led the series of percussions to create a vibrant sound that could be heard throughout the SCFTA campus.  As the crewmember played the role of conductor, the sound would rise from a low crescendo of rustling grocery bags to the deep boom of drum sticks beating across large trashcans.  The un-official STOMPers eyed the conductor’s every move and shook, struck or rustled their “instruments” accordingly.

STOMPing Grounds is part of the SCFTA’s season-long pre-show activities that invites people to personally interact with the show.  This experience was not just exclusive for opening night; patrons will have the chance to bang out rhythms at the STOMPing Grounds before every performance.

The STOMP crew is reaching out to the community in more ways than just the STOMPing Grounds experience.  Two days before opening night, the crewmembers gave a performance to deaf elementary school children to showcase how the vibrations create sounds waves.  Although deaf and hard-of-hearing students may not be able to hear all of the sounds and subtleties, they can feel the vibrations of the rhythm.  The STOMP experience is more than just hearing the sounds – it is about seeing and feeling the sounds.

Whether you are an aspiring STOMPer, a fan or just looking to burn some energy before the show, the STOMPing Grounds is a moving experience for kids and adults alike.  All ages are welcome and there is no minimum skill requirement. The only pre-requisite is enthusiasm and an appetite for fun.