our ensemble
beyond this point is an exploratory collaboration seeking to investigate resonances and intersections across several practices including theater, movement, media/film, non-traditional musical forms, sculpture, text, and installations both static and performative.
The collaboration aims to engage diverse audiences on multiple levels through its exploration of resonances between artistic mediums with a goal of developing a platform in which to create works that are intrinsically coalesced along these resonances from their point of inception.
production
the calamity
The Calamity seeks to provide non-capital resources to Chicago artists and arts organizations operating with an eye towards social practice for the purposes of helping grow a more robust arts scene within the City of Chicago, creating avenues for the arts to solve social problems, and aiding individuals and organizations not eligible for traditional means of support. bit.ly/lilcalamity
our collaborators
percussion
co-founder
john corkill
John Corkill is currently serving as the instructor of percussion studies at Loyola University, Merit School of Music, and Chicago High School for the Arts. As a chamber musician, John has held residencies at the Chamber Music Northwest, Norfolk, and Yellow Barn Festivals. Originally trained as an orchestral musician, John is currently a member of the NOVUS Orchestra in New York City and frequently substitutes with orchestras throughout the Chicago area. John received his Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University and Master of Music Degree from the Yale University School of Music.
percussion
co-founder
alex monroe
Chicago percussionist Alex Monroe holds degrees in percussion performance from Northwestern University (M.M.) and Truman State University (B.M.). An advocate for contemporary art across mediums, Alex currently serves as the Grants Manager for the GRAMMY-winning new music sextet Eighth Blackbird and the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival/Blair Thomas & Co. Alex is also a percussionist and on the Board of the Directors for the Chicago Composers Orchestra and previously held an Associate position with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, where he performed dozens of public outreach concerts through the MusiCorps program.
percussion
alex wier
Alex Wier is a percussion artist and music educator based in Chicago, Illinois. He has presented solo recitals and clinics at numerous universities around the United States. A strong advocate of new music, Alex has commissioned several percussion works and has performed regularly with many contemporary ensembles in addition to a number of professional orchestras. Alex teaches at Roosevelt University, Phoenix College, and Hinsdale Central High School. Alex earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University and holds a Masters degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelors degree from the University of Arizona. Alex is an endorser of Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets.
theater and visual arts
dado
dado is a visual/theater artist in Chicago. This year a good deal of her work can be seen at A Red Orchid Theatre. She prefers to explore the matrix of complications that ensue when ideas and form imbricate empathic epistemologies. dado has employed various objects and humans to make work that questions corporeality and the human condition. Is human nature? Are aliens nature?
Is everybody in? Do the hokey pokey.
theater
scott westerman
Scott Westerman (Director): Credits include shows with The Artistic Home, the Barter Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre Company (Camp Shakespeare), Stage Left (Downstage Left), Northlight Theatre Academy, The Smithsonian Institution, American Theatre Company (Bridge), Impulse Theatre Company, the National High School Institute (Cherubs), the Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), and Reverie Theatre Company.
More at ScottWesterman.org
