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CalArts School of Theater Festival 2021: Beyond the Stage presents a wide variety of original, contemporary, and classic work developed by students, faculty, and guest artists across multiple theater disciplines. The school-wide event runs May 4-14, 2021. Breaking with the tradition of in-person liveness, artists have crafted new modes of art-making, culminating in distinct and newly-envisioned presentations and collaboration. 

The current physical distancing has provided us with an opportunity to move assertively to an ensemble model of project creation. This has been a staple of experimental practice throughout the world – and crucial as a gesture of de-institutionalization of performance practice. Though always an important facet of the CalArts experience, the current environment invites us to embrace the creative potential of ensemble work in a more expansive and profound way. Working across disciplines and cultural boundaries, these ensembles will allow for an expanded range of projects and voices, while enfranchising students to step beyond the traditional bounds of their given métier – highlighting our dedication to experimental practice, lateral production strategies, and cross-cultural engagement.

All projects were developed under the bounds of Covid, yet flourish with new discoveries. Regardless, art has persevered.

2021 CalArts School of Theater Festival Committee
Jordie Marie Rippon, Festival Production Stage Manager
Cian Pickron, Associate Production Supervisor
Atlas Alma, Production Coordinator
Jeffrey Gibson, Production Coordinator
Helen Jiahui Guo, Festival Production Manager
Loren Marks, Associate Production Manager/Marketing Associate
Katherine Paez Froehlich, Associate Production Manager/Programming Scheduler
Brooke Harbaugh, Associate Producer
Angelina Jian, Committee Member
Zoë Danger Lappin, Associate Producer, Web Development & Design
Rory James Leech, Committee Member 
Ducky Anderson, Committee Member 
Jake Jolley, Committee Member 
Yameng Deng,Committee Member 
Wenjing Xie, Committee Member 
Ky Docter, Committee Member 
Jazzi Rhodes, Committee Member
Xiaoyue Zhang, Project Manager

Website Design and Development: Gregory Coats