Shock Rock for Young Audiences: Music Meets Science Experiment in ArcAttack at Kean Stage
UNION, N.J. – Using high-tech wizardry to generate a truly “electrifying” performance, the upcoming ArcAttack show at Kean University is part rock concert, part science experiment. The ArcAttack crew will make popular music while they explore the concepts of electricity, magnetism and robotics when their show arrives at Kean’s Wilkins Theatre on Sunday, April 30.
“Designed for families and children in grades 3-7, ArcAttack entertains and educates audiences by combining their love of rock music and their love of science in an interactive show,” said Steve Cochran, manager of Kean Stage. “This is a show audiences of all ages will never forget!”
The group’s founder, Joe DiPrima, and his friends were self-taught musicians and technological enthusiasts. Together, they designed and custom-built a musical Tesla coil prototype in 2004 and realized they could play music through the coil’s spark. A digital guitar, plugged into the Tesla coil, is designed specifically so it can operate while being struck by lightning.
“We digitally control the rate the spark happens and make the electricity produce the pitch,” said DiPrima of ArcAttack’s signature signing Tesla coils, which produce electrical arcs that can reach up to 12 feet and pulse with synthesized music. “We’re not using the coil just for a visual special effect. It’s actually an instrument.”
The audience will also witness DiPrima’s brother and fellow rocker-scientist, John, literally walk through lightning while playing guitar.
“Kids really love it,” said DiPrima. “We’re basically just kids ourselves, having fun and doing some pretty cool science tricks.”
Since their “highly charged” 2010 appearance on America’s Got Talent, ArcAttack has been touring the country with shows that are both entertaining and educational.
“We’re all science enthusiasts, so it’s fun to show people what we do and how we do it,” he said.
During the interactive show, the audience will see them blow up aluminum soda cans with electro magnets and invite kids up on stage to be part of an experiment that makes their hair stand on end. They will also meet King Beat, a computer-controlled drummer whose brightly colored LEDs flash on the stroke of each mechanically-activated drumstick.
“We like going out there and teaching some practical physics to kids,” DiPrima said. “Even if they don’t learn anything, they’ll leave with more of an interest in science.”
ArcAttack will perform at Kean University’s Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Tickets are $12-$20 and are available at the Kean Stage Box Office in Wilkins Theatre, by phone at 908-737-SHOW (7469) or online at www.keanstage.com.
PHOTO/CAPTION:
ArcAttack will perform at Kean Stage’s Wilkins Theatre on the campus of Kean University in Union on Sunday, April 30, 3 p.m.
ABOUT KEAN STAGE
Kean Stage at Kean University educates, entertains and challenges audiences by presenting high-quality programs that reflect the diversity of the region and of the arts. These cultural offerings complement the intellectual life of the classroom for our students, increase opportunities for community engagement, and provide affordable access to the arts for New Jersey residents. Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy a wide range of professional theatre, Broadway tours, dance performances, concerts, international films and family-friendly shows. In addition, Kean Stage encourages University students to attend events, and provides several options to explore the performing arts through master classes, workshops, lectures, employment opportunities as ushers, backstage technicians and box office staff. Visit www.keanstage.com.
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The University’s five undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers four doctoral degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Cochran
Manager of Kean Stage
Phone: (908) 737-4081
Fax: (908) 737-4636
Email: scochran@kean.edu
Website: www.keanstage.com