Jude Caminos STOMPs into Philadelphia

“STOMP,” a musical by Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell, has been captivating audiences for nearly 30 years, but its roots trace back to the streets of Brighton, England, where it began as a street performance in the early ’80s. Trans actor Jude Caminos — a freelance artist, preschool teacher and music director — will be one of the performers bringing the unique show to the stage when he stomps into the Miller Theater Dec. 26-29, courtesy of Ensemble Arts. Caminos strives to bring his true self to the forefront in every space he works in. Whether he’s teaching 1-year-olds how to wash their hands or throwing paint cans around the stage, he underscores the “importance of being authentically yourself in each space even when contexts change.”

In 2022, “Lizzie: The Musical” which, yes, is based off of the Lizzie Borden murders, was Caminos’ first job as a music director under the production company Southern Plains Production. The musical consisted of a small cast and a score of rock music. Two years later, Caminos received another music director position for “Rent” with the same company. This production — which Caminos had stated “was a complete 180 to what Lizzie was” — is about a group of adults in their mid to late 20s in cold New York City. Caminos had found that he had a strong connection to the story and had him pondering on being an “artist and queer and what exactly does it mean?”

Caminos and “STOMP” go way back, when he had first seen the play in high school, thinking it was an interesting take on stage performances, but not a possible job. Years later, COVID struck and Caminos found an audition for “STOMP” in New York. Within a week, Caminos had packed his things in Pittsburgh and found himself sleeping on his friend’s floor to audition and eventually perform in the show. The contract was only short-term, but the job was posted again in May 2023. Caminos found himself in the same position all within a week. Now that he is once again a part of “STOMP,” Caminos noted the nerves that come with “having this dream in my hands,” and that he continues to “practice staying present and enjoying the relationships and memories he makes.”

“STOMP” does not use any dialogue throughout the show. Instead, the performers use their surroundings and bodies to bring the magic of music and comedy for audiences to experience. The show has eight distinct characters and can fall into three separate categories; drummer, comedy and dancer. 

Caminos had highlighted that while the performance itself does not include any verbal dialogue, but rather the use of grunting, body movements and facial expressions. The characters in the performance can fall under three different categories, Caminos had explained, drumming, comedy, or dance. When talking about his character Ringo, referencing Ringo Starr, Caminos said it is “mostly a comedy role and drumming. He is silly and goofy, which is really shown when I interact with people on stage.”

Caminos had talked about his favorite number to perform, which was the paint cans number. Caminos said “it was super fun playing with the paint cans and tossing them to one another across the stage.” Caminos went further to explain how it was more than just the physical act, “the number really keeps you present and makes you pay attention. The number becomes so alive.”

When asked why audiences should experience STOMP, Caminos had emphasized how everyone will find something they like within the show whether it be laughter or be in awe.

“The audience will always get involved and discover the sound of our everyday lives,” Caminos said.

“STOMP” will be performed on Dec. 26-29 at the Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ensembleartsphilly.org.