Samuel is a performer-composer, working primarily with plucked string and woodwind instruments in experimental and avant-garde performance settings. He has a multi-disciplinary background, creatively applying a variety of performing arts techniques within higher education, horticulture, and elected office. 

 

Shalhoub’s dissertation investigates the mysteriousness of anomaly, and traces unpredictable live performance incidences back to their source. Shalhoub designed a heuristic which can capture information about accidents and mistakes as they happen across time during a live performance, building an anomaly classification system that can be replicated and built upon by other artists, researchers, and teachers. With this system in place, Shalhoub intends to reverse-engineer anomalies, and to develop a new performance practice technique called mistake-making. This technique is designed to help people anticipate and even utilize accidents and mistakes as they happen during a live performance. Ultimately, his research into live performance anomaly will contribute to creative resilience, forming new spaces for growth and inquiry into the power and purpose of performing arts in socio-cultural-political settings.