After its successful debut last season, the Livingston Fringe Festival returns September 2nd–6th and 10th–13th. Events will be held at numerous downtown venues. Fringe theatre festivals have their roots in the Edinburgh Fringe Fest in Scotland, established in 1947, where the city comes alive with the performing arts.
The Livingston fest showcases the abilities of local theater artists, as well as giving venues and audiences a meaningful opportunity to participate in the arts. Last year produced twelve plays in nine locations over six days, with thirty-four performers, and saw nearly 800 audience members attend. This year the festival looks to expand over two weeks, and has accepted fifteen plays.
Festival directors Kate Britton and Tessa Welsch are eager to share this year’s productions, “The caliber of artists is exciting this year!” Britton remarks “There is also quite a lot of diversity in the work being produced. Something for everyone.” Welsch agrees, “We have productions from a broad range of genres. It was difficult to narrow down the submissions”
Twenty-five artists submitted their work early this spring, and Welsch and Britton selected fifteen from that list. Artists selected to be a part of Livingston Fringe Festival have been supported over a five-month period to create an original piece of theater. They are offered structure, feedback, technical support and a platform to share their work.
This year’s artists include: Marla Goodman, Michael Mason, Danae Bray, Stephanie Burda, Kyrie Dawson, Kelly Bouma, Marc Beaudin, Chace McNinch, Jeff Medley, Tyler Potter, Cora Roseberry, John Roseberry, Sister Act, The Sleepless Elite and Gus Yeager. Audiences can expect everything from movement pieces to comedy, music, film screenplays, dramatic pieces, experimental theatre, improv and everything in between.
Once again, the performances will take place at multiple venues around Livingston including the Blue Slipper Theatre, The Empire, The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, Wheatgrass Books, the Old Lumberyard and Elk River Books, among others.
“This festival was created to give a platform to innovative theatre makers in our area,“ Britton explains “Partnering with so many local organizations show the community’s involvement and support. We are grateful!” Welsch states, “The energy in this festival is lively, the whole town really shows up and comes together. We hope you can join us!”
Tickets will are available now, priced at $15 a show with options for All Access passes for $75. Find additional information and ticketing access at www.livingstonfringefestival.com. •
