What the Fringe?!

Local fringe festivals are one of the best ways to provide a platform for artists. This week we visit with Brenda Fashugba, co-founder of Lagos Fringe in Nigeria. Since its inception, the festival has been supporting the work of local artists, from helping fund their fringe expenses to providing show development advice to artists. And also hear about how a toilet epiphany turned into a chance of a lifetime, WTF?! Find Lagos Fringe online at: www.lagosfringe.com Keep up with the fringe on IG: @lagosfringe And with Brenda on IG and FB: @brendauphopho Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things ___________________________ Episode Breakdown [0:00] Introduction [4:27] From Computer Science to Theatre [8:46] Building a compassionate arts community [12:53] The Obama Leaders Africa Fellows [17:50] Creating space for women over 40- The Usual Suspects Podcast [19:28] How Lagos Fringe supports Artists [28:42] Mentor artists and providing platforms [36:50] Ending and Awkward Fringe story ___________________________

Improv! Music! And Posters! Oh My!! This week Lauren visits with fringe friend Kat Kuo. Kat lives in Rochester, NY, where she began a musical improv troupe, and is a big supporter of her local Rochester Fringe. Not only is Kat a hilarious improviser, by day she is a graphic designer and photographer, and gives some insight into why these elements are vital to promoting your fringe show. And, WTF kind of improv will Kat and Lauren get into during the interview?! Find out now! Find out more about Kat and Mouth Harpo: Mouth Harpo on IG: @mouthharpo Kat Kuo: IG & FB @katkuo.design and @katkuo.improv Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things __________________ Episode Breakdown [0:00] Introduction [3:55] Storytelling through many avenues [10:22] Parenting, Improv, and Making Space for Art [12:46] Why performance photography matters and making posters that pop [23:30] The Origins of Mouth Harpo, Kat’s Improv Team [26:09] The Secret Sauce Behind Musical Improv [33:007] Ending Joke: The Legendary Sock Solo __________________

From fringe performer to fringe founder. This week we sit downwith Erica Fee, the founder and CEO of ESL Rochester Fringe. We talk about Erica’s Edinburgh Fringe debut success to building a world-class fringe festival in her hometown. We chat about why fringe is here to stay and learn WTF is the grossest thing Erica is willing to do for the festival she loves so much. Find out more about Rochester Fringe online at: www.rochesterfringe.com Keep up with the festival: IG & TikTok: @rochesterfringe FB: ESL Rochester Fringe Festival Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things ___________________________ Episode Breakdown [0:00] Intro[4:30] Falling for Fringe at Edinburgh[10: 45] Moving from Actor to Producer[13:15] Making Your Own Work in an Age of Screens[18:19] The Rochester Model, Explained[22:47] How the Fringe Helped Revitalize Downtown Rochester[39:00] How a Local Fringe Impacts Local Artists [35:10] Ending Story ___________________________

Show Description : If you haven’t had enough of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, here’s your one last chance to take it all in. What the Fringe?! is thrilled to be recording live at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. This episode was semi-curated by What the Fringe?! We received over 500 pitches this year. We narrowed it down to our top 125 shows, then invited every artist who pitched their show to us directly (not through a PR agent). Then it was a race to the Google form to see who could sign up first. We are thrilled to feature their shows and fringy stories. Part 1 Dogberry & Verges Are Scared | @dogberryandvergesarescared Mindreading and Other Freaking Wonders | @christianlavey Betsi | @herstorytheatre Extra Lives: The Interactive Video Game Concert | @extralivesmusic “Planet of the Grapes" | @blackoutpete Part 2 Earth to Squiggy: A Lenny & The Squigtones Musical | @earthtosquiggy The Joker and The Thief | @dylanandwill Artificially Intelligent Procrastinating Pundit | @denzildoescomedy If We Really Were Witches | @ifwereallywerewitches Irene Woo: Golden Child | @theirenewoo Casual Receptionist of the Quarter | @nicole_gula When We Were Young | @whenwewereyoungtheplay Part 3 This Is How I Got Arrested... after smuggling drugs across the border but never actually getting caught with any drugs | @azaeliaslade & @thisishowigotarrested Henry VIII and his Groom | @omftheatre Hater | @brava_guava Robin Grainger: Lemonade | @robin_grainger The Manchester Revue Saves the World! | @manchesterrevue Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy) | @langspotvn Cricket & The Freebugs | @thefreebugs Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things [0:00] Intro [00:56] Dogberry & Verges Are Scared | @dogberryandvergesarescared [02:25] Mindreading and Other Freaking Wonders | @christianlavey [03:06] Betsi | @herstorytheatre [04:37] Extra Lives: The Interactive Video Game Concert | @extralivesmusic [06:14] “Planet of the Grapes" | @blackoutpete [07:34] Earth to Squiggy: A Lenny & The Squigtones Musical | @earthtosquiggy [09:29] The Joker and The Thief | @dylanandwill [10:43] Artificially Intelligent Procrastinating Pundit | @denzildoescomedy [11:23] If We Really Were Witches | @ifwereallywerewitches [12:17] Irene Woo: Golden Child | @theirenewoo [13:03] Casual Receptionist of the Quarter | @nicole_gula [15:01] When We Were Young | @whenwewereyoungtheplay [16:26] This Is How I Got Arrested... after smuggling drugs across the border but never actually getting caught with any drugs | @azaeliaslade & @thisishowigotarrested [17:13] Henry VIII and his Groom | @omftheatre [19:12] Hater | @brava_guava [19:40] Robin Grainger: Lemonade | @robin_grainger [20:32] The Manchester Revue Saves the World! | @manchesterrevue [21:36] Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy) | @langspotvn! [23:27] Cricket & The Freebugs | @thefreebugs [25:18] Ending

Can a short conversation at the fringe turn into a podcast, friendship, and super fan? Yes! Last year at the Edinburgh Fringe, Lubna Kerr sat down with me in the Pleasance courtyard and chatted me up, even though I told her I didn’t have room in my schedule to see her show. Now she is here on the podcast with her son Ihsan Kerr, sharing all about their upcoming collaboration. (I’m a big fan!) And did you know that one small adjustment in your wording could get people from the “global majority” to your show, WTF?! Learn more about Lubna on her website: https://www.lubnakerr.com/ Keep with with Lubna and Ihsan on FB @ Kerr Arts Collective and on IG @ihsankerr and @lubnakerr Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things ___________________________ Episode Breakdown [0:00] Intro [02:46] Edinburgh Fringe Energy [06:07] Mother-Son Collaboration [15:55] Accessibility and representation for the GlobalMajority at Fringe [20:22] Discussing “A Better Memory” [25:30] How art is shaping the Ethical Discussion around AI [30:37] Lubna’s as a FringeProducer [33:11] Lubna & Ihsan’s Awkward Fringe Story [37:35] Where to find Lubna Kerr & Ihsan Kerr at EdinburghFringe ___________________________

Hometown advantage in fringe is real. But have you ever thought about making Edinburgh your hometown, just so you can do fringe?! This week we are joined by Courtney Bassett, a Kiwi based in Edinburgh, whose theatre company, Half Trick Theatre, moved there to make great art. We also dive into their zany shows and just a few of Courtney’s obsessions. And Lauren learns WTF is the proper way to pronounce “Call of Cthulhu.” Find Half Trick online at www.halftrick.com Keep up with them on IG @halftricktheatre For more on Alone, follow IG @jewelboxproductions and @alchemytheatre_ Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things ___________________________ Episode Breakdown [0:00] Intro [4:08] The Faustus Project [8:30] Courtney’s introduction to the arts [10:15] Journey to Fringe and moving to Edinburgh [19:17] Waiting for Wonka [24:47] Creativity, play, and making theatre [30:49] Alone [32:55] Courtney’s awkward fringe story ___________________________

Are you one of those movie lovers who can quote films line for line? This one is for you! Kristin McCarthy Parker of the New York-based theatre company Recent Cutbacks spills the tea on how they take a small cast of actors and a live Foley artist to create shot-by-shot parodies of your favorite films. Recent Cutbacks’ innovative signature style has garnered multiple sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. We also talk all about WTF to do when someone mistakes you for Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Learn more about Kristin and Recent Cutbacks on: www.recentcutbacks.com and www. kristinmccarthyparker.com Keep up with Recent Cutbacks on IF, FB, TikTok: @recentcutbacks and Kristin on IG: @kristinmcparker Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe ___________________________ Episode Breakdown [0:00] Intro [3:27] Kristin’s Artistic Journey [6:13] The Beginnings of Recent Cutbacks [10:05] The Importance of Directing [11:09] No Hidden Effects Signature Style [15:39] Expanding the Work with Multiple Casts [18:16] How Fringe helped gain audiences in New York [21:50] A Fringe marketing strategy that worked [24:31] All about KEVIN!!!!! [31:09] The Awkward Fringe Story ___________________________ Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

HAPPY WORLD FRINGE DAY 2026! 32 fringe artists from around the world join us to celebrate the best community in theatre, each with a show to pitch and a story you won't forget. Saturday, July 11 is officially World Fringe Day, our annualcelebration of everything that makes fringe theatre extraordinary: creativity, accessibility, and a genuine love for live performance. Every year we open submissions for this episode and, in true fringe fashion, take the first artists to sign up. This year we filled up so fast we had to close submissionsearly. Each artist gets 2 minutes to pitch their show and share a story, so buckle up. This episode runs longer than usual, and it's worth every minute:original shows, real fringe advice, and some genuinely hilarious stories from artists across the global fringe community. Meet the artists and find them on IG (timestamps): [0:00] INTRO PART 1 [2:30] Two2Mango: Colonial Circus| @two.2.mango [3:50] Joel Passante: Looking ForLove In All The Weird Places | @MPMMProductions [5:22] Jordan Rooks: A Magician |@iamjordanrooks [6:30] Josie “JUICE” Nixon: johnjack josie JUICE | @Just.juice_the_clown [8:11] Amiee Dastin: THIS IS APLAY ABOUT GOD | @thisisaplayaboutgod PART 2 [10:33] Piper Theatre Company: TheBloody Ballad of Bette Davis | @bloodybettemusical [11:42] Mark McAuley: Diary of aMad Man | @santaponza [13:39] Sophie Fisher: An Ode tothe Casting Director | @sophieeafisher [14:39] The Back Pack: NOTED | @thebkpk [15:38] Fake Escape: Don't YouForget About Me/ Day of The Locust/ Saving Britney | @fakeescapetc PART 3 [19:00] Callum Grant: BrokenPlanet Show | @brokenplanetshow [20:47] Infinite Monkey TheaterCo.: Did You Charge Your Phone for the End of the World? | @infinitemonkeytheaterco [22:45] Andy Dickinson: The Tale of the Original Jekyll andHyde (Told by a Mad Hatter from Stockport) | @tallhistorytales[24:40] Aditya Mayya: Aditya Mayya Pretends to Be Sad | @aditya.obediah[25:38] Brendon Lemon: An American Comedy Show That Quite Possibly Might BeFunny To The British | @brendonfreakinglemon_PART 4[28:52] Low Fat Productions: Spraywatch: a Beautiful Rescue |@spraywatchthemusical[30:52] Big Tobacco: Big Tobacco's Pinocchio | @bigtobaccoreal[32:49] Kristin Libby: I Almost Died for This?! | @kristinamlibby[34:33] Wilison Labs: 00:45:00 | @45minutesplay[35:44] Deep Flight Productions: Who We Become: One-Act Plays by Lanford Wilson | @deepflightproductionsPART 5[38:08] Michele Stine: Always, Sometimes, Maybe | @alwayssometimesmaybe@michele_joy_stine[39:57] Sohrab Haghverdi: Foriegner | @foriegner.show[41:08] Marina di Marzo: Love in the Time of Fifth Grade | @marinadi.nyc[42:53] Aarushi Agni: EMOJI: The Hieroglyphs Of Our Time, or how I learned tostop worrying and send the risky text 🤷🏽‍♀️ |@aarushifire[44:47] Devon Loves ME! Productions: Time Travel Postman | @timetravelpostman[46:29] For the Fun LLC: (No) Refunds at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe | @norefundsplayPART 6[49:15] Daniel McVey: A Foot is Not an Appropriate Prize for the Tombola | @danmcvey1[51:15] Peter Michael Marino: Planet of the Grapes | @blackoutpete[51:53] Nate Wise: I'm Mom | @skyadler[53:17] Broken Box Mime (BKBX): Double Take | @brokenboxmime[54:39] Jeromaia Detto: Giuseppe's Love Quest | @jeromaia.dettoCLOSING Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Can love overcome shame? Our guest this week is Canadian Fringe artist and storyteller Kristi Boulton, who has made it her signature creative expression to share some of her most shame-inducing stories and use love and forgiveness as catalysts for healing and humor. We also talk about WFT is so amazing about improv and Canadian Fringe. Find Kristi Boulton online at: www.kristiboulton.com Keep up with Kristi on Instagram @kristi.boulton andTikTok @stories_with_kristi Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

How long does it take to build a world-class arts program? House of Oz has been championing and supporting Australian artists for the past five years, and has become one of the standout producers at the Edinburgh Fringe. This week, we sit down with Georgie Black, founding patron and creative director, to discuss how she built House of Oz and her passion for ensuring artists receive the support they need at Fringe and beyond. Oh, and we also talk about WTF is so selfish about philanthropy? Learn more about House of Oz at www.houseofoz.co.uk Keep up with House of Oz IG and TikTok: @houseofoz.official FB: House of OZ Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

“Nun? Slut? It’s a spectrum. We’re all on it.” This showdescription is what hooked me into seeing Claire Robin’s “Nun Slut.” And after seeing it, I am a true fan. Claire shares how her spirituality and faith in God led her to create this holy yet controversial piece. And we talk about WTF she did to become a fringe sensation with her debut solo show. Keep up with Claire on IG @clairerobin.nunslut Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Creating a career in fringe is doable; it often just takes time. Multi-award-winning fringe artist Jimmy Hogg has spent the past 20 years touring the Canadian fringe circuit building a name and career out of telling stories. Jimmy and Lauren chat about creating art you love, and WTF is the best reason to hang out in a pub. Keep up with Jimmy IG: @jimmyhoggthepotatoking FB: @MrJimmyHogg Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Can you use fringe to build a body of work? This week, we visit with Marcel Cole, who has embraced this model to help him build his own “Marcel Cole Catalog of Plays.” Marcel is the creator of the multi-award-winning show “SMILE: The Story of Charlie Chaplin,” amongst others. We chat about his background, current work, and WTF is so great about bad work. Keep up with Marcel IG: @theatremarcel and@marcel_the_parcel FB: Theatre Marcel Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

What do WWII and Vampira have in common? This week's guest, Ingrid Garner. Ingrid spent twelve years touring Eleanor's Story, based on the real life experiences of her grandmother during WWII. This year she is bringing something new with A Hollywood Horror Story, inspired by 1950s icon Vampira. It feels like a 180, but you might be surprised. Ingrid and Lauren talk about the longevity of a fringe career, what it means to trust the work, and WTF animal husbandry has to do with theatre. Find Ingrid online at: https://www.eleanorsstory.com/ Keep up with Ingrid on IG: @ingridgarner @ahollywoodhorrorstory @Elanorsstory Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Do you really need a PR Agent for Fringe? Well, it all depends on your goals and the festival. This week, we chat with Annabelle Mastin-Lee, a PR Client Manager at Mobius Industries, a PR and marketing agency based in London specializing in theatre, dance, circus, and FRINGE! Annabelle will demystify all your PR misconceptions while she and Lauren figure out WTF to do when Phoebe Waller-Bridge introduces herself to you. Learn more about Mobius online at: https://www.mobiusindustries.com/ Keep up with Mobius on IG: @mobiustheatre Keep up with Annabelle on IG: @annabellemlee Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

OK, hear me out…. a musical about the Holocaust, but gay. While this may sound like a pitch from The Producers, our guest this week, Michael Trauffer, has crafted a stunning and beautiful solo musical that explores the oppression of gay men in post-World War II Germany. Michael and Lauren talk about creating historical fiction, making work that is uniquely you, and WTF you should do when someone falls asleep during your fringe show. Find Michael online at: www.fabulett.com Keep up with Michael on IG & TikTok: @michaeltrauffer FB: @IamMichaelTrauffer Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

At the ripe age of 7, Tyler West found his calling: to be a clown. While other clowns have a mask they can take off, Tyler’s dwarfism does not allow this. The beauty of fringe is that the artist gets to define who they are, and in Tyler’s newest show, Small Minded, he delves into all things clown, and gives us a peek into his life as a person with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Tyler and Lauren are joined by special guest Cleo DeOrio, the show’s co-creator and director, and Tyler’s partner in life. And we may just uncover the secrets of WTF makes TimTam’s so good. Find Tyler and Cleo online at: www.theoriginaltylerwest.com and cleodeorio.com Keep up with Tyler and Cleo: IG: @theoriginaltylerwest and @cleozen FB: www.facebook.com/smallmindedtheshow Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

This week, we enter the afterbirth! No, we haven’t changed to a medical podcast, but we get into all the messy and beautiful details of Anne Zander’s clown show, “Mother: A Postpartum Comedy.” Lauren and Anne talk all things clown, devising, and motherhood as a fringe artist. And these fringe besties take a deep dive into WTF is so fun about playing in your room by yourself as a grown a** woman. Find Anne online at: https://annezander.com/and linktr.ee/annezander Keep up with Anne: On IG:@clown.mother and @_mother.show_ FB: @clown.mother Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Fringe is all about making a big impact with limited resources. Chris Sainton-Clark specializes in the thriller/mystery genre and is able to create that cinematic feel of the genre with limited technical resources. Chris and Lauren also talk about WTF is so appealing about a collaborator who is brutally honest. Find Chris online at: www.christophersaintonclark.com Keep up with Chris: IG: @chrissaintonclark FB: @raisingcainproductions Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things

What happens when a language barrier becomes one of your greatest strengths? Andrea Barello was born and raised in Italy, but now calls Los Angeles his home when he is not traveling the world clowning around. Andrea and Lauren talk about authenticity, the healing power of art, and WTF happened when vulnerability led to the most beautiful audience interaction. Keep up with Andrea on IG: @algobaruch FB: @aldo.baruch Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠ YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned Media Music: Orchestra of Sound Logo: Ruby Makes Things