Arts-Entertainment
After its successful debut last September, Livingston Fringe Festival (LFF) will return September 2nd - 6th and 10th -13th. 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 Fringe Festival showcases the abilities of local theater artists, as well as giving venues and audiences a meaningful opportunity to participate in the arts. Last year LFF produced twelve plays in nine locations over six days, with thirty-four performers, and had 797 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 will be 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, Elk River Books, and more. “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 adds, “The energy in this festival is lively, the whole town really shows up and comes together. We hope you can join us!”
Tickets will go on sale in August, priced at $15 a show with options for All Access passes for $75. More information at livingstonfringefestival.com