What the Fringe?!

Two words describe our guest, Charlaina Thompson: Passion and Joy! Charlaina is the creator and director of DUST, which is the story of one man’s unforgettable journey, examining generational trauma, resilience, and survival and based on the true story of the Lofthouse collierty coal mining disaster. Charlaina and Lauren also discuss the beauty of theater and WTF live theatre is an amazing place to experience real human connection. Keep up with Yellow Brick Theatre:  www.yellowbricktheatre.comIG: @yellowbricktheatrecompany TikTok: @yellowbricktheatre And keep with Charlaina on FB: charlainathompson Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Clowning and storytelling have a way of sneaking past our defenses, and Yoz Mensch knows exactly how to use that to their advantage. In this episode, we talk about finding your artistic voice, building solo work at the Fringe, and telling queer stories that don’t rely on a big coming-out moment. But really, my biggest question is: WTF kind of conditioner do you use? Yoz, your hair is amazing. Learn more about Yoz: https://linktr.ee/cackling_jackalFollow Yoz on IG, TikTok: @Yozihaha Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Our first-ever ventriloquist, David Salter, joins the podcast to talk Shari Lewis, Green Apples, Cats, and why ventriloquism absolutely belongs on fringe stages. In 2025, David’s solo fringe hit An Evening with Dame Granny Smith won Best Variety Show at the Adelaide Fringe and played to sold-out houses at the Edinburgh Fringe.  And WTF?! This is not a kids show. This delightful apple is here to invite adults to wonder, laugh, and feel, proving fringe theatre is at its best when it’s weird, bold, and unexpectedly moving. Keep up with David on Instagram: @davidjohnsalter  Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things 

Casey Jay Andrews is a multi-disciplinary fringe theatre artist willing to take huge risks for the sake of the art. This week, we talk about last-minute creative choices, finding inspiration everywhere, and why making the work you love is at the heart of Fringe theatre and independent performance. From visual storytelling to intimate solo shows, this conversation is about curiosity, emotion, and connection. Plus, we learn WTF is so incredible about crying in a dark theatre. Learn more about Casey Jay: www.caseyjayandrews.com Keep up with Casey Jay on Instagram: @caseyjayandrews.art Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Welcome back to season 3 of What the Fringe?! We are starting with an artist who performs at the highest level, riding a bike on stage for the entire 65-minute show. Connor Delves stars in “CADEL: Lungs on Legs,” which chronicles the riveting true story of Cadel Evans, the first and only Australian to win the Tour de France. Connor and Lauren also chat about the day the snow machine broke on the set of a Hallmark film, The Australian Theatre Festival NYC, and WhyTF Timothée Chalamet could never do Connor’s job.  Learn More about Connor, CADEL, and the Australian Theatre Festival: https://www.connordelves.com/www.cadeltheplay.comhttps://www.australiantheatrefestival.com/ Keep Up with CADEL on socials: IG, TikTok, X, Bluesky: @cadeltheplayFB: CADEL: Lungs On Legs Keep up with Connor on IG: @connordelves Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundWTF Logo: Ruby Makes Things

What happens when figuring out QLab sends you down a rabbit hole, leading you to create the wildest fringe show ever? In this final episode for the season, Lauren sits down with long-time Edinburgh Fringe performer, Chris Grace to talk about his experimental show 27 Hours, where he performed a new show every day of the Edinburgh Fringe. They also talk about WTF makes fringe the most artistic time of the year.  Be sure to listen till the end when Chris & Lauren announce the 2025 WTF Fringe Award nominees and winners! The full list and winners will be available on the WTF Blog.  Become a part of Chris’s Patreon athttps://www.patreon.com/chrisgracecomedy Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Stories pull at emotions we didn’t know were there and shape the way we see the world. Penny Sterling realized later in life that she wasn’t just a performer or a stand-up comedian; she was a storyteller. By the end of this episode, you too will know WTF makes Penny so delightful! This episode touches on themes of se*ual violence. If this is not for you at this time, please feel free to let this episode pass, and we will catch you next week.  Find Penny on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/penny_sterlingKeep up with Penny: IG: @pennysterling FB: sterling.penny on on bluesky Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

What is the best strategy to make a lasting career in fringe? Jon Bennett, a veteran fringe performer who’s been to more than 150 fringe festivals, shares all, including his most recent challenges with crossing, or not crossing, the border. And we also learn WTF Rabbit Night is all about.  Jon’s Website: www.jonbennettcomedy.comKeep up with Jon:IG: @jonbennettcomedy @pretendingthingsareac_ckFB: @jonbennettcomedianTikTok: @jonwithoutanhbennett Give to the fund helping those who have been affected by ICE raids: https://pircoregon.org/ Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

WTF is the best way to create a safe environment for audience participation? Judge Mentalist is a hypnotist who makes audience members the stars of his show, and he does it with care and intentionality. This week, Judge Mentalist shares about the art of hypnosis, and he also shares how he works with organizations to do some incredible fundraising while stilltaking home a paycheck; it’s quite brilliant if you ask me.  More on Judge Mentalist: www.judgementalist.com and carnivalofdreams.com.  Keep up with Judge Mentalist IG, FB, YouTube: @psychicish and TikTok:@judgementalist Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Kevin Velasquez is a theatre maker and teacher from the Dallas/Fort Worth area who participates in fringe as a way to invest in his creative growth. He is a passionate teacher dedicated to championing his students, and he will undoubtedly inspire you. Hear all about his teaching and fringe journey, and WTF inspired him to take secondary students to Fringe Festivals.  View Letter of Release at: https://jddramapublishing.com/product/letter-of-release-by-kevin-paris/Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy: https://gpfaa.gpisd.org/  Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Host: Lauren HanceEditor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

When Rheagan Wallace wanted to tell her story of growing up in Hollywood, she knew Fringe was the place. Rheagan’s debut solo fringe show is a look into a world only a few know. Hear more about her incredible journey and WTF she did to get on America’s Most Wanted.   Find Rheagan online: rheaganwallace.com Keep up with Rheagan on IG:  @rheagan_wallace and @stagemamma Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

WTF does it take to make it as a fringe performer? Find out when we chat with Jonathan Paterson. Jonathon has been working in the fringe world for over two decades. He has done everything from performing, tech, running a venue, and heck, he even met his life partner from the fringe (be sure to listen to the end for more on this tidbit).  Learn more about Jon at RibbitRePublic.comKeep up with Jon on IG & FB & Bluesky: @ribbitrepublic Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

The first time I saw Ira Cooper perform, I was a wee bit awe-struck by the passion and energy that he brings to the stage. This week, I get to sit down with Ira, the co-creator of Spec Theatre, and talk all things collaboration, accessible theatre, and catnip. Let’s find out WTF is Ira’s keys to success.  Spec Theatre Website: www.spectheatre.comIG: @spectheatre and @catsco420 Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.comYouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things 

Josh Languedoc is a proud Anishinaabe member of Saugeen First Nation and is a master storyteller and superb theatrical artist. His newest solo show, Elon Muskrat, is a satire that is sureto spark a bit of joy to your life. Josh also shares WTF makes Edmonton Fringe so special.  Find Josh on the Web: https://www.joshlanguedoc.com/ Keep up with Josh: IG: @joshylanguedoc,  FB & LinkedIn: JoshLanguedoc Find What the Fringe?! on IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online at ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Tymisha Harris is an internationally successful, award-winning performer, creator, and producer. She has been touring her solo show, “Josephine,” for over a decade and has just launched her newest show, “A Cabaret of Legends.” One of Tymisha’s biggest artistic goals is for her shows to become theatrical works that other women of color can perform and truly shine. Tymisha is a vibrant, kind soul, and she will have you saying, “WTF, Tymisha, why are you so amazing?!”  *NOTE: Today’s episode discusses the topic of domestic violence, if this is not something for you at this time, please feel free to let this time pass and we will catch you next week.   Keep up with Tymisha IG: @josephinetheplay or @dynamitelunchbox,FB: @josephinetheplay, LinkTree: @dynamitelunchbox Find What the Fringe?! on IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online at ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.comYouTube What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things If you need assistance with domestic or intimate partner violence, please reach out. In the US- The National Domestic Violence Hotline and RAINNhttps://www.thehotline.org/https://rainn.org/resources In Canada- Ending Violence Association of Canada or Domestic Sheltershttps://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres-crisis-lines-and-support-services/https://www.domesticshelters.org/ In the UK- The Survivors Trust and the National Domestic Abuse Helplinehttps://thesurvivorstrust.org/support-in-your-area/https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Michael Rogers, one of Lauren’s besties from the fringe circuit, joins her to talk all about his newest show, “That Which is Green.” Michael has been creating solo shows that dig deep into the most painful moments of his life, in hopes of sharing that it’s OK to not be OK, and that there's hope. WhyTF are you making me get into my feels, Michael?  Keep up with Michael on IG: @mr.mikerogers and FB: atMichael Rogers Find What the Fringe?! on Instagram @whatthefringe_productionsOnline at ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

This week we are celebrating World Fringe Day, which is Friday,July 11, 2025! Our World Fringe Day episode features 17 shows from across the globe, WTF?! In true fringe fashion, we took the first artists who submitted. We are thrilled to feature these artists and their incredible shows.  husk/vesselIG: @kairosdances @kairosdancetheaterWeb: kairosdancetheater.orgSee the Show: Minnesota Fringe Festival 0z- Wizard of Oz Parody Magic ShowIG: @iamjordanrooksSee the Show: Port Fringe, Winnipeg Fringe, Saskatoon Fringe,Edmonton Fringe, Rochester Fringe, Barcelona Fringe Godzilla's Not a DinosaurPortlandMaine, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Rochester, BarcelonaIG: @applestoabbyWeb: abbyblandpoetry.comSee the Show: KC Fringe, Omaha Fringe, St Louis Fringe Stampin' in the GraveyardIG: @elisabettygun @kisswitnessWeb: www.kisswitness.artSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Summerhall The Butterfly Who Flew Into The RaveIG: @oli_senWeb: https://olimathiesen.com/See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Summerhall The Faustus ProjectIG: @halftricktheatreWeb: halftrick.comSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Underbelly - Belly Laugh CartoonopolisIG: @_cartoonopolisWeb: www.lewisianbray.co.ukSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pleasance Dome, Jack Dome MARIUPOL IG: @theatreplaymariupolWeb: www.24kgproductions.com See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pleasance Courtyard Hold On To Your Butts & Fly, You Fools!IG: @recentcutbacksWeb: recentcutbacks.com/fringeSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pleasance Courtyard The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by GertrudeSteinIG: @EdwardEinhornWeb: https://www.untitledtheater.com/the-marriage-of-alice-b-toklas-by-gertrude-steinSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Gilded Balloon Girl Pop!IG: @ShiteprodsWeb: Shiteproductions.comSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Gilded Balloon All the Boys I BlockedIG: @chanelandthecircusWeb: https://seedandspark.com/fund/all-the-boys-i-blocked#storySee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pickle Studio, Riddles Court, GreensideVenues Pain KillerIG: @evelynetollmanWeb: https://www.thestandupdoll.com/new-page-22See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Greenside Theatre George Street Waves of Tradition: A New Horizon inScottish-Chinese MusicIG: @hong_kong_soulWeb: www.hongkongsoul.comSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK @Surgeons' Hall Anatomy of PainIG: @theanatomyofpainSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK @Surgeon's Hall Strangers & RevelationsIG: @unshadedartsWeb: unshadedarts.comSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK BecauseIG: @unshadedartsWeb: unshadedarts.comSee the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK Triplex Studio Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.comYouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Fringe is an international phenomenon, and if you do it for any amount of time, the likelihood that you will perform in a country other than your own is quite high. Cathy Lam is an internationally recognized fringe artist who has been touring shows internationally for years. This week, she shares her fringey wisdom, and WhyTF engaging with cultures other than your own is so important.  Find Cathy online at www.clartscollective.comIG: @clartscollective  X: @cathylovedrama  Find What the Fringe?! on Instagram @whatthefringe_productions Online at ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Murray Utas is the Artistic Director of the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, which is one of the top 5 fringe festivals in the world. Murray believes in leading with vulnerability, mentoring, kindness, and human connection. This week, he shares stories from his life in the theatre and discusses how the arts are making an impact in Edmonton, highlighting WhyTF the arts are a necessary part of a flourishing society and how the arts help people connect. Edmonton Fringe: www.fringetheatre.caIG: @edmontonfringe FB: Edmonton Fringe Theatre   Find What the Fringe?! on Instagram: @whatthefringe_productions Online at ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things

Clevername Theatre of Minneapolis, MN, is known for its quirky mashups of classical theatre and beloved children’s stories. This year, Clevername Theatre heads to Edmonton Fringe with "The Peter Pan Cometh," a story melding Eugene O’Neill’s nihilistic "The Iceman Cometh" with the whimsy of boyhood found in "Peter Pan," and it totally works, like WTF?! IG: @clevernametheatreFB: Clevername TheatrePateron: Clevername Theatre Find What the Fringe?! on Instagram: @whatthefringe_productions Online at ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things