It all began in 1947, Edinburgh, Scotland. The first Fringe festival took place when many artists felt that they weren’t receiving the respect the deserved for their pieces. They all unified and got the support they needed from venues and businesses to put on their own shows without the restraints of the companies they worked for. Over time, the festival has evolved into a worldly attraction, and Fringe became a part of everyone's lives all around the globe.
Fringe was just introduced to Scranton in 2015, and returned this year on the first weekend of October. “Fringe gives both local and visiting artists the chance to flex their creative muscles and take a chance they might not get elsewhere. The community gets to sample from a multitude of different platforms, including new experiences!” Says Chantel April, a member of the Scranton Fringe board. “We have theatre, dance, improv, comedy, performance art, magic, puppets, etc.” Writers cast their shows locally, and present their pieces with minimal tech and set. The festival offers an extremely wide variety of genres, from magic shows, to comedy acts, to improv, to dramas, to classics. Whatever you may be interested in is probably presented at Fringe. Not only will you be amongst family and friends, but you also get a chance to meet some of the thousands of people who attend the festival. According to Chantel, the festival plans to grow in all aspects including shows, venues, and even days!
To get involved is easy. Fringe is based on the community, so without the help of volunteers, patrons, and local artists, the Festival wouldn't be able to share its magnificence to our area. Students also get their opportunity to get their own show into the festival! There is a playwriting group for junior high through high schoolers, where you can write your own piece and have actors read it to an audience!
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