What the Fringe?!

It’s our last episode for 2026- that means AWARDS and a special guest, Darren Lee Cole, Producing Artistic Director of SoHo Playhouse NYC! Darren’s theatre life began with a kidnapping, sort of, when his eighth-grade English teacher marched onto football practice with a clipboard and drafted a group of boys into the school play, and fringe has followed him ever since. Today, SoHo’s International Fringe Encore Series gives festival standouts from around the world their next step to off-Broadway. We end the episode with Darren helping Lauren hand out the 2026 What the Fringe?! Best of Fringe Awards! This episode is a bit longer, but WTF, it’s well worth the time!  Find SoHo Playhouse online at: www.sohoplayhouse.comand  www.fringeencoreseries.com Keep up with SoHo Playhouse on IG& FB: @sohoplayhousenyc  Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things  ___________________________ Episode Breakdown [0:00] Introduction[5:36]- Darren’s Theatre Origin Story[9:01]- The Value of Theatre Education[18:20]- The Beauty of the Fringe Community[25:00]- The Vision of SoHo Playhouse NYC[30:05]- SoHo Playhouse Upcoming Season[39:58]- The Future of SoHo Playhouse[43:26]- Best of Fringe Awards 2026: An Evening with Dame Granny SmithNun SlutOutside InDon Toberman Ping Pong ChampJust To Be Close To YouSmall MindedWatership Downthe statue of liberty is nora from a doll’s house by henrik ibsen Big StuffThe Van Gogh ShoghSteve Burns: AliveYou and me (and Whoever Comes Next) [1:07:50]- Ending Fringe Story___________________________

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.comKeep up with the fringe on IG: @lagosfringeAnd with Brenda on IG and FB: @brendauphopho Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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: @mouthharpoKat 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 MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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.comKeep up with the festival:IG & TikTok: @rochesterfringeFB: ESL Rochester Fringe Festival Find What the Fringe?! IG: @whatthefringe_productions Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.comYouTube: What the FringeEditor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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 1Dogberry & Verges Are Scared | @dogberryandvergesarescaredMindreading and Other Freaking Wonders | @christianlaveyBetsi | @herstorytheatreExtra Lives: The Interactive Video Game Concert | @extralivesmusic“Planet of the Grapes" | @blackoutpetePart 2                                                                                      Earth to Squiggy: A Lenny & The Squigtones Musical | @earthtosquiggyThe Joker and The Thief | @dylanandwillArtificially Intelligent Procrastinating Pundit | @denzildoescomedyIf We Really Were Witches | @ifwereallywerewitchesIrene Woo: Golden Child | @theirenewooCasual 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 & @thisishowigotarrestedHenry VIII and his Groom | @omftheatreHater | @brava_guava                                                                          Robin Grainger: Lemonade | @robin_graingerThe Manchester Revue Saves the World! | @manchesterrevueShhh! (A Wordless Comedy) | @langspotvnCricket & The Freebugs | @thefreebugsFind What the Fringe?!IG: @whatthefringe_productionsOnline: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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 MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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 MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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 MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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] INTROPART 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 | @thisisaplayaboutgodPART 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 | @fakeescapetcPART 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 MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: 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.com⁠YouTube: What the Fringe Editor: Renowned MediaMusic: Orchestra of SoundLogo: Ruby Makes Things