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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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_sterling
Keep 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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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.com
Keep 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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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 Hance
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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.com
Keep 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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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.com
IG: @spectheatre and @catsco420
Find What the Fringe?!
IG: @whatthefringe_productions
Online: www.whatthefringeproductions.comYouTube: What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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 Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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 RAINN
https://www.thehotline.org/
https://rainn.org/resources
In Canada- Ending Violence Association of Canada or Domestic Shelters
https://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 Helpline
https://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_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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/vessel
IG: @kairosdances @kairosdancetheater
See the Show: Minnesota Fringe Festival
0z- Wizard of Oz Parody Magic Show
IG: @iamjordanrooks
See the Show: Port Fringe, Winnipeg Fringe, Saskatoon Fringe,Edmonton Fringe, Rochester Fringe, Barcelona Fringe
Godzilla's Not a Dinosaur
PortlandMaine, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Rochester, Barcelona
IG: @applestoabby
Web: abbyblandpoetry.com
See the Show: KC Fringe, Omaha Fringe, St Louis Fringe
Stampin' in the Graveyard
IG: @elisabettygun @kisswitness
Web: www.kisswitness.art
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Summerhall
The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave
IG: @oli_sen
Web: https://olimathiesen.com/
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Summerhall
The Faustus Project
IG: @halftricktheatre
Web: halftrick.com
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Underbelly - Belly Laugh
Cartoonopolis
IG: @_cartoonopolis
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pleasance Dome, Jack Dome
MARIUPOL
IG: @theatreplaymariupol
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pleasance Courtyard
Hold On To Your Butts & Fly, You Fools!
IG: @recentcutbacks
Web: recentcutbacks.com/fringe
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pleasance Courtyard
The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by GertrudeStein
IG: @EdwardEinhorn
Web: https://www.untitledtheater.com/the-marriage-of-alice-b-toklas-by-gertrude-stein
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Gilded Balloon
Girl Pop!
IG: @Shiteprods
Web: Shiteproductions.com
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Gilded Balloon
All the Boys I Blocked
IG: @chanelandthecircus
Web: https://seedandspark.com/fund/all-the-boys-i-blocked#story
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Pickle Studio, Riddles Court, GreensideVenues
Pain Killer
IG: @evelynetollman
Web: https://www.thestandupdoll.com/new-page-22
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- Greenside Theatre George Street
Waves of Tradition: A New Horizon inScottish-Chinese Music
IG: @hong_kong_soul
Web: www.hongkongsoul.com
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK @Surgeons' Hall
Anatomy of Pain
IG: @theanatomyofpain
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK @Surgeon's Hall
Strangers & Revelations
IG: @unshadedarts
Web: unshadedarts.com
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK
Because
IG: @unshadedarts
Web: unshadedarts.com
See the Show: Edinburgh Fringe- theSpaceUK Triplex Studio
Find What the Fringe?!
IG: @whatthefringe_productions
Online: www.whatthefringeproductions.comYouTube: What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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.com
IG: @clartscollective X: @cathylovedrama
Find What the Fringe?! on Instagram @whatthefringe_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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.ca
IG: @edmontonfringe
FB: Edmonton Fringe Theatre
Find What the Fringe?! on
Instagram: @whatthefringe_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: 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: @clevernametheatre
FB: Clevername Theatre
Pateron: Clevername Theatre
Find What the Fringe?! on
Instagram: @whatthefringe_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: Ruby Makes Things
WTF do you have to do to become a fringe success? First, make a great show; second, set your own parameters for success; and third, market that show. Xhloe Rice & Natash Roland have been making art together since their teens, and over the past three years have earned the title of “The buzziest Fringe Theatre-Makers of the 2020’s,” by The Telegraph. This week, they share their journey from begging people to see their shows in their hometown of New York City to award-winning, sold-out runs in Edinburgh.
Website: www.xhloeandnatasha.com
IG, TikTok, X: @xhloeandnatasha
Find What the Fringe?! on
Instagram: @whatthefringe_productions
Online: www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube: What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: Ruby Makes Things
WTF do you do to take your fringe show to the next level? Youcould start by tying a run at the SoHo Playhouse in New York City. The SoHo Playhouse has been one of Off-Broadway’s primary venues for new plays for the past 80 years and has been home to countless dreams and movements. Many theatre legends received their start at SoHo Playhouse, including Sam Shepard, Edward Albee, Tracy Letts, Charles Buch, Leroi Jones, and Lanford Wilson. The Playhouse has also proudly served as home to the Fringe Encore Series since 2005.
Learn more at www.sohoplayhouse.com and www.fringeencoreseries.com
IG: @sohoplayhousenyc, @fringeencoreseries
FB: SoHo Playhouse, Fringe Encore Series
TikTok: @sohoplayhousetheater
Find What the Fringe?! on IG: @whatthefringe_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: Ruby Makes Things
WTF makes a show successful at Edinburgh Fringe? Sam Gough, Chief Executive Officer of Summerhall Arts, shares with us his 30+ years of experience at the fringe. He shares everything from tips on programming yourself to the incredible innovations happening in Edinburgh. Sam also lets us in on all the amazing year-round programming happening at Summerhall Arts.
More on Summerhall Arts: www.summerhallarts.co.uk
IG: @summerhallarts
Find What the Fringe?! on
Instagram @whatthefringe_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: Ruby Makes Things
WTF, did you “hear” that there is a Fringe Audio Festival?! On a podcast dedicated to fringe theatre, of course, we had to chat with the leaders of this festival. For the past 13 years, Atlanta Fringe has been hosting Fringe Audio, an innovative space for artists to experiment with sound and storytelling, and provide listeners a portal into the strange, the brilliant, and the beautifully bizarre. In this episode, we chat with Ted Wenskus, Fringe Audio Award Coordinator, and Allison Cossitt, one of the 2025 Fringe Audio participants.
Atlanta Fringe and Fringe Audio
IG: @atlfringefest
FB: Atlanta Fringe Festival
Atlanta Fringe Audio on the web: https://atlantafringe.org/fringe-audio/
Atlanta Fringe Audio Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d9HU6hynFiMozuCnzVZbr?si=b2f996be8fe047c1
Allison Cossitt:
IG: @allisoncossitt @partialveilpodcast and on TikTok @AllisonCossittVO
Find What the Fringe?! on Instagram @whatthefringe_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: Ruby Makes Things
Welcome to the newlywed show! Wait, I thought this was a podcast about fringe? Spencer Amrheim and Chanel Mise of Kid Goblin just got married, and what better way to celebrate than being on a podcast? Kid Goblin is a six-person improv troupe out of San Diego, CA. For their hometown fringe this year, Kid Goblin will be taking confessions and then playing them out for your entertainment. Not only do Lauren, Spencer, and Chanel talk about the incredible benefits US fringes have for local performers, they do a bit of improv because WTF not?!
Kid Goblin on IG: @kidgoblinimprov
Find What the Fringe?! on
Instagram@whatthefringe_productions
Online at www.whatthefringeproductions.com
YouTube What the Fringe
Editor: Renowned Media
Music: Orchestra of Sound
Logo: Ruby Makes Things
