Now in its 11th year, STL Fringe Fest continues to put a spotlight on independent artists in the region while bringing a variety of shows to the stage. As theaters adjust to changing protocols around the pandemic, the opportunity to enjoy performances, both as the entertainer and the audience, is precious.
鈥淭here's a passion for people to get out and be a part of the arts and be a part of culture again,鈥� said Matthew Kerns, president and artistic director. 鈥淭here's a dynamic excitement from the artists and the work is so diverse and exciting.鈥�
This year鈥檚 STL Fringe Fest is the biggest it has ever been 鈥� more than 40 acts are scheduled over the weeklong festival, including burlesque, one-person plays and stand-up comedy. Among the acts is the premier of the all-women comedy show, 鈥淭his is Casually Happening: A Comedy Showcase鈥� starring Mollie Amburgey, a local comic and host of the podcast 鈥淐asually Mollie.鈥�
鈥淢atthew [Kerns] very graciously gave us the platform,鈥� Amburgey said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what STL Fringe is all about: building up community, bringing light to people who might not normally have the stage.鈥�
In the 鈥渇ringe鈥� spirit, the comedy showcase will include a new feature: storytelling.
鈥淲e actually added a storytelling option. Because the STL Fringe Festival offers that variety, of being to step outside the box, we will take five minutes of our set to talk about a time in our life where we thought, whether it鈥檚 funny or serious, 鈥榯his is casually happening.鈥欌��
As Amburgey and the festival artists prepare for a week on the fringe, Kerns is excited to see the venues come to life.
鈥淚 hope that people laugh," Amburgey said. "I hope people cry a little, and their eyes are opened by a few things, and they are like, 鈥榃ow! I never saw that coming.鈥� I hope they walk away and they know [that] independent arts are so important.鈥�
Related Event
What: STL Fringe Festival
When: Aug. 15-22
Where: Various locations
鈥�鈥� brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is produced by , , and . is our production assistant. The audio engineer is .
