ONE MONTH COUNTDOWN.

Precisely one month from now, we will be in the midst of the inaugural festival!

IT IS ALMOST UPON US.

In the meantime, we are working hard to collect the money we need for our Kickstarter campaign (7 days to collect $2k...spread the word??  Spread the generosity??  We need the help!)

We are pulling together last minute details and working hard to spread the word.

Pre-sale buttons are available at St Louis Curio Shoppe and STL STyLe, and we may be adding a few additional sites.

Pre-sale tickets will be available on our website (stlfringe.com) soon, and the descriptions of our shows are up and runnin'.

Trekkin' ever onward!

Wow!  If there were any doubt that I am terrible at blogging, those doubts should be assuaged!  

I hope our hoards of readers understand that an absence of posts in not an absence of activity...but quite the opposite.

Of late, we have been...interviewing with various media, getting photographed, coordinating with performers/venues/businesses, launching and perfecting new and improved websites, making pitches, raising moneys, learning about rickshaws, and of course talking up some Fringe wherever we can to whoever will listen.  Plus, rocking gigs like Cinco de Mayo, Midwest Mayhem and the Grand Center Art Walk.

And, preparing for the FRINGE TEASE!  Yes, the fated day is almost upon us.  This coming Tuesday, May 15, at Fubar (3108 Locust) - show starts at 7 (doors at 6:30) and lasts about an hour.

A sneak taste of the shows to come, plus info on Fringe.  We invite you.

WHOA! So much to do, so little time...

Oy vay!  There has been more Fringing blustering along then we have time to track.

In this brief moment between some coordinating and a funeral, it seemed an appropriate time to slip in one of our most important efforts of this planning period...

Our Kickstarter Campaign.

Help us make Fringe.  Our deadline is May 31.  Our fundraising goal is $5k.  

I BELIEVE IN US.

If we don't make $5k by May 31 - even if we almost make $5k...it don't matter.  We don't get none.  And it is that much harder to Make Fringe.

We've been reserved in asking for donations to date, because we aren't here to exploit our patrons and community...but here we go in one fell lump.

Help Make Fringe.  At least check out the delightful video in the Kickstarter Website, eh?

"There is not simply those who perform and those who clap at the end of performances...

Fringe is an experience."

For more of this fine writing, see ARTbracket's recent feature  on Fringe and economic impact.

readysetGO! For some Schlafly.

We are hot off the heels of the IDES OF FRINGE (many thanks to The Fountain on Locust and all our wonderful artists, patrons, Beatle Bob and intrigued strangers for making it a well-enjoyed evening). 

And, we're kicking it into gear for the next thing.

If you were rained out, bed-ridden with illness, or just plain forgot - never fear.  We still love you.  Love you enough to throw another party for you.

Yep - the FRINGE FOLLY approaches April 1st, 6-8pm at the Schlafly Tap Room.  But that's not all...

Schlafly has given us an offer we can’t refuse.  Fringe Friends are challenged to “Operation: Fringe Recruits.”  

The rules are simple:

1. Determine a team name.  Example: Team Hairy Banana Monster. 
2. Recruit people to join Team Hairy Banana Monster. 
3. When Hairy Banana Monsters arrive at FRINGE FOLLY, sign in at the door under team name. 

The team that gets the most attendees wins a special prize from Schlafly, one of our sponsors. 

ReadysetGO!

a Fringelet from the 2012 season introduces her work at IDES OF FRINGE.

Presenting...

PROUDLY ANNOUNCING THE 2012 BREAKTHROUGH SEASON

[OMEGA]

A-Trek

Ashleyliane Dance Company

Coty & Glen

Easelmuse

The Goddessey Project

Howie Hirshfield

lilflo Productions

Lux Ascension

Midnight Company

Project: Wonder Meant

RS Theatrics

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble

St Louis Taiko Drummers

STL Improv Anywhere

Tesseract Theatre

Tesseract’s Incredible Mischief Emporium

Undercover Undergrad

Washington Avenue Players Project (WAPP)

West End Players Guild

Plus…

(re)discover theatre (Chicago)

BlackPoet Ventures (Phoenix)

Br. John (Kansas City)

Cecily and Gwendolyn’s Fantastical… (Philadelphia)

Clownvis Presley (Hollywood)

Core Project Chicago (Chicago)

Daniel Shar (Chicago)

Eric Warner (Chicago)

Lucky DeLuxe (Hollywood)

Victoria & Erin Roberts (Seattle)

Beware the IDES OF FRINGE...and the FRINGE d' FRINGE.

So...not only are we pumped for tomorrow's IDES OF FRINGE party at the Fountain on Locust (featuring great food/drinks, especially the PLUM CRAZY ABOUT FRINGE cocktail; networking; updates from Fringe staff; sneak peeks at schwag; personal introductions from all thirty Fringe 2012 productions; and an open stage/mic)...

But we made headlines in the Beacon again.

Right on.

Brrrrr....

Two weeks ago, Billy and Em got chilly at FRIGID NYC, the Big Apple's winter-time Fringe Fest.


Not only did we get to enjoy no less than seven unique Fringe shows (including two new rock musicals, four one-actor shows, and a family of clowns)...


We volunteered, commuted like crazy, did NOT get lost as wayward midwesterners...


And, spent good quality time with the performers, Executive Director, and former Associate Director of Seattle Fringe.  In a communist bar.


What more can you ask for?

HAY SIS!

So, the Spirit of Fringe is strong...not just in the Middle Western United States; not just in the United States in general. 

Fringe Fever.  World Wide.

Including...our fair friend city, Rome, Italy.

Rome is in the works of premiering their own Fringe Festival, and in an act of great support (as Fringe is so good) we have established a relationship as Sister Festivals.

Check them out.

Deck the Fringe

Officially moving into our new digs at 3141 LOCUST, right where we wanna be - on the cusp of both Grand Center and the Locust Business District. 

Yep, our space is pretty much perfect.  A cavernous hall, evocative of dwarfish mines, with ample space for work, box office, and eventually workshops/productions.  Plus great roommates.  All it needs is a little love.

FRINGE is seeking items to warm up our new cave.  These can be on loan or bequeathed upon us.  We could really use:

• RUGS/CURTAINS.  Our cave is quite echoey.
• Office equipment (filing cabinets, desks, etc)
• Chairs (from standard folding to airchairs - all are welcome)
• Lamps (cave is dark)

Please drop us a line at buzz@stlfringe.com if you have something we can take off your hands.  We're happy to pick stuff up - or, come drop it off and visit us, too.

SAVE. THE. DATES.

Save the date for upcoming Fringetastic events.

Pick the one that suits you best to get your Fringe Fix, or come to all of them in a whirlwind of FringeFrenzy.

Partner Cocktail and Networking

Sunday, February 26

5pm-7pm

Hotel Ignacio

Live entertainment, charming friends, and all your Fringe questions answered. This is the event to learn about partnering opportunities with Fringe, how the festival will benefit the neighborhood and local businesses, and ways to support innovative art in St. Louis. Meet the executive team putting the festival together.

MEET THE FRINGE
Monday, February 27

5pm-7pm

PLUSH

This event is the first Artist party, brought to you specially by St. Lou Fringe.  Featuring an open stage for anyone and everyone: juggle some apples, whistle dixie, play a jazz standard, or dance a jig, its ANYTHING GOES!  Don't be upstaged, though, because there will be opportunities throughout the evening for community members, participating artists, and interested volunteers to meet one another and the event staff of St. Lou Fringe. This is an ideal opportunity to meet other artists, and brainstorm ways to collaborate in your Fringe projects. Artists are encouraged to request a time slot in advance between 5pm-7pm by emailing buzz@stloufringe.com.

CARPE FRINGEDAY Volunteer Party

Wednesday, February 29

5pm-7pm

Location TBD

Who ever said volunteering was boring? Fringe certainly doesn't think so. At this meeting, learn how you can be directly involved in the grassroots contagion that is FRINGE. We'll provide treats, entertainment, and (no doubt) great company. Special treat from Em if you bring a non-Fringey friend and make a convert of them!

THE IDES OF FRINGE

Thursday, March 15

8pm-11pm

The Fountain on Locust

This is the last day for artists to submit applications...and we're taking the opportunity to do what Fringe does best – have a party. The event will feature the very first public announcement of the official Fringe BREAKTHROUGH SEASON Line-Up. Meet the Fringelings, mingle with artists, and get a taste of what all this Fringe stuff is going to be about (as well as a taste of some delicious food and drinks, prepared as only The Fountain on Locust can).

WHOA NELLY! KEEP THE APPLICATIONS FLYIN.

You all are so great.

Within five minutes of opening our applications to the artists-at-large, we had exceeded twenty applications.  As of this blogging, we have seven remaining slots for National acts.


Apps are being processed as they come in.  In light of the pleasantly unexpected influx of applications, we are working hard to develop as accessible and inclusive a plan for all our artists.  Info about this will be posted ASAP, you can bet on it.

Applications can be found here.

Keep it up, y'all.  We appreciate ya.

New Year, New Lou

Less.  Than.  Two.  Weeks.  Til.

SUBMIT TO FRINGE.

Yes, friends.  Celebrate our fringeful city at SUBMIT TO FRINGE.  We'll have live performances, info about the fest, and most importantly: at Midnight, we'll be accepting our first applications.

SUBMIT TO FRINGE
Jan 14
9pm-1am
at the St Lou institution in its brand new home: DOOLEY's (we'll be in the basement)

Rumor mill has it there'll be some jubilee humdingers, some randy dandies, and gracious knows who else...

Use the stage door!

Stage Door St. Louis is sneakin a peak at us, y'all.

word's on the street.

We have been getting lots of inquiries about applying to Fringe.  We're thinkin we're gonna fill up.  Fast.

Here's some words of wisdom for all our darling artists:

  St. Lou Fringe serves your art of choice.


Theatrical performers (actors, playwrites, directors, technicians), singers and musicians, Dancers, performance artists (movement, spoken word, slam), Vaudeville (circus, burlesque, mime, clowning), fashion and design, young audience performers, buskers/street performers...


Yeah. We want you.


 St. Lou Fringe proudly supports self-producing artists' growth and potential for success.  100% of ticket sales is returned to artists (60% to the performing artist 40% to supporting artists, such as designers).  Festival producers do not receive any royalties from future performances.


 St. Lou Fringe provides unbiased support to all self-producing artists.  In order to do so, STLF does not make any determinations based on content.  Selections are entirely uncensored and unjuried.  Productions are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.  Applications must be filled out correctly and completely to be considered.


 Performance submissions must follow these guidelines:

• Performances no longer than 50 minutes
• Tech that can be reasonably accommodated
• Production fees, if any, (royalties, AEA performance contracts, etc) are the personal cost of the producing artist
• Applications accepted no earlier than January 15 at 12:00am and no later than March 15, 2012

 How it works:

1. You apply. You don't even have to know for sure what your show is...just that you're going to commit to doing one. The first 30 applications are accepted (20 from local artists, 10 from out-of-towners).
2. You decide how many shows:

• 2 shows for $85
• 3 shows for $115
• 4 shows for $150
• Production cost due within five days of your official notice of acceptance into the festival.

3. You do your thang, and walk away with 60% of ticket sales at the door.

What does your production fee get you?

• Festival branding and marketing/publicity
• Performance space, including tech, for 2-4 performances over a four day period
• Professional staff, house managers, and technicians
• Additional benefits for participating productions (discounted access to other productions, invites to private parties and events, etc)
• 60% of door ticket sales

Performance space is assigned based on technical needs, and lottery if necessary.


Special needs and accommodations will be considered, are addressed professionally, and may be discussed with Festival staff at any time. 


Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm not one of the first 30?

We have a wait list that artists are placed on in order in which application is received. If another production pulls out, violates STLF policy/regulations, or is otherwise ineligible to perform, then the first artist on the wait list will be notified.

Also, entries that are not one of the first 30 are eligible for Fringe d' Fringe performances! If it will work for your production, we're happy to help coordinate for you to do a single performance at a side venue within the greater Midtown area. We also will have busking on the festival grounds – if you can do your piece on the street, feel free to take it there.

I can't pay the production cost up front.

For a very limited number of productions, we can arrange payment plans. Remember, though, that production costs are what's used to ensure that your venue is well equipped, that marketing is solid, and that everything is set in place for you so that you can do your show worry-free.

How many people will see my show?

STLF will market the festival and get people on the grounds. It's up to you to market your production! Feel free to make fliers and posters, send out invites, and talk yourself up. We'll provide you with a STLF logo and a spot on our website.

Wait, it's a five day festival...why are there only four performance dates?

The fifth day of the festival is our HANGOVER DAY. After a whirlwind of art and madness, we will cap it off with...more art and madness. Abridged fan favorite productions, parodies, and festivities galore will bring us to a close for the season, and launch us towards a Year of Fringe in StL.

More questions? Bug us all you like: buzz@stlfringe.com or 314-643-7853(STLF).

And word is out.

Props to the Beacon!

it. goes. LIVE.

ST. LOUIS TO HOST ITS FIRST ANNUAL FRINGE FESTIVAL

The streets of St. Louis will transform into a stage for the ST. LOU FRINGE Festival for the first time this summer. Slated for the last weekend of June 2012, the first annual St Lou Fringe Festival will take to the streets on the fringes of Grand Center, and in the Locust Business District.

The festival will be a five-day immersion in cutting edge performing arts, connecting brave artists with bold audiences. Organizers expect to welcome over one hundred performances by thirty local and national companies. "We are excited to see passionate artists converge to create an explosive pressure cooker of artistic expression," says festival Executive Director Em Piro.

Characterized by their original, accessible, uncensored and rapid-fire nature, and because of the enormous success of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, Fringe Festivals having been popping up around the globe. With the founding of ST. LOU FRINGE, St. Louis will join the ranks of metropolitan cultural hotspots like New York, LA, New Orleans, Orlando, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Kansas City. St Lou Fringe is a member of the United States Association of Fringe Festivals.

Piro sees the need for fringe productions in ­St. Louis. “The response to the festival has been inspiring, even this early,” she says. “We've been approached by artists, patrons, and arts organizations eager to get involved – even people overhearing us at our planning meetings. It just assures me that St. Louis is ready and ripe for a major, collaborative arts event like this.”

Fringes are traditionally considered theater festivals, but often also include dance, music, comedy, slam/spoken word, performance art, fashion, vaudeville, burlesque, or circus arts. Patrons can pop into half-a-dozen shows on any given night to experience something new while street performers roam the festival grounds. “We want a true festival atmosphere,” says Piro. Crowds are entertained with fire dancing, aerial arts, music, poetry, guerrilla theater, urban break-dancing, capoeira, juggling, street improv, or anything else that will dazzle spectators.

Grand Center and the Locust Business District are partnering for the first time to host the Fringe Festival. “We wanted to work with both Grand Center and the Locust Business District because of the opportunity for creative and economic growth, and so that we could literally be on the fringes of the ‘Intersection of Art and Life,’” says Piro. The event boasts an unusual variety of performance spaces. Four central venues will anchor the festival grounds while restaurants, bars, shops, small businesses and street corners also become stages.

Piro has teamed up with some of the city’s most influential arts enthusiasts to create Fringe on St. Louis soil. She is the co-founder of the theatre collective Glass Monsters, a St. Patrick Center counselor and the 2008 recipient of the Grand Center Visionary Award for Outstanding Young Artist. Planning Committee members include Steve Isom (founder of the Kevin Kline Awards), Joe Hanrahan (Marketing Director of The Black Rep), Billy Croghan (founder of the St. Louis Songwriter’s Association), Tara Daniels (STLTV), Dianna Thomas (The Chapel: Sanctuary for the Arts, Glass Monsters), Robert Strasser (The Tin Ceiling Theatre), Luke Lindbergh (Flux Art/Theatre), Phillip Allen Coan (independent director), Andrew Miller (independent artist), and Carolyn Schopp (St. Patrick Center).  Committee advisors include Katie Kappel (Locust Business District), Travis Howser (Grand Center, Inc), Rachel Tibbetts (Prison Performing Arts, Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble), Ed Reggie (St. Louis (improv) Festival), Todd Schaeffer (The WAPP), Kyle Cunningham (Code Incarnate Technologies), Chi-Wen Lee (independent artist), John Corbett (St. Louis Busking Festival) Christy Timberlake (independent designer), and Amy Ziegler (legal counsel). Organizations partnered with the festival to date include Grand Center, Inc, Locust Business District, Circus Flora and Fractured Atlas.

Local and national performers are encouraged to apply early for a space at the festival. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an untapped talent, now is the time to unveil the show you’ve been dreaming about. Like other USAFF and CAFF festivals, ST. LOU FRINGE is 100% unjuried, 100% uncensored, 100% accessible. Open submissions begin at midnight on January 15. Applications and guidelines can be found on the website.

STLF needs the support of arts patrons and local businesses to make the festival a success. St. Louis businesses and organizations are asked how they could partner effectively and creatively with STLF to nurture our creative economy together. Potential donors and sponsors are encouraged to contact Em Piro at 314-643-7853(STLF). St Lou Fringe is a registered non-profit with the State

of Missouri.

For more information, please visit stlfringe.com.

# # #

For press inquiries, contact

Em Piro

St. Lou Fringe Executive Director

314-643-7853(STLF)

emcpiro@gmail.com

A Healthy Needy Greed

St Lou Fringe is officially open to receive donations.  We can accept checks to "St Lou Fringe," and tax write offs are available.


Help us make this Fringe biz happen in our lovely, dusty, lively, fanatic home!  Every cent will go straight to working artists, to building the creative economy, to enriching the scene for brave artists and bold audiences. 


Because with strong financial support, we won't have to run around all the time looking like this:

Contact Fringe at 314/643-STLF with inquiries.

Look, Papa Gepetto! We're a REAL org!

I never thought I'd be so excited to get mail from the IRS. 

Even though we were approved a month ago for all the basic paperwork to establish St. Lou Fringe as a formal non-profit organization in the State of Missouri, the actual receipt of a letter from Robin Carnahan with the Great Seal (complete with duelling bears) and a sparse letter typed in courrier from the IRS still give the giddies.

We are confident in our work, thrilled at the support we've been receiving from all sides.  Seeing an actual paper trail forming, tangible documentation of our ideas and work going into action, are liberating.

And so, as we sup over cheese, obscure meats and microbrews, we grow closer to formal partnerships and final details.

And once those are hashed...yep, that's when the fun really begins.

Holiday Schmoliday. The work continues!

Activity is strong, but not that exciting.  Paperwork; networks; bureaucracy; other such delights invigorate the process. 


Artists should be percolating.  Audiences should be titillating.  Events are being planned.  Websites are being developed.  Copy is being written.  Meetings are occurring.


And stuffing is being digested.