June 24 Update

And so we begin the final push into the closing weekend of the Fringe. Three more days of discovery, wonder, and possibility. There are simply so many amazing shows to see, it’s near impossible to decide what to see next. We have people seing 7+ shows a day, wandering from venue to venue.

People are learning how to Fringe. Many of you have joyfully commented to me today that you are seeing audience just strolling in the door – and responding very positively and enthusiastically to the work presented on the Fringe stages. Bravo – it’s your commitment and dedication to this festival that makes it a success, much more than any administrative framework we on the Fringe team may have erected. We just built the asylum (to use a slightly odd analogy), you filled it with the madness.

The Fringe ends in a few days, but the art world in LA will never be the same. Every day, Fringe will stalk the streets of LA and every year in June we shall raise our glasses to celebrate it. In a year of sadness and decline in our arts community, this is a rousing birth.

Clearly, I am feeling somewhat poetical this evening….now on to the news.

Today we bid goodbye to our art director Gavin Worth as he travels back North. I will be posting a picture shortly of the amazing awards statuettes he has created for the fortunate few (“The Freaks”). His art work is still available for view and sale at Fringe Central – so stop on by and consider a sound investment. You can learn more about Gavin and his work by visiting www.GavinWorth.com.

Also…and I know this is rapidly becoming a tiring subject…there has been an amplification on the awards process. If you have been paying close attention, we have reworked the awards methodology into a balloting system submitted by the participants. One of the criticisms of this plan is the relative lack of coverage due to the fact that most participants haven’t seen a high number of shows – what with their production responsibilities. Thus, we announce today we are expanding the balloting process into a larger Fringe network. In addition to the participant producers, each venue manager and panelist (reviewer) who has made a legitimate effort to cover shows will also be provided a ballot.

I have been writing the software code to support the balloting process in all my spare time. I hope to release a relatively bug free version of our first balloting system by this time tomorrow. Eligible voters will receive an email from us with a link to your individual ballots. I expect a few blips with the system as the code is very fresh – so please bare with us as we iron out the kinks in preparation for the big awards ceremony on Sunday at 6:30pm hosted by Mr. Jim Smallman of the British Invasion.

And speaking of the British … many of you know we hosted a US vs UK improv match this late evening at Fringe Central. Fortunate for all of you who missed it, the whole thing was captured on video (as has most of the antics during the Fringe jams). Once this is all over, expect a retrospective of the madness of our first festival along with a host of photos. I won’t tell you who “won” as we are all winners – I can tell you that this was the most epic Fringe Jam to-date and actually did end with blood gushing from someone’s head (fear not, Bryan is just fine).

I’d like to thank all our hard working panelists yet again for providing (to-date) 243 reviews of Fringe shows. This is a serious body of work as the lion’s share is substantial and thoughtful. You guys are amazing and thanks so much for your efforts.

As I have been writing this, Fringe Art Director Gavin Worth just brought me up a special award he made for me – “the golden freak”. I was so touched, I needed to add just one more mention of www.GavinWorth.com.

One more idea for those of you seeking new ways to promote your show. At Fringe Central, we are learning the subtle art of converting a packed audience into the next one … into the next one …. into the next one. Yes, some of this balancing act can be the duty of the venue manager. But as participants, you have major opportunities for creativity in this arena. Following a big act? Think of an interesting way to push that hefty audience back into the performing space to enjoy your show. Yes, simple flyering does work….I would suggest thinking more creatively. Turn that crowd around and your small house can become packed. Leverage the fact that most venues have booked slots right up against each other, keep the momentum moving. You will find that people will respond. And, of course, don’t be rude and check with your venue that your creative tactics are ok with the management.

Well done, everyone…we made it another day. The three days ahead are a golden opportunity to end the Fringe with a big bang. Let’s make it happen!

Ben