My overall impression
I’m right there with Michael Shaw Fisher. Normally, I’d just let the negativity roll off my back, but these detractors were so personally vindictive, that I can’t stay quiet.
I have been a part of the Fringe since the first year in 2010. I have personally seen more than 200 shows, and have written reviews on every one, both here on the Fringe website and on Examiner.com.
As a member of the press, I wasn’t sure how much the community of actors and technicians would accept me, but accept me they have. This year alone I added almost 200 new followers to my Twitter, and made friends with alot of actors, directors and companies.
Although one actor did almost ruin my community spirit this year (not surprising she’s in the same production that’s spreading a lot of the negativity), the majority of Fringers have tweeted comments to me and given me personal compliments that more than made up for it. I love everyone of these people and have never felt so much appreciatiation or been part of such a supportive community before.
While I didn’t agree with every award given out, I stand by the Fringe’s way of building community support and then rewarding the hardest workers. Look at what some of the companies did this year, both on and off the stage – Theatre Unleashed’s 25 yard marathon, the 24 hour theater project, the nightly contributions to the Cabaret and especially, Wet the Hippo’s reading of the complete Moby Dick, non-stop.
This year was the best. In fact, I learned so much this year that I have decided to mount my own solo show next year. It only took me a matter of minutes after making the decision to find a director, a producer, a stage manager and a venue, all of them a direct result of my involvement with the Fringe. That’s what I call community.
To Ben Hill and all his wonderful staff: Thanks for doing it right!
