Byron Coolie (he/him)

I walked away from Puppydog with a full heart. It's a touching reminder of the simple, selfless love animals give us and how easy it can be to overlook just how much they mean to our lives. Emilie creates such an endearing character that you can't help but root for her from beginning to end. It's a beautiful, compassionate show that balances humor, imagination, and emotion with grace. If you're a dog lover—or simply someone who enjoys theater with heart—this is absolutely a show worth seeing.... full review

DEAD MAN is not only one of the best shows of the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival—it may be my favorite show of the entire festival so far. This brilliant clown noir combines the visual language of classic film noir with fearless clowning, razor-sharp comedy, and unexpectedly moving storytelling. Imagine Dick Van Dyke meets The Naked Gun filtered through a theatrical clown lens, and you’ll begin to understand the show’s unique voice. The production constantly surprises, moving effortlessly from la... full review

Mark Vigeant: OUT THERE was one of the absolute standout productions of the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival and easily one of the funniest shows I’ve seen this year. It is a genuinely original, wildly entertaining, and expertly crafted production that blends immersive audience participation, live video technology, clowning, and storytelling into one cohesive experience. The show balances big laughs with surprising emotional depth, creating a character and story that feel both ridiculous and deeply... full review

Second Rodeo was one of my favorite productions of this year's Hollywood Fringe Festival and is absolutely one of the shows to beat. Every element of the production worked together seamlessly: the writing was smart and emotionally resonant, the performances were exceptional, the direction was confident and inventive, and the staging elevated the storytelling in exciting ways. More than anything, the show reminded me how powerful theater can be when talented artists trust one another and commit fu... full review

Doom Girls is the kind of original work that reminds me why I enjoy Hollywood Fringe. It celebrates creativity, collaboration, and artists having the freedom to build worlds that come directly from their imaginations. Directed and produced by Matt Morillo, the show is filled with enthusiasm and a clear love for storytelling. More than anything, I enjoyed watching a talented group of artists come together and fully commit to bringing this unique adventure to life. The cast's chemistry, musical tal... full review

To Make Your Existence Easier is a heartfelt and thought-provoking production that invites audiences to reflect on heritage, identity, and the courage it takes to embrace who we truly are. The themes are timely and universal, and I admired the vulnerability both performers brought to the stage.... full review

Cindy Is Right Now captures the spirit of Fringe beautifully: playful, experimental, and deeply human. It's a sincere meditation on life, connection, and making the most of the time we share with one another.... full review

Paris and Juliet is an inventive and entertaining solo show that gives an overlooked Shakespeare character his moment in the spotlight. Charlie Day has become one of Hollywood Fringe's most reliable returning artists, and his passion for finding fresh perspectives within classic stories shines through.... full review

Fucking Famous is a wildly entertaining, joyfully chaotic experience that celebrates creativity on its own terms. You'll have a blast, especially if you're willing to embrace the absurdity. Molly has built a style that's entirely her own, and it's exciting to watch her continue to evolve as an artist.... full review

I had a really good time with Alberta Alberta! Beyond its entertaining performances and intriguing premise, the show left me reflecting on the ways modern life affects our mental and emotional well-being. As conversations around AI continue to evolve, the play offers an accessible and compassionate look at the universal need to feel seen, valued, and less alone. It's an original Fringe piece that feels both relevant and human, and I found myself thinking about its ideas long after the performance... full review