The Triangle

Issue date: 3/11/11 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Attention new up and coming performing artists! Always wanted to direct and produce your own show or act in front of a crowd, but never had the chance? Well, here's your opportunity. Consisting of a broad array of performing artists, the 16-day Philly Fringe Festival will take place Sept. 2-17. The Fringe is an unfiltered festival that requires no selection process and welcomes all performing artists, ranging in all levels of experience and talent. In 2010, an impressive 186 Philly Fringe shows were self-produced by artists from throughout the region.

According to the Live Arts program, the Fringe welcomes dancers, actors, comedians, jugglers, poets, "Poe-sers," "Shakesploitations," zombie puppeteers, treasure map masterminds, human sculptures, sculpted humans, toilet bike riders, Shakespearean top gun pilots and every other artist bold enough to step up to the stage - whether that stage is a car, a yard or a neighborhood bar.

Each participant must submit a participation form and a non-refundable fee of $95 by April 1.. While candidates produce their own work, the Philly Fringe will aid in marketing and box office support. In addition, a New Artists Workshop will take place March 14 at 6 p.m. for those unsure of Festival procedures. On May 2 at 6 p.m., the Fringe will host a Marketing Workshop. For a fee of $125-$255, every Fringe artist gets a space in the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe guide to help market their show, and for a fee of $125 or $225, that space can include a 50-word description or a photo and description, respectively. Any questions in regards to the festival can be directed to Craig T. Peterson, director of the Live Arts Brewery and Philly Fringe. Peterson, a recent addition to the LAB, has 10 years experience in dance and performing arts.

Coinciding with the Philly Fringe is the Live Arts Festival, an internationally recognized presenter of performing arts. Live Arts Festival is a high quality showcase that focuses on both Philadelphia based and international performing artists created seven years ago with the goal of taking the Fringe Festival to the next level in terms of talent.

Applicants are chosen for the Live Arts Festival by staff members such as Peterson, who views the process as "less of an application and more of a selection process." Ultimately, the staff narrows their selections down to 15 to 20 shows, "ranging from very established artists to newer and edgier artists," Peterson said. Not only do the Live Arts Festival and the Philly Fringe Festival generate energy and enthusiasm over the performing arts every year in Philadelphia, but they also encourage local and international artists to produce and perform their own shows in public settings.

As inaugural director of Live Arts Brewery and Philly Fringe, Peterson ensures that he and his fellow staff's mission is to "provide guidance, create, curate, help with promotions and ultimately engage all performing artists." Aside from their prestigious reputation and willingness to help up-and-coming artists locally and internationally, the LAB staff has created a buzz about performing arts throughout the city of Philadelphia.

Furthermore, Peterson and the LAB staff work with participating artists placed in the residency program by holding lectures and workshops that ultimately, Peterson said, "polish and complete Philadelphian artists final productions." The lectures consist of discussions and thoughtful programming about performing arts.

For more information or to participate in the Philly Fringe, visit www.livearts-fringe.org.

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