June 23 Update

Hope everyone is having fun!

I managed to leave Fringe Central rather early tonight – we had a couple packed houses at Fringe Central and everyone seemed to be having a great time at the Fringe Central bar. Minus the gritty charm of our normal British Invasion hosts, the talented Mr. Abie Philbin Bowman stepped up to the microphone to MC the jam (this is the first one I have missed personally). At the suggestion of the Fringe staff, I opted to go home a get some rest rather early this evening. Of course, here I am at 2:30am still working, so there you have it.

Enough about me…let’s talk about Fringe.

A very important article was published today in LA Weekly: A full throated endorsement of the Fringe from LA Weekly theatre critic Steven Leigh Morris. This much welcomed validation of all the work we have all invested into this event is very welcome. Reading through his diary of a day in Fringe is a primer for those of us who have realized how to do it. You don’t just see one show – you bounce from show to show enjoying the adventure of hidden treasures around city corners.

One line in this wonderful article especially struck me: “The shows I saw started within two minutes of their announced curtain time, which, on Saturday alone, allowed me to see eight performances in 14 hours. Staff was courteous and efficient — for lack of a better word, professional.”

I believe he is not solely referring to the Fringe staffers here (though we certainly appreciate the compliment), he is referring to the professionalism of the Fringe community at large. Too often, Fringe acts are synonymous with amateurism – in our case, I think due party to the nature of our model and partly to your dedication and focus, we have achieved a level of professionalism that will one day be the envy of arts communities everywhere. The concept of anything starting on time in LA is mind blowing. Well done, everyone…each of you makes us all look good.

Read the full article here

We have several days left and one very important closing weekend. I am sure all of your are equal parts tired and exhilarated – this is not the time to go soft. Remember: Flyering is Fringing. Keep the houses full by hitting the streets and spreading the word. See each others shows and network, network, network. Many participants are finding success in flyering patrons as they come out of shows. Important word of warning: Ask permission from the venues before doing this, each has different policies. NEVER flyer patrons inside the house of a fellow participating show, this is obviously rude.

Several of you have grabbed me today to discuss awards. This is what I will say: Moving forward, there is a 95% chance the Fringe will never directly sponsor another award. It is our goal for next year to produce the awards event, provide the statuettes, and set the names/natures of the awards – but to allow other organizations to jury them. This may include the use of the electronic balloting system we are developing now which should be ready by week’s end. Take these awards with a grain of salt – it will be a good time, some deserving projects will walk away with statuettes, we are all winners. Give us a break this year and we will endeavor to improve the entire process in years to come.

Keep track of the adventures of Stacy and James in their daily correspondence interviews It’s good stuff and an interesting onramp into the world of Fringe.

Many of you have been asking how to add a review to your project. Minus new features in the website which we may not have time to implement properly, we suggest simply editing your project’s description to include relevant quotes from your reviews. It’s quick and easy and marginally less effective that a formal web framework (which will undoubtedly be present next year).

Speaking of next year, let me just tell you now: There will be a Hollywood Fringe 2011 (and 2012, 2013, 2014). Truth is, there was always a Fringe, it just so happens 2010 is our first festival.

I am sure there is more to discuss, but this post is already getting rather long. Get some rest and return to the Fringe tomorrow savoring every remaining moment.

Ben