Staff Spotlight: Fringe Food and Beverage Director - Abbie Wagoner

My name is Abbie and I’m your friendly, neighborhood Fringe Food & Beverage Director! I’m thrilled to be returning for my fourth year with the Hollywood Fringe Festival. When I first joined the ranks of the Fringe staff as a volunteer and Bar Manager in 2010, I never imagined that Fringe would be where it is today or that Ben would still have hair. Yet, here we are on the precipice of the 2013 festival and I’m hoping to make it the best year yet for Bryan’s Bar at Fringe Central.

What are your goals for this years’ festival?

My main goal remains the same every year: create a welcoming watering hole for Fringe-goers that pays for itself by the end of the festival. I’m also working on some new design and staffing ideas to streamline bar operations and improve our level of service.

What are your biggest challenges leading up to the festival?

Despite how popular and well-known the festival has become, wrangling in sponsors for the bar continues to be one of my biggest challenges. So this is the part where I shamelessly ask you, dear reader: “Do you know someone in the alcoholic beverage industry that wants to give us free things?” If you do, please email me at [email protected].

What is the best part of your job?

I am rarely able to get away from Fringe Central during the festival, so I don’t get much of an opportunity to see shows. But I still have the opportunity to interact with a diverse array of artists and witness all the amazing live entertainment Fringe Central has to offer. Hearing about everyone’s experiences and getting to know everyone gives me a unique perspective that I can use to improve the bar year after year. I also love yelling, “Last call!” It makes me feel important.

Who would win in a fight between Gedaly Guberek and Greg Crafts?

Tough call! Greg has the size advantage, but factoring in Gedaly’s completion of a certain 90-day fitness regimen, I’d say it’s anybody’s match.