Fringe Offers 'Fresh-ly Sliced' Performances

Westmont students present new works for theater, dance and performance art at “Westmont Fringe 2012: Fresh-ly Sliced,” which is modeled on fringe festivals throughout the world, April 19-21 from 6:30-10:30 p.m., beginning at Porter Theatre. A $10 general admission wristband, good for all three days of the festival, may be purchased at the box office or through Beth Whitcomb at (805) 565-7040.

This year’s fringe, billed as four hours of intense artistic stimulation, features more than 80 students performing at five different venues around campus, including a new black-box theater. “There are dance pieces, 10-minute plays, devised theater, design installation projects, live musicians and art walks all showcasing original student works,” says sophomore Paige Tautz, one of five student-producers. “Through the fusion of visual and performing arts, “Fresh-ly Sliced” is a full festival experience that will engulf audiences in a wide range of vivid performances.”

Students in Lila Rose Kaplan’s playwriting course have written nine, 10-minute plays that will be performed at the fringe. “These plays, acted and directed by students, range in styles from laugh out loud comedy to social commentary,” says Tautz, who acts in sophomore Ben Offringa’s play “The Voters” and directs senior Stephanie Farnum’s play “Nuts.”

Another distinct aspect of this year’s Fringe Festival are the routes specifically outlined for audience members. “Each of the three routes, lead by friendly tour guides, have a mixture of theatre, dance, art and music.” Tautz says. “Audiences will be whisked from venue to venue absorbing vibrant back-to-back performances.”