STL Fringe Fest Artists

Rating | PG-13

In this solo theater piece at the intersection of standup, poetry slam, and cabaret, Bobby recalls a darkly comic incident from his childhood in a working-class Catholic neighborhood in the Bronx, involving a Cold War-themed breakfast cereal, an attack on a neighbor's dollhouse, and an underfed pet turtle named Doctor Smith. About me: I’m a two-time Emmy nominee (for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series) and a Folio-award-winning magazine editor. I regularly perform experimental solo theater pieces at NYC-area venues including Dixon Place, Emerging Artists Theatre, and Bad Theater Fest. I hold a Master of Music degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory, and made my show-business debut at the age of five on WOR-TV’s Romper Room. I’m represented (as a novelist) by Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

RATING | PG-13

In this solo theater piece at the intersection of standup, poetry slam, and cabaret, Bobby recalls a darkly comic incident from his childhood in a working-class Catholic neighborhood in the Bronx, involving a Cold War-themed breakfast cereal, an attack on a neighbor's dollhouse, and an underfed pet turtle named Doctor Smith. About me: I’m a two-time Emmy nominee (for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series) and a Folio-award-winning magazine editor. I regularly perform experimental solo theater pieces at NYC-area venues including Dixon Place, Emerging Artists Theatre, and Bad Theater Fest. I hold a Master of Music degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory, and made my show-business debut at the age of five on WOR-TV’s Romper Room. I’m represented (as a novelist) by Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

RATING | PG-13

RATING | PG-13

Critically-acclaimed comedian Jamie Campbell says most people assume he’s a dad since he’s oozing dad vibes, but he doesn't actually have any kids. In a show that is perfect for anyone who grew up in the 80s/90s, Campbell’s pop culture nostalgia, and humor-filled soul-searching will resonate with Gen-Xers and Millennials. During his performance, he details what it’s like to get married as you approach middle-age and realize you’re going to let the clock run out on the possibility of parenthood. It's a show about fatherhood from a guy who isn’t a father.

The show combines stand-up, storytelling, and a touch of musical comedy. Like a proud father, he discusses why he is impressed with the younger generation. He recalls the days when teachers were allowed to spank students, dishes on the time he took acid at Disney World, and reveals how to make women happy (hint: it’s pockets.)

Big Dad Energy was recently filmed as a stand-up special for an upcoming streaming release, and is in the midst of a national tour.

"As a Gen-X mother of two...Jamie Campbell's jokes hit dead center...goes toe-to-toe with the best comedians in the business!" - Natalie Shaw, Dallas Theatre Journal

“Tactically calculated jokes land with a precision that leaves you with a belly laugh long after the joke is over. Slick, polished, and professional, it sets the bar high.” - Luke Dodge, KC Fringe

"...a spiritual cousin to Mike Birbiglia's theatrical storytelling, with breakneck turns from laugh-a-minute stand-up to quiet reflections that absolutely take your breath away." - Chris Alonzo, Atlanta Fringe Festival

"Best of Fringe" - Kansas City Fringe Festival (2022)

"Best Comedy" - Tucson Fringe Festival (2023)

"Best Out-of-town Show" - Tucson Fringe Festival (2023)

About the Artist:

Jamie Campbell has spent the past fifteen years bringing laughter to audiences across the United States. His debut stand-up album, Tell Me You’re Proud of Me, debuted at #1 on the Amazon comedy charts. now, he is bringing his critically-acclaimed comedy show, Big Dad Energy, to cities throughout the nation. His tours and festival appearances have received rave reviews and garnered awards at venues across the U.S.

You may recognize Jamie from his appearances on NBC’s Chicago Fire, the Pop Network’s Hollywood Darlings, his recent super bowl ad alongside Kristin CHenoweth, or a series of music videos by hiphop legend Tech N9ne.

"Bombastic Genius" - Dan Telfer, Comedy Central

"...quick wit and inventive riffing..." - Teme Ring, ChicagoNow

"...laughs are plentiful along the way!" - Kevin Beane, TheatreJones

RATING | PG-13

Toni Finch on Feminism and Fighting Back A global citizen, a fierce feminist, an empathic storyteller and a relentless fundraiser, Toni Finch’s one-of-a-kind concert performance chronicles the women’s movement from suffrage to present day through the eyes of a millennial. Borrowing from classical and folk traditions, she weaves a story while singing the songs that inspired millions of women to use their voice and their vote. 

This show just might make you wanna: 

--Hug your grandma

--Run for office --Dust off your bell bottoms --Get Out the Vote

--Call your girlfriends --Tell your abortion story

--Write your own protest song --Vote like your life depends on it

You’ll hear 90s Country? Check. Vinyl Classics?? Check. Bulgarian folk tunes?? Check. Genre-defying songs that never surrender their sting? Check.

Toni is  Less puff. More presence. Less hope. More to-hell-with-them. Less ego. More enough already! 

Performing for the second time at Fringe Festival, and using her inside and outside voice to thrash the patriarchy, Toni will prove why dissent is patriotic and how optimism is still possible. 

RATING | PG-13

RATING | PG-13

In the completion of the second full trilogy of American Stage Sessions, the audience is taken deep into the mind of an iconoclastic enigma, a man’s man writer-warrior who gave no quarter in the battle of the sexes. From World War II to Vietnam, there wasn’t a war (or an aspect of toxic masculinity) that he didn’t embrace and champion. Many have called him a misogynist and a right-wing kook, and they’re right, but let’s not forget he also wrote some of the most awful sex descriptions ever published.

RATING | MATURE

Jean, a   non-binary children's book author and one-hit-wonder, is trying to craft   their next piece of work - but what was once a story about an androgynous puppy exploring fashion is now something much more...adult. Struggling   through their writer's block, they invite the audience to join them on an   insightful journey navigating family relationships and what it's like to feel different. 

This solo show runs approximately 50 minutes and contains mature themes and   language; however, the themes of love, authenticity, and belonging hit home for all age groups. There is a minimalistic set and few cues. Written and   performed by Ann Truka, JEAN is a fresh, new work looking for its next   audience.

RATING | ALL AGES

Speck   of Dust expresses the importance of unity. Throughout the choreographic   process the choreographer Graciela Newsam found harmony, balance, and strength can be achieved together -- the piece communicates the significance   of unity as a vessel for resilience, humanity, and kindness. Without unity, human existence is just a speck of dust that can be caught by the wind and   swept away -- together, we are strong.

RATING | ALL AGES

RATING | PG

An evening of original poetry and writings from Katie Banister

RATING | ALL AGES

RATING | PG-13

RATING | PG-13

RATING | ALL AGES

A   musical improvisational therapy performance where friends of Bradley will   challenge him to unpack his issues in real time using only his problems and   his songbook.

RATING | ALL AGES

Using   improvised music, movement, and text from poet Jake Sorge, Small Giants uses   its unique development process to create a live show that is playful and   deeply rooted in the moment of creation. The start of our work is   nonnarrative improvisation that is shaped into vignettes and moments that   wash over an audience. We are working in to generate true moment-to-moment   catharsis for an audience that can change on a dime and is always engaging   and sensory.

RATING | MATURE

Jean, a   non-binary children's book author and one-hit-wonder, is trying to craft   their next piece of work - but what was once a story about an androgynous puppy exploring fashion is now something much more...adult. Struggling   through their writer's block, they invite the audience to join them on an   insightful journey navigating family relationships and what it's like to feel different. 

This solo show runs approximately 50 minutes and contains mature themes and   language; however, the themes of love, authenticity, and belonging hit home for all age groups. There is a minimalistic set and few cues. Written and   performed by Ann Truka, JEAN is a fresh, new work looking for its next   audience.

RATING | ALL AGES

Speck   of Dust expresses the importance of unity. Throughout the choreographic   process the choreographer Graciela Newsam found harmony, balance, and strength can be achieved together -- the piece communicates the significance   of unity as a vessel for resilience, humanity, and kindness. Without unity, human existence is just a speck of dust that can be caught by the wind and   swept away -- together, we are strong.

RATING | PG-13

In this solo theater piece at the intersection of standup, poetry slam, and cabaret, Bobby recalls a darkly comic incident from his childhood in a working-class Catholic neighborhood in the Bronx, involving a Cold War-themed breakfast cereal, an attack on a neighbor's dollhouse, and an underfed pet turtle named Doctor Smith. About me: I’m a two-time Emmy nominee (for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series) and a Folio-award-winning magazine editor. I regularly perform experimental solo theater pieces at NYC-area venues including Dixon Place, Emerging Artists Theatre, and Bad Theater Fest. I hold a Master of Music degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory, and made my show-business debut at the age of five on WOR-TV’s Romper Room. I’m represented (as a novelist) by Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

RATING | R

Having endured the bullying of their recently deceased relative, Tabitha and Normal take charge of the family bed and breakfast known as the Grudge and Griddle.  As they juggle holding a wake along with greeting their new guests, can they bury their troubled family’s past along with their dead?

Written and performed by long-time Fringe Festival veterans Analicia Kocher and Panagiotis Papavlasopoulos.

RATING | ALL AGES

RATING | PG-13

If you ever felt a little gullible as a kid, you may feel better after you see what Nick Kelly went through.

Always Your Fool is a one man show featuring storytelling, improv, & audience participation. Experience the true stories of how one man’s parents planned & executed devious April Fool’s Day pranks for years of his childhood. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you may get a mischievous idea or two. Were they evil, or just funny? It’s up to you.

Critics say,

“Make sure you use a good picture of me,”-Nick’s Mom

“Okay stop talking now, I’m trying to watch Youtube.”- Nick’s kid

“Well you did a pretty good job with that toast at your friend’s wedding, so I think you’ll do okay.”- Nick’s wife

RATING | PG-13

RATING | R

This production deals with heavy issues facing many teens. This includes language, suicide, drug use, teen pregnancy, and sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.

This exhilarating contemporary rock musical follows a group of high school students at a Catholic boarding school as they face issues of sexuality, personal identity, and the impact on the future. Peter and Jason are in love in a secret relationship. Jason fears losing his popularity and status if he is discovered to be gay. The polar opposite reject, Nadia, Jason’s sister, is jealous and bitter toward Ivy, the class beauty queen with a reputation for many lovers. As the group rehearses a school production of Romeo and Juliet, tensions rise and they struggle to come to terms with who they are and who the world thinks they should be. They seek answers and grapple with responses from their church, their friends, and ultimately, from within themselves. bare’s rich, vibrant, sung-through pop score draw on many styles of contemporary music, with deeply resonating lyrics and powerful rock melodies. It inspires a fresh and vulnerable look at the experience of digging deep into your soul, choosing your path, and taking the fallout in stride toward becoming a truer version of yourself.

RATING | R

RATING | PG-13

My   project is a one-woman show exploring the different, yet merging and   inseparable aspects of performing identity. Because of the intersecting   nature of identity, my performance will attempt to encapsulate the issues   that I, personally, am continually questioning, including gender, emotional,   romantic, and physical expression.

The basic structure of my performance will consist of four acts, each act   beginning with a different character reading from their diary. These   characters are personal to me, in that I see them as representing both the   most incredible aspects of my identity, and the most fatal of my flaws.   Jef’son opens the show as the overindulgent yet thoughtful frat bro. Brandi   is an East Londoner representing obsessive and delusional love. The third act   is a clowning performance symbolizing escapism and repression. The final   act’s character is me, Zoë Rose, as I read from my own diary entries spanning   age 8 to present day, interspersed with some anonymous prompt responses I   have received from previous renditions of this show. 

Even though these characters are so personal to me, my goal is for them to   have a relatability to different aspects of individuals in general; the   masculine and the feminine, the hilarious and the tragic, the romantic and   the heartbroken. This piece will ask the unsettling question of how these   pieces of each person can exist simultaneously, and if they can, how we can   actively and fully participate in the experience of our own identities.   

"Zoë Rose Spills Her Guts" is an immersive, participatory   theatrical experience. Each character poses a different question to the   audience, "When was the last time you overindulged to the point of self   destruction?", "When was the last time you let an obsession consume   you?", "When was the last time you laughed when you should have   cried?", "When was the last time you let yourself be   vulnerable?". After my performance I will ask audience members to respond   to these questions in the form of sho

RATING | ALL AGES

Several years ago, a record album called HOW TO DO SIDESHOW FOR FUN & PROFIT was discovered in a used record store. It was given to the sideshow company, FreakShow Deluxe, who spent considerable time researching and tracking the LPs origins, before creating a show based around it. With the assistance of individual audience volunteers, a box full of props, and following the instructions of this "how-to" LP, this show is going to do things no other show does. Are you brave enough to stick with it?  WARNING: As the show continues, the stunts get more and more risky to everyone involved as the fun increases exponentially. 

"The danger is real - and so is the laughter!" - NOLA.com

RATING | ALL AGES

A   musical improvisational therapy performance where friends of Bradley will   challenge him to unpack his issues in real time using only his problems and   his songbook.

RATING | PG-13

VESTALS chronicles the final days of the Vestal Virgins in ancient Rome. When the Roman Consul decides to discard the women and the temple they have worked their entire lives to uphold, the women of faith are forced to confront the limits of their power in a deeply patriarchal world. Will the priestesses let the haunting past and stilted traditions define them, or will they evolve to find liberation and finally choose their own destinies?  With a cast of five women of diverse ages, VESTALS explores themes of power, justice, womanhood, redemption, and freedom.

This 90 minute play will be presented as a staged reading.

RATING | ALL AGES

Dreamscape   questions where our mind, body and soul go when we are asleep. Why do we   dream in the first place? What happens when we dream? Some say our dreams are   a way to release the stresses of our day. Some say what we experience is   real, just in a parallel universe. Most say dreaming serves no purpose at   all. The ultimate question remains, do our dreams matter, and how do they   shape who we are in our everyday lives?

RATING | PG-13

VESTALS chronicles the final days of the Vestal Virgins in ancient Rome. When the Roman Consul decides to discard the women and the temple they have worked their entire lives to uphold, the women of faith are forced to confront the limits of their power in a deeply patriarchal world. Will the priestesses let the haunting past and stilted traditions define them, or will they evolve to find liberation and finally choose their own destinies?  With a cast of five women of diverse ages, VESTALS explores themes of power, justice, womanhood, redemption, and freedom.

This 90 minute play will be presented as a staged reading.

RATING | ALL AGES

Speck   of Dust expresses the importance of unity. Throughout the choreographic   process the choreographer Graciela Newsam found harmony, balance, and strength can be achieved together -- the piece communicates the significance   of unity as a vessel for resilience, humanity, and kindness. Without unity, human existence is just a speck of dust that can be caught by the wind and   swept away -- together, we are strong.

RATING | MATURE

Jean, a   non-binary children's book author and one-hit-wonder, is trying to craft   their next piece of work - but what was once a story about an androgynous puppy exploring fashion is now something much more...adult. Struggling   through their writer's block, they invite the audience to join them on an   insightful journey navigating family relationships and what it's like to feel different. 

This solo show runs approximately 50 minutes and contains mature themes and   language; however, the themes of love, authenticity, and belonging hit home for all age groups. There is a minimalistic set and few cues. Written and   performed by Ann Truka, JEAN is a fresh, new work looking for its next   audience.

RATING | PG-13

RATING | PG-13

RATING | R

Having endured the bullying of their recently deceased relative, Tabitha and Normal take charge of the family bed and breakfast known as the Grudge and Griddle.  As they juggle holding a wake along with greeting their new guests, can they bury their troubled family’s past along with their dead?

Written and performed by long-time Fringe Festival veterans Analicia Kocher and Panagiotis Papavlasopoulos.

RATING | R

This production deals with heavy issues facing many teens. This includes language, suicide, drug use, teen pregnancy, and sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.

This exhilarating contemporary rock musical follows a group of high school students at a Catholic boarding school as they face issues of sexuality, personal identity, and the impact on the future. Peter and Jason are in love in a secret relationship. Jason fears losing his popularity and status if he is discovered to be gay. The polar opposite reject, Nadia, Jason’s sister, is jealous and bitter toward Ivy, the class beauty queen with a reputation for many lovers. As the group rehearses a school production of Romeo and Juliet, tensions rise and they struggle to come to terms with who they are and who the world thinks they should be. They seek answers and grapple with responses from their church, their friends, and ultimately, from within themselves. bare’s rich, vibrant, sung-through pop score draw on many styles of contemporary music, with deeply resonating lyrics and powerful rock melodies. It inspires a fresh and vulnerable look at the experience of digging deep into your soul, choosing your path, and taking the fallout in stride toward becoming a truer version of yourself.

RATING | ALL AGES

[The   Bellydancer Monologues] is a one-of-a-kind show featuring professional   bellydancers of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Each dancer will present a   dazzling solo performance along with her personal story of how dance has   healed her relationship with her body mind and spirit. This show will leave   you feeling inspired, entertained, and empowered. Come see (and hear about)   the beauty of dance in all its forms. 

[The Bellydancer Monologues] is more than just a show- it's a celebration   of life, body positivity, self-expression, and the power of dance.

Presented by Dance Hipnotique

RATING | PG-13

My   project is a one-woman show exploring the different, yet merging and   inseparable aspects of performing identity. Because of the intersecting   nature of identity, my performance will attempt to encapsulate the issues   that I, personally, am continually questioning, including gender, emotional,   romantic, and physical expression.

The basic structure of my performance will consist of four acts, each act   beginning with a different character reading from their diary. These   characters are personal to me, in that I see them as representing both the   most incredible aspects of my identity, and the most fatal of my flaws.   Jef’son opens the show as the overindulgent yet thoughtful frat bro. Brandi   is an East Londoner representing obsessive and delusional love. The third act   is a clowning performance symbolizing escapism and repression. The final   act’s character is me, Zoë Rose, as I read from my own diary entries spanning   age 8 to present day, interspersed with some anonymous prompt responses I   have received from previous renditions of this show. 

Even though these characters are so personal to me, my goal is for them to   have a relatability to different aspects of individuals in general; the   masculine and the feminine, the hilarious and the tragic, the romantic and   the heartbroken. This piece will ask the unsettling question of how these   pieces of each person can exist simultaneously, and if they can, how we can   actively and fully participate in the experience of our own identities.   

"Zoë Rose Spills Her Guts" is an immersive, participatory   theatrical experience. Each character poses a different question to the   audience, "When was the last time you overindulged to the point of self   destruction?", "When was the last time you let an obsession consume   you?", "When was the last time you laughed when you should have   cried?", "When was the last time you let yourself be   vulnerable?". After my performance I will ask audience members to respond   to these questions in the form of sho

RATING | PG-13

If you ever felt a little gullible as a kid, you may feel better after you see what Nick Kelly went through.

Always Your Fool is a one man show featuring storytelling, improv, & audience participation. Experience the true stories of how one man’s parents planned & executed devious April Fool’s Day pranks for years of his childhood. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you may get a mischievous idea or two. Were they evil, or just funny? It’s up to you.

Critics say,

“Make sure you use a good picture of me,”-Nick’s Mom

“Okay stop talking now, I’m trying to watch Youtube.”- Nick’s kid

“Well you did a pretty good job with that toast at your friend’s wedding, so I think you’ll do okay.”- Nick’s wife

RATING | PG-13

It's a straightforward 15min piece superficially about transitioning on and off stage, but hopefully contains a bit of a relatable comic subtext with a focus on movement. Want a short and sweet performance about that strange, uncomfortable and unavoidable space between here and there? And a little dance too? Then this is the show you wanna watch.

RATING | PG-13

In this solo theater piece at the intersection of standup, poetry slam, and cabaret, Bobby recalls a darkly comic incident from his childhood in a working-class Catholic neighborhood in the Bronx, involving a Cold War-themed breakfast cereal, an attack on a neighbor's dollhouse, and an underfed pet turtle named Doctor Smith. About me: I’m a two-time Emmy nominee (for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series) and a Folio-award-winning magazine editor. I regularly perform experimental solo theater pieces at NYC-area venues including Dixon Place, Emerging Artists Theatre, and Bad Theater Fest. I hold a Master of Music degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory, and made my show-business debut at the age of five on WOR-TV’s Romper Room. I’m represented (as a novelist) by Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

RATING | R

RATING | ALL AGES

A   musical improvisational therapy performance where friends of Bradley will   challenge him to unpack his issues in real time using only his problems and   his songbook.

RATING | R

This production deals with heavy issues facing many teens. This includes language, suicide, drug use, teen pregnancy, and sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.

This exhilarating contemporary rock musical follows a group of high school students at a Catholic boarding school as they face issues of sexuality, personal identity, and the impact on the future. Peter and Jason are in love in a secret relationship. Jason fears losing his popularity and status if he is discovered to be gay. The polar opposite reject, Nadia, Jason’s sister, is jealous and bitter toward Ivy, the class beauty queen with a reputation for many lovers. As the group rehearses a school production of Romeo and Juliet, tensions rise and they struggle to come to terms with who they are and who the world thinks they should be. They seek answers and grapple with responses from their church, their friends, and ultimately, from within themselves. bare’s rich, vibrant, sung-through pop score draw on many styles of contemporary music, with deeply resonating lyrics and powerful rock melodies. It inspires a fresh and vulnerable look at the experience of digging deep into your soul, choosing your path, and taking the fallout in stride toward becoming a truer version of yourself.

RATING | PG-13

As a   black woman writer and actor, I’m interested in works that combine acting and   original writing to explore human trauma and the journey to resilience. I take pleasure in creating a safe space   to ignite change in the human heart. My desire to write Sweet Potato Pie is   an ode to my grandmother that passed away in March of 2017. She was one of   the few people that championed me to be who I am today. This play has been a   passion project that I have wrestled with for many years. Sweet Potato Pie is   a one person show about a woman being reintroduced with her inner-self once   the death of her grandmother stifled the creative inside her. While working   through the ebb and flow of grief, her inner self reminds her of who she used   to be and the path ahead. This will be a play that explores grief, healing,   and a celebration of creatives.     The story structure of Sweet Potato Pie will be told through poetry,   movement, monologues, singing, dancing, characterization, gestures, and more.   In hopes to capture the true essence of the main character. We will follow as   the “creative self” leads the main character into a series of memories   associated with her grandmother. Laced with humor and a beautiful bond, the   audience will see why it's so important for her to find herself again. I hope   that through the creative storytelling of writing this one-person play that   it inspires those that have walked through grief and finding themselves again   to be motivated to take a step towards healing.

RATING | ALL AGES

Using   improvised music, movement, and text from poet Jake Sorge, Small Giants uses   its unique development process to create a live show that is playful and   deeply rooted in the moment of creation. The start of our work is   nonnarrative improvisation that is shaped into vignettes and moments that   wash over an audience. We are working in to generate true moment-to-moment   catharsis for an audience that can change on a dime and is always engaging   and sensory.

RATING | R

RATING | 17+

Eric Keeney singer/songwriter - The Wheel No. 1101 - performs original music on acoustic guitar finger style inspired by stories of life and land in southern Missouri.

RATING | MATURE

Bawdy   Positivity is a burlesque revue co-produced by St. Louis-based performers Chi   Chi Buxuom and Dizzy Tunt. Chi Chi and Dizzy truly believe that burlesque is   for every body, and this show, specifically curated for the STLFringe   Festival, is a celebration of self love and reclaiming our joy in being fat,   large-bodied, plus-size performers.