What the Fringe?!

What happens when a language barrier becomes one of your greatest strengths? Andrea Barello was born and raised in Italy, but now calls Los Angeles his home when he is not traveling the world clowning around. Andrea and Lauren talk about authenticity, the healing power of art, and WTF happened when vulnerability led to the most beautiful audience interaction.

Keep up with Andrea on

IG: @algobaruch

FB: @aldo.baruch

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

This week we hang out with Levani, a fearless multidisciplinary artist from San Diego, whose theatre blends satire, spectacle, and social critique. From interactive shows about grief and corporate greed to sharp spoofs on online masculinity, Levani’s work shows how fringe artists are driving some of the most urgent conversations in performance today. And we uncover WTF is so special about that Nikki Kid movie theatre commercial.

Keep up with Levani: IG: @levani.k.o & FB: levanikorgana

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Remember when you used to play with dolls or soldiers, because play was something that helped you learn about the world you lived in? Why do we lose that skill as adults? Maybe we just need someone to tell us it’s OK. This week’s guest, Soleil Kohl, is a Denver based clown who has a background in early childhood education. She shares about her solo shows, and WTF it is so important to reclaim our playful spirits.

Learn more about Soleil at https://www.soleilkohl.com/

Keep up with her on IG @soleil.onstage@dragonfishshow and @dontkilldaisy

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Mark Vigeant is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning comedian whose most recent solo play, The Best Man Show, was one of the best-reviewed shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2025. Mark and Lauren talk shop about creating solo shows with audience participation, the beauty of male vulnerability, his new show Out There, and WTF he didn’t do to get a special on Dropout TV.

Find Mark at: https://markvigeantcomedy.com/

Keep up with Mark: IG: @mark_vigeant  TikTok: @markvigeant

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.comYouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

While fringe may give off vibes that it’s anything but mainstream, there is an entire network of people helping fringe festivals become the best they can be. Holly Payton-Lombardo, Managing Director of World Fringe, gives us a peek behind the curtain of those working to make festivals great. She knows all the people, connects all the people, and absolutely loves artist people! If you don’t know Holly, WTF are you waiting for?! Find her at your next festival, and I am sure she will connect you with someone incredible.  

Learn more about World Fringe: www.worldfringe.com

Keep up with them on IG, FB, and TikTok @worldfringe

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Every voice deserves a platform, and Alex Howarth is out here making sure that actually happens. Whether he is devising a show with a person with disabilities, bringing a beautiful script to life, or sharing an important piece of theatre on the floor of the UN, he is a champion for all, giving underrepresented voices a space to tell their stories. WTF Alex, why are you so amazing?!

Learn more about Patch of Blue at www.patchofblue.org

Keep up with them on: IG: @patchofbluetheatreFB: PoBTheatre

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Two words describe our guest, Charlaina Thompson: Passion and Joy! Charlaina is the creator and director of DUST, which is the story of one man’s unforgettable journey, examining generational trauma, resilience, and survival and based on the true story of the Lofthouse collierty coal mining disaster. Charlaina and Lauren also discuss the beauty of theater and WTF live theatre is an amazing place to experience real human connection.

Keep up with Yellow Brick Theatre:  

www.yellowbricktheatre.com

IG: @yellowbricktheatrecompany

TikTok: @yellowbricktheatre

 And keep with Charlaina on FB: charlainathompson

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Clowning and storytelling have a way of sneaking past our defenses, and Yoz Mensch knows exactly how to use that to their advantage. In this episode, we talk about finding your artistic voice, building solo work at the Fringe, and telling queer stories that don’t rely on a big coming-out moment. But really, my biggest question is: WTF kind of conditioner do you use? Yoz, your hair is amazing.

Learn more about Yoz: https://linktr.ee/cackling_jackal

Follow Yoz on IG, TikTok: @Yozihaha

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Our first-ever ventriloquist, David Salter, joins the podcast to talk Shari Lewis, Green Apples, Cats, and why ventriloquism absolutely belongs on fringe stages. In 2025, David’s solo fringe hit An Evening with Dame Granny Smith won Best Variety Show at the Adelaide Fringe and played to sold-out houses at the Edinburgh Fringe.

And WTF?! This is not a kids show. This delightful apple is here to invite adults to wonder, laugh, and feel, proving fringe theatre is at its best when it’s weird, bold, and unexpectedly moving.

Keep up with David on Instagram: @davidjohnsalter

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things

Casey Jay Andrews is a multi-disciplinary fringe theatre artist willing to take huge risks for the sake of the art. This week, we talk about last-minute creative choices, finding inspiration everywhere, and why making the work you love is at the heart of Fringe theatre and independent performance. From visual storytelling to intimate solo shows, this conversation is about curiosity, emotion, and connection. Plus, we learn WTF is so incredible about crying in a dark theatre.

Learn more about Casey Jay: www.caseyjayandrews.com

Keep up with Casey Jay on Instagram: @caseyjayandrews.art

Find What the Fringe?!

IG: @whatthefringe_productions

Online: ⁠www.whatthefringeproductions.com ⁠

YouTube: What the Fringe

Editor: Renowned Media

Music: Orchestra of Sound

Logo: Ruby Makes Things