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Berkshire Fringe Kicks Off Sixth SeasonBy Nichole Dupont
iBerkshires Staff
11:15AM / Thursday, July 29, 2010
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Photo by Jane Clark
Pi Clowns is a fun for all. Below, 'Monster' is a perfect example of physical theater. (photo by Andre Andreev) |
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — It takes a native to know what the natives want. Sara Katzoff, Peter Wise and Timothy Ryan Olson (all three Simon's Rock graduates) have, for the last six years, delivered what the community has asked for; namely everything.
In 2005, these South County natives (under their company Bazaar Productions founded in 2003) launched the first season of the Berkshire Fringe, a 21-day festival of theater, dance, music, art and film that found its strength in its uniqueness. Based in the Daniel Arts Center at Bard College at Simon's Rock, the Fringe was a humble affair at first, that is until everyone started to take notice.
"We've definitely grown from year to year," Katzoff said on Sunday. "The interest level from all parts of the community has been huge. We have great relationships with the local community and we wouldn't be able to do this without them."
In fact, it is the local community, specifically cultural leaders and business owners, that provided much of the goods for the Fringe's season kickoff gala, preSCRIPTED, held Monday at the Daniel Arts Center at Simon's Rock with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres provided by Mezze Catering. Performances were topped off by an open bar and dance party. This year's gala, according to Katzoff, was a major component to the Fringe's yearlong fundraising campaign.
"It's a mixed bag, that's what we're all about," she said. "We have the fundraisers in order to make Berkshire Fringe accessible, not only to audience members but also to the young artists who participate. For two weeks, we want them to be committed to the process of working on their craft without having to worry about their other job. The fundraiser underwrites the cost of the program for the participants as well as the free workshops and performances for the community."
 In addition to four free community artist workshops and free performances, there is a pick-your-own-price option on many of the shows, as well as :30 Live! a free biweekly music series hosting innovative bands from across the Northeast. No wonder, according to Katzoff, the interest level in the Fringe has "been huge" despite the financial hard times that have hit almost every nonprofit arts organization in the county. With an operational budget of only $60,000 for the season, Katzoff said creativity and a generous community have been essential to the success of the Fringe.
"Last year was really hard, but we got innovative," she said. "We started street marketing, people heard about us through word of mouth. We really rely on the community to help us, that's why we started the pick your own price tix. Last year we had someone give us 63 cents. Again, we want to make this accessible to everyone. And we want this to be a safe testing ground for new work for artists as well. It's a small festival; the audience helps to shape the future of the piece."
For more information or to view the Berkshire Fringe season schedule visit berkshirefringe.org.
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