This Soaring Solo blog focuses on festivals, two in particular, Joshua Tree Solo Theater Festival and Hollywood Fringe Festival.
“When you stand up and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal someone else.” -Iyanla Vanzant
One of the things I love most about the theater festival circuit is the wide range of audiences such events can reach. This allows you, as a solo artist, to share your story on a larger scale, which often goes beyond your own personal network of contacts.
That said, I’m dedicating today’s blog to exploring two upcoming theater festivals open to people around the world, and why you might consider attending these and other festivals in your theater career. solo.
Joshua Tree Solo Theater Festival
To get started, let’s take a look at the first-ever Joshua Tree Solo Theater Festival (JT Festival) taking place in the desert at the beautiful Joshua Tree Retreat Center from April 29 to May 1.
Co-produced by Yours Truly and accomplished theater producer Kevin Bone, this whirlwind weekend will be filled with solo theater workshops, solo script readings, stage performances of one-on-one shows, and various other experiences aimed at the solo performer.
While the festival will offer day passes for those wishing to attend all of the events, there are also a handful of VIP passes that include staying on campus at the Retreat Center for total immersion. (please note that VIP passes are extremely limited, so if you are interested in participating in this way, please contact the festival ASAP to inquire about availability).
Solo theater workshops will be led by accomplished solo artists who will guide participants through their unique areas of genius.
Some of the engaging educational experiences include Kamakshi Hart exploring how to infuse rites of passage into our writing, Lynne Jassem incorporating the art of mime (and pantomime) and how it can make or break the credibility of a solo artist’s performance. , Heather Dowling unpacking the technique of creating and portraying characters in a solo piece, and Kevin Neighbors combining the world of poetry in scripting a solo show. For the full list of workshops, click here.
The JT Festival will also feature open mic opportunities for anyone inspired to share a solo theater snippet, short “Best Of” and “Sneak Peak” performances curated by a host of talented artists, and readings of new work. ongoing such as as talented comedian Gabriella DeMarco with her second solo show, “The House Whisperer”.
There will also be Joshua Tree site-specific events, such as walking through the Rose Maze, enjoying exhibits in the Art Garden, or meditating in the Lotus Meditation Space.
All this to say that if you are looking to perform, be entertained and educate yourself in the art of solo theater, then the Joshua Tree Solo Festival is not to be missed. Be part of theater history for the very first year of this incredible festival. For more information, contact [email protected]
Hollywood Fringe Festival
Then we have the famous Hollywood Fringe Festival (HFF) which runs from June 9-26 and usually hosts hundreds of shows in the space of a month. HFF has been doing well for over a decade and is a staple in Los Angeles. Even a pandemic could not destroy this remarkable festival! I’ve conducted dozens and dozens of solo shows at this festival over the years and can’t help but sing its praises!
As the festival officially kicks off in June, many informative workshops and panels are already taking place in preparation for the 2022 race.
HFF also hosts social events such as “Office Hours” that create an online or in-person atmosphere where diverse artists and creative team members can network, promote, and create Fringeships.
Speaking of Fringesthat’s probably the best part of attending this particular festival… the sense of community.
Although Fringe is not solo specific, given that it also offers ensemble shows, it is very empowering for the solo artist in the sense that you won’t be going it alone. If you make an effort to connect with the Fringe community, your efforts will be rewarded and you’ll likely form lifelong friendships.
In addition to the benefits of the Hollywood Fringe, there is also the possibility of receiving accolades for your solo play. HFF offers a myriad of awards such as the Encore Producer Awards, Mainstage Freak Awards chosen by the HFF community, and Sponsored Awards that allow outside organizations to celebrate and elevate the compelling work each year at the festival.
Not only that, but you can have your solo show reviewed by audiences and professional critics alike, which will help you build a strong press kit for promotion and future performances.
So if you’re looking to take part in a well-established festival with the potential to build friendships, share your solo art, and gain career recognition, then HFF2022 might be for you! For more information on the Hollywood Fringe Festival, click here.
Finally, if these two festivals require you to participate in the festival circuit as a whole, I encourage you to think seriously about how producing your solo show within the framework of a festival can help you structure yourself and to support. needed as a solitary performer. And of course, you can always contact me here to discuss the possibility of bringing your show to a festival.
Well, solo artists, I sincerely hope that today’s blog about these two festivals has given you ideas and inspiration to continue your solo journey. It may not be easy, but it’s so worth it!
Jessica Lynn Johnson
Soaring Solo Blog
Founder and CEO of Soaring Solo LLC
[email protected]
www.SoaringSoloStudios.com
Take advantage of these solo theater resources to further guide you on your solo journey!
Connect and support the Soaring Solo community as we participate in the REVEALED virtual reading series this winter!
Award-winning director and developer, Jessica Lynn Johnson, hosts a series of powerful solo show script readings on a variety of impactful and inspiring topics.
This tantalizing range can be found by CLICKING HERE FOR MORE INFO.
Start writing your own solo show one Freewrite at a time with “FREEWrite Friday”!
Join Jessica Lynn Johnson, WINNER OF BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST, for FREEWrite Friday!
Using stimulating writing prompts, Jessica will guide you through writing exercises that are sure to help you in the development of your solo exhibition.
A solo piece is usually not written all at once. On the contrary, the Soaring Solo methodology teaches that creating an amrt solo is much like creating a mosaic…one beautiful piece at a time.
All that is required to attend this inspiring event is a willingness to explore, having a pen, paper or other means to capture your thoughts, the ability to access Zoom and registering on this page by as an official RSVP.
We look forward to seeing you join the Soaring Solo community at this event, because your story matters!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP and get the Zoom link and password.
Attend the FREE Soaring Solo ONLINE game development course!
No matter where you are in creating your solo exhibition, idea phase, curiosity phase, full written draft, festival and college market tour, TOP NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST and founder of Soaring Solo, Jessica Lynn Johnson, will meet you where you are at and take you to the next level! All that is required to attend is a willingness to explore, a pen and paper. No previous writing or performance experience is necessary, and it is not necessary to have written anything to bring to class. Each week, Jessica will walk you through exercises to help you generate and stage NEW material! So come and meet other creative people in a space conducive to expression and exploration! The class is ongoing so you can come in and out as you please as long as you respond by clicking here for this FREE SINGLE GAME CLASS.
Schedule an online coaching consultation with Jessica Lynn Johnson to discuss your solo exhibition possibilities!
Jessica brings her over 15 years of solo theater expertise to work privately with solo artists around the world as needed.
A 1 on 1 consultation is for you if…
-You are curious about creating a solo exhibition, but need writing prompts to help you generate material.
– You’re brainstorming ideas for your solo show, but you need accountability and encouragement to get those ideas on the page.
-You have already written material, but need expert input on editing, story structure, and game shaping.
-You have a great first draft, but need guidance on how to use multimedia and solo theater technique to make your show a dynamic piece of solo theater.
-You have already created your solo exhibition and now you want tips on how to visit colleges and festivals, and collect accolades and good reviews!
-You have heard good things about Jessica’s work and you are curious to hire her as director and developer for your solo exhibition, but you want to feel her first and see if she is the right person for you and your project.
Wherever you find yourself on your solo journey, Jessica will help you overcome any immediate obstacles that stand between you and your solo success.
If you resonate with many things on this list, take the next step by emailing [email protected] for more information.