I got to the Fringe Green Lawn of Fabulousness early to secure a spot to sketch the Awards Ceremony. I decided to sit at a spot that had a view down the center aisle of the approach to the stage. I was the only artist sitting at a long picnic table. Behind me a group gathered at another table. An actress at this table invited me to lean in and join their group. I am glad I did because there were so many amazing conversations happening leading up to the ceremonies. It was wonderful just being on the lawn and watching the sun set.
The Awards Ceremony started firing up when there was a flash mob dance scene along with stilt walkers in front of the outdoor stage. The conversations at our table were so heated that many didn’t notice the dancing going on. I resisted the urge to sketch until it got darker out.
This is the last sketch I did at this year’s Fringe, however there are three other sketchbooks filled with Fringe sketches being held hostage by a printer in town. Some Fringe artists have ordered prints from their shows and so I am waiting for the printer to get those done in a week or two weeks’ time. I suspect I will have to go and pick up one of the sketchbooks today so I can continue posting Fringe sketches.
Whenever an award was announced the audience would go wild. Having seen and sketched so many shows this year, I felt so much more invested in the awards since I had seen most of the shows which were winners. I hooted an hollered as loud as anyone. A couple of people at my table covered their ears and slipped away early, but I rejoiced in the loud chaos. Such energy fuels a sloppy but energetic sketch.
Critics’ Choice Award Highlights
- Best Show: Then, Eve – A seriocomic monologue by Billie Jane exploring identity in the Garden of Eden.
- Outstanding Comedy Play: Dolley. F*king. Madison. by Michael Knight, focusing on American democratic ideals.
- Outstanding Original Script: Aradhana Tiwari for Byte, exploring AI and human relations.
- Outstanding Ensemble: Queer!, highlighting Latinx experiences through story, song, and movement.
- Outstanding Individual Performance (Comedy): Michael Knight.
- Outstanding Individual Performance: Alexander Mrazek in Once Upon a Traitor and Robin Olson in The Sting of Revenge: A Prequel of Sorts.
- Outstanding Individual Performance (Musical): Tymisha Harris for her roles in Bullock & the Bandits IV, Masquerade of the Red Death, and Josephine.
- The Beth Marshall Spirit of the Fringe Award: Renaissance Theatre Company.