But over the years, I have seen some truly wonderufl and moving performances right in the heart of Phoenix by local and 'fringe circuit' artists.

Last year my podcast, Train Wreck in Progress, followed two local solo artists and their director on their road of Fringe preparation. This year I had the pleasure of interviewing several fringe artists and attending most of their shows. Fringe Festivals are tricky. It's similar to an amusement park- you have to pick your rides according to what you like, how long the lines will be and what your friends are interested in. And also like an amusement park, there is something for everyone and all the attractions in the Phoenix Fringe festival can be reached on foot!

I have recently been introduced to the storytelling community here in Phoenix. It's one of those things that I didn't know was missing because I've honestly never thought about it before. The storytellers I have met through the Fringe Festival and through the South Mountain Communnity College Storytelling Institute have been some of the more entertaining and passionate people I have met in a while. So what does this have to do with the Fringe Festival? Well, the storytellers are taking over! Laura Rutherford, Sule Greg Wilson and Harriet Cole all performed solo shows at this year's Fringe.   Laura presented the over arching story for 1001 Ariabian Knights along with some of the more.... um... graphic stories told by Sheharazade, Sule entertained us with 'Tales of Consentual Shenangins' and ended the evening by handing out sticky buns and condoms (no, not kidding), and Harriet Cole wove an inricate tapestry of Norse mythology, love, hate, and some seriously potent potions that lead to some nasty acts. Storytellers are not afraid to 'tell all' and I can't think of a better place for their tales than the Fringe Festival.

Listen in to the following TWiP interviews to learn more about the Fringe Festival, storytelling, and other performing arts experts from around the valley who also participated in this year's Fringe.

Laura Rutherford and Sule Greg Wilson

Harriet Cole

Chris Danowski (director of Theatre in my Basement)

Ignite Collaborative Arts (modern dance company)

Asphalt Arts and the Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development