Members of Transforum Theatre, a student organization
in Kent State University's School of Theatre and Dance,
will perform an original work at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe in Scotland from Aug. 18-23.

Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance announces that members of Transforum Theatre, a student organization dedicated to helping students pursue their passions and explore their creativity through art, has been invited to perform an original work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from Aug. 18-23. Eight Kent State students, one recent graduate and faculty advisor Amy Fritsche will travel to Scotland to present “A Collection of Grimm’s Fairy Tales” for an international audience. Written and directed by Transforum Theatre president and founder Daniel Ebert, the work combines and expands upon some of the most memorable stories written by the Brothers Grimm.

Participation in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an honor and an exciting opportunity for all involved, allowing students to hone their craft, gain practical experience and represent Kent State. Ebert, writer and director, is thrilled to “head a student-run grassroots effort to create what is essentially a small theatre company producing original work on an international stage.” In founding Transforum Theatre and participating in Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Ebert wanted to maximize his and fellow classmates’ learning experiences in preparation for future careers. Ebert describes the upcoming trip as a “stressful, but phenomenal once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The fairy tales written and published by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century inspired Ebert’s production. In producing the work, Transforum Theatre sought to revive the timeless and universal themes of the stories for modern audiences. “A Collection of Grimm’s Fairy Tales” uses a variety of theatrical muses, such as enhanced storytelling and shadow puppetry to give life to the classic tales.

In an additional effort to defray the estimated $27,000 cost of taking their production to Scotland, Transforum Theatre launched a Kickstarter campaign, an online fundraising tool that helps fund creative projects, with the hope of raising $10,000. The group ended up exceeding their goal, raising $12,000.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, and every year, thousands of performers converge on Scotland’s capital city to celebrate arts and entertainments of all genres. For more information about the festival, visit www.edfringe.com.

For more information about Kent State's School of Theatre and Dance, visit www.theatre.kent.edu.