BEST OF FEST Bill A. Tonight we present five shows selected from among the 2019 Saturday "Best of Week" performances: four chosen by our panel and the fifth by audience vote.

Cowgirl Church, created by The Heartland Theatre Collective. Cowgirl Church is a pseudo-religious ceremony that uses rituals and audience interaction to celebrate women in Texas, from our friends and family to influential historical figures. The creative team includes Marian Kansas (Director), Nicole Oglesby (Writer/Performer), and Katy Matz (Performer), Franny Harold (Performer), and Alani Chock (Performer).

Please Stay, by Gloria C. Adams, Max Perry, and Teresa Johnson. Please Stay. Normal culture dictates that even on your worst day, when your brain has fallen out and you’re at the end of your hope, when someone asks, “How are you?” you must say, “Fine.” But through honesty, authenticity, and connection, three poets survive themselves by talking it out—if you can say it, you can survive it. We’re glad you’re here; Please Stay. Content Warning: this show discusses experiences of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and the struggle for survival. Directed by Gloria C. Adams, produced by Teresa Johnson.

The Knuckleball Now, by Mike D'Alonzo, Lee Eddy, Craig Kotfas, and Ace Manning. Fast-paced, improvisation using TKN's peak n' pop method of performance.

The Closet Scenes from Fumbling for the Knob, by James Dean Jay Byrd. A staged reading of two scripted chapters from the recently completed memoir Fumbling for the Knob, which looks at the author’s closeted upbringing in a Fundamentalist Christian household and his finding his way through depression to his unique place in the world as a queer artist. Performed by Jay Byrd and Kelli Bland.

Texas Gothic, by Janet Maykus and Tom Booker. Ma and Pa Gothic have lived deep in the heart of Texas all of their lives. They have seen a thing or two, learned a thing or two, and they would be pleased as punch to tell you a thing or two! Join the Gothics as they present Texas Gothic, a stoically hilarious show where the Gothics share their views on politics, gender equality, what makes a good neighbor, and how thy keep their romance alive.

PLEASE NOTE: This same bill of shows is also playing on Friday, February 15.

BEST OF FEST Bill B. Tonight we present five shows selected from among the 2019 Saturday "Best of Week" performances: four chosen by our panel and the fifth by audience vote.

Darling Is The Night, by Jack Darling (ScriptWorks Commission). A one-person autobiographical magic and storytelling piece written and performed by Jack Darling. This performance is an excerpt from a full-length piece in development. Produced by Christine Darling.

Soldier of the Cross, by Sally Seitz. If you are livin' for the Lord, won't you give a dollar? A one woman show conceived and created by Sally Seitz and Eliza Renner.

Jomo & The Possum Posse Present: Leave This Blank. We'll Fill It In Later, by Jes Clifford, Jomo Edwards, Chris Steakhouse and Brian Wolfe. The band brings its unique brand of comedy and music to the small stage. Well . . . to a different kind of small stage.

The Original Coven, by Jennine “DOC” Krueger, Tova Charles, Amber Wilson. Three black women come together to discuss issues in society ranging from love to mental health to police brutality. This is told through the lens of witches and magic. By evoking the true power of Black Girl Magic, they explore the dark and light parts of the same spirit that connects black women.

You’re Invited to Tuscan’s 4th Birthday Party!, written and performed by Lee Eddy. Hooray! Our sweet Tuscan turns 4 and we want to celebrate with you! There will be a bounce house, petting zoo, and pony rides, so get ready for some fun! And come hungry! We’ll have all of Tuscan’s favorite foods on hand! (And a margarita machine and tapas for parents only! LOL! ;))

No presents, please! Your presence is present enough!

We look forward to celebrating with you! Hooray for Tuscan!

Sincerely,

Tabitha, Rick, Tuscan, and Ryder


PLEASE NOTE: This same bill of shows is also playing on Saturday, February 16.

BEST OF FEST WILD CARD PERFORMANCE. Tonight we present staff picks from among the 2018 Short Fringe performances that were overlooked by the Best of Week judges. This bill plays ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Instructions for a Séance, written and performed by Katie Bender. Part DIY séance, part exploration of ambition and motherhood, Instructions for a Séance is one woman's imperfect attempt to contact Houdini from the beyond.

A Slippery Slope, by Bernadette Nason. Working at a Dubai hotel, Nason has countless responsibilities, including attending hotel social functions. She's introverted; these events terrify her. During one such obligatory party, she discovers that a gin and tonic steadies her nerves. A bottle of Beefeater Gin, a humid evening, a bougainvilliea-filled garden, and a pride of peacocks = cataclysmic disaster. Performed by Bernadette Nason, directed by Michael Stuart.

Never-Ending, by Robert Faires. The final monologue in a trilogy of FronteraFest entries about the struggles of an aging reporter who may also be a superhero.

The Gods of Disdainful Judgment, by Sandy Maranto. A monologue delivered from the perspective of a woman who's at odds with her daughter over what is and what isn't sexual assault but who also falls into an unexpected epiphany. Directed by Karina Dominguez and performed by Austin actress Cathie Sheridan.

Trolls, by Tristan Young Mercado. Millennial trolls prove their worth in a tradition-based culture.

BEST OF FEST Bill A. Tonight we present five shows selected from among the 2019 Saturday "Best of Week" performances: four chosen by our panel and the fifth by audience vote.

Cowgirl Church, created by The Heartland Theatre Collective. Cowgirl Church is a pseudo-religious ceremony that uses rituals and audience interaction to celebrate women in Texas, from our friends and family to influential historical figures. The creative team includes Marian Kansas (Director), Nicole Oglesby (Writer/Performer), and Katy Matz (Performer), Franny Harold (Performer), and Alani Chock (Performer).

Please Stay, by Gloria C. Adams, Max Perry, and Teresa Johnson. Please Stay. Normal culture dictates that even on your worst day, when your brain has fallen out and you’re at the end of your hope, when someone asks, “How are you?” you must say, “Fine.” But through honesty, authenticity, and connection, three poets survive themselves by talking it out—if you can say it, you can survive it. We’re glad you’re here; Please Stay. Content Warning: this show discusses experiences of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and the struggle for survival. Directed by Gloria C. Adams, produced by Teresa Johnson.

The Knuckleball Now, by Mike D'Alonzo, Lee Eddy, Craig Kotfas, and Ace Manning. Fast-paced, improvisation using TKN's peak n' pop method of performance.

The Closet Scenes from Fumbling for the Knob, by James Dean Jay Byrd. A staged reading of two scripted chapters from the recently completed memoir Fumbling for the Knob, which looks at the author’s closeted upbringing in a Fundamentalist Christian household and his finding his way through depression to his unique place in the world as a queer artist. Performed by Jay Byrd and Kelli Bland.

Texas Gothic, by Janet Maykus and Tom Booker. Ma and Pa Gothic have lived deep in the heart of Texas all of their lives. They have seen a thing or two, learned a thing or two, and they would be pleased as punch to tell you a thing or two! Join the Gothics as they present Texas Gothic, a stoically hilarious show where the Gothics share their views on politics, gender equality, what makes a good neighbor, and how thy keep their romance alive.

PLEASE NOTE: This same bill of shows is also playing on Tuesday, February 12.

BEST OF FEST Bill B. Tonight we present five shows selected from among the 2019 Saturday "Best of Week" performances: four chosen by our panel and the fifth by audience vote.

Darling Is The Night, by Jack Darling (ScriptWorks Commission). A one-person autobiographical magic and storytelling piece written and performed by Jack Darling. This performance is an excerpt from a full-length piece in development. Produced by Christine Darling.

Soldier of the Cross, by Sally Seitz. If you are livin' for the Lord, won't you give a dollar? A one woman show conceived and created by Sally Seitz and Eliza Renner.

Jomo & The Possum Posse Present: Leave This Blank. We'll Fill It In Later, by Jes Clifford, Jomo Edwards, Chris Steakhouse and Brian Wolfe. The band brings its unique brand of comedy and music to the small stage. Well . . . to a different kind of small stage.

The Original Coven, by Jennine “DOC” Krueger, Tova Charles, Amber Wilson. Three black women come together to discuss issues in society ranging from love to mental health to police brutality. This is told through the lens of witches and magic. By evoking the true power of Black Girl Magic, they explore the dark and light parts of the same spirit that connects black women.

You’re Invited to Tuscan’s 4th Birthday Party!, written and performed by Lee Eddy. Hooray! Our sweet Tuscan turns 4 and we want to celebrate with you! There will be a bounce house, petting zoo, and pony rides, so get ready for some fun! And come hungry! We’ll have all of Tuscan’s favorite foods on hand! (And a margarita machine and tapas for parents only! LOL! ;))

No presents, please! Your presence is present enough!

We look forward to celebrating with you! Hooray for Tuscan!

Sincerely,

Tabitha, Rick, Tuscan, and Ryder

PLEASE NOTE: This same bill of shows is also playing on Wednesday, February 13.