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Experiencing Unique Performances At The Fringe Festival

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- There are a number of opportunities this week to see some unique performances at venues all over the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota Fringe Festival features a variety of acts from spoken word, to dance, to comedy.  The organization is funded largely by ticket sales, which pays for most of the production.

David Gains is performing 7 (x1) Samurai: An Epic Tale… told by an idiot. 

"(The audience is) like 'Oh my God, that guy's nuts!' It's like watching a cartoon, but it's a real live guy," said Gains who uses gestures and sound effects to move the story along.

The Minnesota Fringe Festival gives Gains and others the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd.

"We are the only place in town where our stages are open to anybody, regardless of your talent, regardless of your experience level, regardless of your connections," said Robin Jillette, the Executive Director of Minnesota Fringe.

The acts are randomly chosen to perform at venues around the Twin Cities.

"Fringe audiences have come back to see us year after year if we make it into the festival," said Live Action Set's Noah Bremer. "We have a bit of a following, so it's really helped us quite a bit."

In general, the festival opens up the stage to showcase talent that otherwise might not have the chance.

"(Fringe Fest) is an affordable way to get on stage," said Jillette. "The Fringe takes care of a tremendous amount of the infrastructure and the support systems."

Acts that bring in the most in ticket sales at each venue win an encore performance for Sunday.

7 (x1) Samurai is running Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at U of M Rarig Center Proscenium.

Fletcher and Zenobia Save the Circus (performed by Live Action Set), is be being performed Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. at Mill City Museum.

For more information on the Fringe Festival, click here.

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