YEP is Fringe’s second go-round of what we’ve lovingly dubbed a youth-driven Festival summer camp. What does that even mean? A paid learning opportunity for youth ages of 12 and up, YEP offers hands-on experiences specially curated for emerging Artists to get involved with Festival in a fabulous way!
“This is a program I always wished I had when I was a teen,” said YEP Coordinator Kijo Gatama. “I’m talking spray painting, building a cabaret, eating bannock…it’s an ‘all you baby, no adults chewing on your creative parade!’ party.”
Offering young folks the chance to be Artists, YEP invites youth backstage to learn about production, onto the streets to watch circus performances, into the director’s circle to learn from international touring Artists, and behind the Fringe scenes to learn how the magic is made.
“We’re backpacking through the Festival day collecting and sharing with one another,” continues Kijo. “We’re building an intentional practice that fosters learning and curiosity beyond the stage. My big, soulful gumbo pot dream for this program is for the young people involved to design the art they are excited to be in and see now!”
Did you know you can help support Fringe, and Fringe initiatives like the Youth Empowerment Program by making a charitable donation?