[July 10, 2024]
Julie Kiraly (she/her) works with Fringe’s executive staff and client relations. She does a little bit of everything but mostly works in the finance department.
Julie is a performer, dancer, and producer based in amiskwaciwâskahikan/Edmonton. A graduate of the University of Alberta’s Drama Program, she is the co-founder and CEO of Hit That Jive Productions and creator of the Play the Fool Festival. Julie specializes in Lindy Hop and other Jazz-era dances and has been a performer, choreographer, teacher, and competitor, locally and abroad since 2003. Her competition wins include events in Montreal, Ottawa, Seattle, Vancouver, and Edinburgh. Julie has produced many events over the last decade, including the inaugural Edmonton Clown Festival (now Play the Fool), workshops, dance camps, and special events.
When did you start Fringing?
The earliest Fringe I can remember was FrankenFringe (1994), though I must have fringed before that. My dad used to have a t-shirt from Born to Fringe (1989), so that might have been my first!
How would you describe your job at Fringe?
Most of my time is spent in the finance department, but I also work for Edmonton Fringe’s executive staff and client relations team on many different tasks and projects.
What most excites you about your role with Fringe?
Festival has some of the most creative folks in the arts industry, and it’s such a joy to work with them! My team is amazing!
If you could invite anyone, living or dead, to Fringe with you, who would that be and why?
My brother! We’ve fringed together many times when we were kids. He now lives in BC, so it’s always a treat when he comes up to visit. We still find time to fringe sometimes!
What is something you are learning right now?
I’m learning West Coast Swing right now, which is a partnered, improvised dance. I’ve really been enjoying it.
What is an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
I’m proud of the work that I’ve done in the local clown-theatre community with the Play the Fool Festival. Producing it and its sister festival, Play the Fool Film Festival, has brought me a lot of laughter and joy over the years!
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Dancing (partnered and solo swing-era dances), cats, traveling, sci-fi and fantasy films/series, drawing, baking, and Star Wars.
If joy became a national currency, what kind of work would make you wealthy?
I would love to play a character (or multiple characters) in an immersive Star Wars experience! Something like a very high-tech Live Action Role Play (LARP) with the budget of Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland.
FIND YOUR FRINGE:
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
August 15 – 25, 2024
Festival Guides On Sale: July 31, 2024
Tickets On Sale: August 7, 2024
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