Scranton Fringe - Mandy Pennington

Scranton Fringe has changed countless lives in our region (and well beyond) by creating safe, supportive, and creatively rich spaces for audiences and artists alike. This year, for NEPA Gives, you can support their ongoing work and be a part of something essential and important. 

A gift of any size is so appreciated! Thank you! ❤️

My Fringe Story

Over 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to join an organization that dreamed of doing something big. Back then, it was just an idea - a festival that could celebrate new works, give artists in our community a platform, and allow audiences to experience something they never had before. 

 In the decade that followed, I watched Scranton Fringe grow from a tiny seed, a collective of really passionate people to a thriving community arts organization that has done so much for northeastern Pennsylvania. Not only have they developed year-round programming, free arts opportunities for all ages, innovative storytelling opportunities, and continuing education, but they have provided a safe and supportive environment for artists and audiences alike to embrace the best things in life: the things that make us most human.

I started off as a volunteer and later, joined the cast and crew of many Fringe productions. I've worked box offices, made presentations, cleaned spaces after the crowd has left, and met countless people who understand the magic of live performance and how important it is. 

I've also had the opportunity to thrive as an artist under its wings. Fringe fostered my own work, giving me a stage for my first solo play, not just in Scranton but in New York as well. Fringe was the venue for the first play I ever wrote, too. And Fringe was the community that came out to support me, again and again, as I pursued my passions in writing and performing.

Most recently, Fringe has taken me across the Atlantic, to Ireland and soon, Scotland. There are times that I can hardly believe that what I get to do with Fringe is even real. But it is. And I'm not the only one who gets to experience it. We all do. 

I am proud to be a member of its board and a lifelong fan and champion. 

 I hope you'll join me in making a gift to such an incredible organization. It changed my life. I know it will change yours, too.