is all about the

Punk Grandpa

Laura Scruggs

Volunteer Coordinator from the Chicago Fringe Festival 2013 and solo-performer from the fringe show 'Punk Grandpa'. Having been in touch through email and skype for nearly 6 months prior to the festival, I finally met her in August 2013.

"Lovely, warming and my fairy godmother."

How conincident and lucky to have her performing in my venue - the Picnic Stage. The story of herself and her Punk Grandpa taught me that we shouldn't be ashame of having fantasies and weird thoughts. Throughout the fringe period, we worked together and had so much fun in setting up and prepping events at Fringe Central. Colours, silly products, decor, fairies, tea parties, thrift shop... basically we talked about everything we share in commons.

This amazing woman had definitely brighten up my fringe memories.

Fringe love always x

Chicago Fringe Festival

"Pack a lunch" - The theme for 2013.

Seeing a fringe show is just as budget-able as grabbing a meal-deal, so why not?

And there we were, prepping for the fringe events at the pub in Jefferson Park.

Picnic Stage

So why was I at the Chicago Fringe? Yup, I was interning at a Stage Manager and Picnic Stage was the space that I was assisgned to. The magic about fringe is that, you basically turn nothing into a theatre. Old shop, church, stadium, anything. We even built our own benches and stage.

Though this was only the 3rd of Chincago Fringe, but I just love the vibes here. The team work like a family, people are more attached to each other, more cosy.

Punk Grandpa

Performed by Laura, she came up with this play in memorial of her grandpa. Her grandpa had always been the special one in the family, who encouraged her to do all the 'punk' stuffs.

How can you be a Punk Grandkid?

Only if you got a grandpa who grew punk 'hair' on your chest!

Fringe Babies

Thanks to the arrangement of Laura, I got to stay with one of the fringe staff - Adrienne's family. Arriving at th airport, Adrienne picked me up with her two lovely fringe babies - Charlie and Steward.

My everyday routine was: Cereal - playtime with Steward - Fringe work - Peppa Pig time with Charlie - Dinner. By the end of the week, we would have 'Pancake Sunday' in which daddy Darly would make pancake mixture with any food colourings. You could even have a rainbow pancake breakfast.

Living with this lovely fringe family was so happy and made me feels like being home. What could be any better than sharing a Chicago classic - Deep Fish Pizza with them? If I had to describe it, I would say it is a meaty-quiche with tomato sauce.

Awwwww. I miss them.

Fringe-terns

Basically a term made up by Laura to conclude the bunch of technical interns that were here to support the festival running. We worked, giggled and even talked about how to cook eggs in many differnt ways. And Ashleigh, my picnic-stage-partner in crime, we even came up with a hilarious dance move for our pre-show sound check. (p.s. and barefoot check for the stage)

↬ Ashleigh

↬ Prom Nights

- 180 hours in a month -

I could still recall how excited I were when I received the acceptance email from Laura to be a stage managment intern at the festival. Somehow going to Chicago have planted my path where I am right now - working abroad, my addiction in fringe and travelling.

Big shout out to Laura, Rachel and Adrienne's family for giving me numberless wonderful fringey memories.

...and OFC featuring

Thankyou

Chicago

MY TOP 3 Favourite Picks

Anchor 1

Architectural Kayak Tour

If you are posh enough, you could get on a cruise tour or private yacht. But really?

The history of the Chicago river shaped the urban development of the city. Discovering such kayak tour totally made my day, is definitely my cup of tea. Giving you more than 3 kinder wishes, nothing could be better than exploring the architectural history on a kayak.

1. Workout

2. Sunbathing

3. Kayak experience

4. Learn architectural history and style

5. Swim the Michigan Lake..........and more

Started off from the upper course, we paddled through the modern city, skyscrapers, various building style from Greek to Neo-Renaissance.

*no experience needed.

TMLMTBGB

"30 plays in 60 minutes every weekend"

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind - is the longest running show in Chicago. Created and performed by a small ensemble called the Neo Futurists.

With a mixture of sketches, monologue and performing arts, the play is not simply a performance, but a game for audience to dive in. You will be the boss who roll the dice and decide the running order.

No matter you are travelling alone or with a group of friends, this must be included in your weekend evening activity.

Thrilling, experimental and interactive ||

http://neofuturists.org/toomuchlight/

US$20 for advance tix, with a 'roll-back refund' at the door.

Summer Outdoor Movie

Apologize for being a cityy girl from Hong Kong, movie in the park has always been top of my wish list.

My suggested itin for spending a summer afternoon in Chicago would be:

- Cloud Gate (aka The Bean)

- Picnic

- Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Though Millennium Park is obviously smaller than Central Park, but seriously, watching Dreamgirls on a 40-foot LED screen was amazing.