Smile and Nod Goes to Fringe! (November 2019)

We need your help to represent Cal Poly on an international scale at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer. The Fringe Festival is "the world's greatest platform for creative freedom," priding itself on including, "anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them." As the largest art festival in the world, The Fringe Festival is a hub for a wide variety of performances; such artistic diversity and ingenuity offers an excellent educational opportunity for growth both as global citizens and as improvisers. Not only does The Fringe Festival provide the space to embrace unfamiliar forms of artistic expression but Smile and Nod's own rigorous performance schedule offers an unparalleled opportunity to not just hone our craft, but to expose team members to industry professionals and innovators. The ability to meet and learn from other performers as well as to consistently practice our skills both expands our network and fosters a more inventive team that is able to elevate the quality and ingenuity of our performances.

Smile and Nod's biannual trip to The Fringe has been a team tradition since 2012, however this year Smile & Nod has encountered financial difficulties and is struggling to meet the economic needs such an incredible opportunity requires. The money we raise during this fundraiser will go entirely towards supporting students’ experiences in Scotland, funding first and foremost team housing, festival fees, and one team meal a day. Team members cover any additional personal expenses, but to ensure that all of team can participate in this invaluable experience we need your help! Any donation towards our venture to travel beyond preconceived artistic boundaries is greatly appreciated. Please help us on our journey to grow as artists, network as professionals, and learn as global citizens!