SparkFest
SparkFest
This summer, the annual performing arts festival SparkFest returns to the Near Southside for the third time – and it’s bigger than ever! SparkFest 2023 will introduce a Texas-wide “Van Cliburn Festival” style acting competition with $18,000 in cash prizes for the finalists. The competition will be limited to MENASA actors and artists.
“For years I’ve dreamed of hosting an acting competition that would not only reward actors for their years of training and experience but that would also allow audiences to see the brightest Texas talent. There is a perceived absence of MENASA talent in the area, and this further limits the opportunities available to them. By showcasing them, we hope to introduce artistic leaders to more actors and thus encourage all of us to include their stories in our seasons.” -Kathleen Culebro, Amphibian Stage Artistic Director
The remainder of the festival will focus on the development and showcasing of new plays, supplemented by other engaging events. In 2021 and 2022 SparkFest included Light up the Runway (a Project Runway-style fashion show), a puppetry workshop, a comedy workshop for beginners workshop, stand-up comedy performances, and much more. Details on the acting competition and festival lineup will be announced in early 2023.
Cast & Creatives
2023
“The Craft and Art of Comedy Writing” Panel
“The Craft and Art of Comedy Writing” Panel
Writing funny is hard. Like, really really hard. How hard? Nothing I’ve written so far is funny, and I tried really, REALLY hard. If you also need help in this area then join us for an industry panel only at Amphibian Stage. Three professional comedic writers and performers, Paul Varghese, Julia Cotton, and Ashley Ray, explain their journey from notebooks and open mics to being featured on HBO, Comedy Central, NBC, ABC, Adult Swim, VICE and Cosmopolitan.
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.
Upcoming Shows
“Reclaiming My Space” Storytelling Performances
“Reclaiming My Space” Storytelling Performances
If you love The Moth’s or Oral Fixation’s storytelling events, this is for you! Five diverse North Texas artists (J. Davis-Jones, Laila Kharrat, Coyote Rock, Devon Kodzis, and Julia Estelle Cotton) share authentic, personal stories inspired by the prompt “Reclaiming My Space.”
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.
Upcoming Shows
Storytelling Workshop
Storytelling Workshop
Is there a story inside of you that’s ready to jump out? Sign up today for this Storytelling Workshop, only at Amphibian Stage! Led by Julia Cotton (Assistant Director of “Oral Fixation: DFW” and long time Storytelling Teacher), this workshop will help unique voices find the tools, structure, and levity they need to bring their story to life. We all have a story to tell, let’s help you find yours.
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.
Upcoming Shows
Kids Comedy Showcase
Kids Comedy Showcase
Final Showcase for Fun with Comedy workshops.
Invite your friends and family to show off what you’ve learned all week! Cameras are welcome and encouraged.
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.
Upcoming Shows
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Musical Improv for Kids
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Musical Improv for Kids
Do you love belting out your favorite songs? This workshop, designed for ages 9 to 13, is improv with a musical twist, and it’s less about rhyming and more about emotions. If music makes you feel something, come play with us.
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.
Upcoming Shows
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Improv Games for Kids
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Improv Games for Kids
This workshop, designed for ages 9 to 13, focuses on improvisation – a style of comedy that’s all made up on the spot. It’s basically pretending, and we’ll play a bunch of fun games that make it seem easy.
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.
Upcoming Shows
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Funny Songwriting for Kids
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Funny Songwriting for Kids
This workshop, designed for ages 9 to 13, kids will learn how to write original comedic songs in your favorite musical style. No musical background? No problem, as long as you love listening to music. Bring something to write with!
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.
Upcoming Shows
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Character Monologues for Kids
Workshop: Fun with Comedy for Kids: Character Monologues for Kids
This event is a part of Spark Fest, our annual Summer celebration of groundbreaking and exciting new art.