It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!

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ADDING UP AMERICA

Location: Assembly Roxy – Snug Bar (Venue 139)

Dates:  Aug 5th-11th, 13th-23rd, 25th-31st

Time: 13:40

Price: £14 Concessions £13

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/adding-up-america-solving-the-race-equation

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Hello! Tell us all about your show!

Award-winning performer Monique DeBose makes her UK debut with this bold, funny and heart-opening solo show. What happens when identity is reduced to a simple equation? Adding Up America is an intimate, jazz-infused storytelling show about race, identity and belonging — connecting the deeply personal to the undeniably political. Audiences from every background find themselves inside this story.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

As many comedy shows as possible and any shows written and created by people of color.

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe.

I am a Fringe virgin, never been to Edinburgh. Most times I let people know I have a show at Assembly for the month, they inhale, widen their eyes and say, wow. They let me know the Fringe is intense and to make sure I maintain my energy. They immediately ask if I have a budget for PR and marketing and when I let them know I do, they seem to relax a bit. I’ve been told it can be spectacular for making connections and that there is always something to attend or someone to meet. It’s been suggested that I have a way to maintain my energy- some say, ‘do your show and go to the spa everyday’, others say to dive all the way in and go to as many shows as I can. I’m clear it’ll be important for me to have a routine around self care.

If this is your first time – what are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to sharing an edgy show with a lot of heart with audiences. Having people walk out of the experience feeling enlivened, braver, well cared for and enthusiastic to explore new ways of thinking about how we all live better lives together. I am looking to make connections with producers, promoters to take this show on the road around Europe as well as to make connections to develop other works I have in progress, including a scripted dramedy series about an interracial family as well as a one hour comedy special about all things mixed heritage, motherhood, long term marriage and perimenopause. There is definitely a market for it.

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe

Wake up, grounding practices (include journaling, stretching, sounding, meditating), walk my 10K steps, juice, flier, ground again, showtime, talk with folx about their experience with the show, connection/collaboration time, eat late lunch, see a show or two, sleep. repeat.

Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?

I’ve never been, but I’m imagining some place delicious, savory, healthy and not expensive

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

To be able to share a slice of America with an international audience, especially at a time where we look like a dumpster fire to the world in an interesting, vulnerable way through the framework of mathematical equations and music, is part of my duty on the planet. It is a gift to be able to share some family history/ American history with the world.

Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?

My altar of precious stones, crystals, figurines, rattles, sage, hapé, a photo of my younger self, my children.

What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?

I don’t yet know the answer to this question! Definitely want to stay at a place with a kitchen so I can prepare my food.

If people want to find out more about you, where can they follow you on social media?

I have an IG social media account @iammoniquedebose as well as a website where folx can sign up for my newsletter, http://www.moniquedebosemusic.com and the show has an official site, addingupamerica.com

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Freedom through Truth

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