April 12—14, 2019

Photo by John C. Hawthorne

World Premiere

The Berserker Residents (It’s So Learning) are asking the big questions: can broccoli make you giggle? How much dance is too much dance? And does your house have feelings?

The trio has whipped up a comedy for all ages that’s unpredictable, original, fun, and vibrant. The three wacky title characters serve up unique impishness, snazzy games, silly sounds, physical flights of fancy that encourage interaction and elicit pure joy.

Recommended for kids 5+ with their families.

NOTE: there is no longer an 11am performance on Friday, April 12.

Run Time: 70 minutes

Read the digital playbill here or access our SPARK Activity Guide for Kids.

HPFS Subscriptions:
$150 Six-Show Package / $120 for members*
15% off tickets to 3-5 performances / 30% off for members*
All subscribers receive free ticket exchanges and reduced fees.

Single Tickets:
$31 general / $21.70 members*
$15 students and 25-and-under
$10 children 12-and-under
$2 FringeACCESS members

*All member discounts applied automatically when logged in.

The SPARK Series is made possible by a leadership gift from the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund.

Feature Photo by John C. Hawthorne

Happy Hour on the Fringe

On this episode of Happy Hour on the Fringe, Bradley Wrenn, part of the The Berserker Residents and Christa Cywinski, Director of Trinity Playgroup, sat down to talk about the planning and playing behind Broccoli, Roosevelt and Mr. House! and the connection between learning, playing, and building a show for a family unit to enjoy. We took a field trip to record at Trinity Playgroup, so you may hear the sounds of…well, playtime! Read the full transcript on the FringeArts Blog.

Creative Team

Creators/Performers Bradley Wrenn, Justin Jain, David Johnson Director Emanuelle Delpeche Lighting Designer Maria Shaplin Sound Designer Tom Carman Stage Manager Randi Alexis Hickey Costume Designer Becca Austin Set Designer Peter Smith

About The Berserker Residents

The Berserker Residents create original comedic productions that spring from improvisation and curiosity. We are guided by a desire to up-end theatrical conventions and create event-driven theater. The Berserker Residents are made up of three Philadelphia-based wizards of imagination – Justin Jain, David Johnson, and Bradley Wrenn. As collaborative performer-writers, we aim to plow the depths of the ludicrous and downright silly with one hand, while making a firm connection to our audiences with the other.  We have been hailed as “daft, ephemeral and joyous” by The Scotsman and have been praised for our “refusal to relinquish that unrefined creative spirit” by The New York Times. We are a Barrymore-nominated ensemble and have received commissions from Theater Horizon (PA), Ars Nova (NY), ASU Gammage (AZ) and The University of the Arts (PA). Our work has been published by Playscripts, Inc. and presented at the Abrons Art Center (NY), The San Francisco Mime Troupe (CA), The Annenberg Center (PA), The Assembly (Scotland) and FringeArts (PA).

High Pressure Fire Service

A Presentation Series for Philadelphia Artists

High Pressure Fire Service (HPFS) takes its name from FringeArts’ historic building, the first high pressure pump house in the country. Opened in 1903, the station pumped water from the Delaware River to fire hydrants across Philadelphia, connecting the city and helping it grow and thrive. This history of creativity and connectivity is at the very heart of the High Pressure Fire Service festival. Addressing issues of representation, gender, accessibility, reproductive justice, and more through devised theater, comedy, and participatory play, these productions embody the vast range and exceptional talent of Philadelphia’s rich performing arts community.

Check out the FringeArts Blog to read about Who’s Who in High Pressure Fire Service, part one and part two.

Support for High Pressure Fire Service has been provided by the Wyncote Foundation.