ASF! Presents: Sarcasm Hub @ White Rabbit

The Sarcasm Hub is the place for Family Friendly Ashland Sarcasm Festival Fun! Entry is free with registration.

We'll be selling Ashland Sarcasm Festival Merch, we'll have free games and activities for families and kids, performances from The Hamazons, Off-Script, and Zanni Nation! Reserve your spot using the 'Get Tickets' ticketing link on this page.

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Zanni Nation performing Safety First at 12:30pm and 3:30pm - Reserve Your Spot!

Based in Ashland, Oregon, Zanni Nation is a theatre troupe founded in 2023 by Southern Oregon University Alumni specializing in Commedia Dell’Arte. Because Commedia has been so influential, with different pieces being taken and used throughout history we thought the best way to convey this was using recycled or reclaimed materials for the majority of our costumes, props and set pieces. This allows us to create a timeless aesthetic while reducing our carbon footprint and serving our community. Our goal is to make art more accessible to the public while inspiring a sense of wonder that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Sarcasm Weekend Performance: 

Zanni Nation: Safety First 

Construction: The most dangerous job of all the jobs! It seems the hardworking, blue-collar worker always gets the short end of the slapstick… until they take it and whack the foreman upside the head. With mischief, romance, and half a dozen OSHA violations, a lot can happen when the foreman turns his back. Join Zanni Nation on site, as our crew works to build a better today… tomorrow.

What Is Commedia Dell’Arte?

This Italian form originated in the 16th century and has been incredibly influential throughout history. Using improvised dialogue, devised storylines, masked stock characters, and acrobatics, Commedia Dell’Arte gives us the first recorded example of professional theatre in history.

Instead of using a director like conventional theatre, we have choregoi. This roughly translates to “chorus leader”. The role of the chorego is to guide the company’s vision, handle logistics and to find the best way for the group to work together. This allows for more of an even playing field, and gives each company member a voice.

Commedia Dell’Arte invented the genre of slapstick comedy, heavily influenced ballet techniques, Shakespeare, and vaudeville theatre while creating lasting character archetypes that are still prevalent today. Even modern sitcoms can be traced back to Commedia!

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THE HAMAZONS

The Hamazons are performing at 2pm! Reserve your spot!

The Hamazons, also known as “The Warrior Princesses of Improv,” feature Cil Stengel, Eve Smyth, and Kyndra Laughery. All seasoned improvisers, they have been making spontaneous theatre together since 2008. They perform improv shows in various genres, from the classic to the obscure, as well as romping in the playground of short-form improv games and scenes. The Hamazons weave plotlines and characters together and discover connections with heart and humor, as they continue to explore this spontaneous art form and the connection between stories and audiences.

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OFF SCRIPT is performing at 2:45pm! Reserve Your Spot!

Monologue deconstruction is a long-form improv format which starts with an audience suggestion. This launches an improviser into a short monologue where they share true stories or thoughts inspired by the prompt. The troupe then has 10 minutes to riff a series of scenes and vignettes inspired by the monologue. The results are often hilarious, zany, insightful, and surprising – anything can happen. We don’t know! We’re making it up!

Featuring Crystal Arnold, Cody Christopherson, Emmy Graham, Daniel Jokelson, Claudia Stevens, Libby Sturgill, and Rochelle Webster. Off Script is coached by Eve Smyth.