If Herds Of Freshmen Aren't Your Thing

If you're moving in early, but NSO isn't exactly your cup of tea, check out the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival, and most importantly, the Philly Fringe, "an unfiltered festival, where a platform is provided for new and established artists to present their work free of a selection process."

Bla bla bla. Translation: A bunch of people who pronounce it "thee-ate-er," but a sure way to avoid the frat scene between September 2nd and the 17th.

If you're overwhelmed by all the shows and options on the site, we've obviously scoped out some of the (tangentially) Penn-related performances. So check 'em out after the jump.

Shakespeare's Coriolanus: We doubt Billy's actually played any direct role in the making of this Fringe performance, but Penn '10 grad Lee Huttner not only directed the shindig, but also edited and compiled the script. The show airs several times during the festival at Studio 34 on 45th and Baltimore, and tickets are a whopping 5 bucks.

Flying Girls and Silent Night: These two one-act plays are directed by Ben Smallen, who will be directing the Rocky Horrow Show for the Penn Players this fall. Tickets cost $10 and the plays will take place all the way on 40th and Walnut at the Rotunda. What a shlep.

Ampersand: This show not only claims to feature Penn grads as performers, but also promises to juxtapose circus acrobatics (oooh...) with powerful stories about ordinary Philadelphians (aww...). The show will take place at Philadelphia Soundstages (1600 N. 5th Street) on September 8th and 9th.

Dutchman: The InVersion Theater, started by Penn '11 grads Will Steinberger and Johnny Lloyd, boasts eight whole Penn students and recent grads on its staff. Their show runs about an hour, is $10 for students, and will take place at the First Unitarian Church on 21st and Chestnut.

If you've got any other Penn scoops or recommendations for shows, feel free to leave 'em in the comments.