Over the years, the University Performance Series at Radford has brought in a wide variety of acts, but never anything quite like Artrageous, a multi-art performance group taking over the Main Stage Theater in the Artis Center at 7:30 p.m. on February 25.
It is not easy to put what Artrageous does into a single sentence.
They combine music, physical performances, visual art and audience interaction in a live, energetic experience. The performers create art, sing and dance, evoking a circus-like atmosphere on the stage.
Lauri Francis is an artist, dancer, singer, choreographer, costume designer and the spokesperson for Artrageous. But despite all that, that doesn’t make her particularly unique by Artrageous standards.
“We are a troupe that works together as a team and there is no ‘star’ of the show,” Francis said.
“Everyone wears many hats. We are like a family of misfits that love what we do and see the impact we make on audiences that need a little joy and attention.”
The troupe’s origins go back to the 1980s in Kitsilano, British Columbia, where they worked as street performers, clowns, jugglers, and puppeteers for anyone who would stop by.
Eventually, they took to the road in a gutted yellow school bus and toured the southwest United States until they finally landed in New Mexico with only $80 in their pockets. So naturally, they simply stayed and made it their permanent home.
They founded various side businesses to keep things moving and eventually built their own theater. However, one year while preparing for a Christmas show, the facility caught fire and they lost everything.
However, from the ashes came a new vision of themselves as a traveling show. Initially called “The Pink Flamingos,” this would become the blueprint for Artrageous today.
Since then, the group has grown creatively, expanding and refining their shows, which has ultimately led to more than 3000 performances worldwide.
“Most people don't realize the scope of what we've done,” Francis said.
“We've donated hundreds of performances across the country to students in underserved communities reaching over 50,000 students across the US,” she noted.
They’ve also worked in high-pressure situations like the NBA All Stars game, the Oscars after-party, a private performance for Sir Richard Branson on his island, followed Cirque du Soleil for Austrian Royalty, and played alongside Blue Man Group in Las Vegas.
One of the most unique aspects of the show is the production of artwork right before the audience’s eyes. They even give away one to a lucky attendee at the end of each evening.
Another thing that makes them unique is their audience interactions. Francis says that unlike most other shows which could run whether there is an audience or not, they build what they do around the people who come to see them.
“Our favorite moments are meeting the audience in the theater before the show and hearing their stories,” Francis said.
“It's amazing to watch the transformation from seeing them at the beginning of the night to the end after they've been part of the magic of Artrageous and how they feel inspired to get involved or reengaged with the arts.”
Top to bottom, Artrageous is an engaging experience for all ages. And, they have the honor of being the first outside act to perform in the new Main Stage Theatre in the Artis Center.
The show is open to the public and parking after 6 p.m. on campus is free. Tickets for the performance are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children 12 and under and free with a Radford University ID.
For more information, go to www.radford.edu/ups.