Diana Varco’s Solo Show "RISE" Premieres at Hollywood Fringe Festival

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RISE, directed by Meridith Grundei, explores foster care and childhood trauma through 20 characters

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Critically acclaimed solo theatre artist Diana Varco will return to the Hollywood Fringe Festival with her new one-person show RISE .

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Written and performed by Varco, the production is directed by Meridith Grundei and produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson .

Described as a fast-paced magical realism piece performed through 20 characters, RISE explores mental health, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), addiction, denial, and healing.

The solo show follows a range of characters including “Truth,” “Childhood Rage,” and “Writer’s Rage,” unfolding on what the production describes as a metaphorical moon. Written entirely in rhyme and staged with only a chair, the piece combines dramatic storytelling with comedic elements while addressing themes related to foster care and trauma.

Varco previously appeared at Hollywood Fringe in 2017 with her solo show Shattered .

A trained improviser and character actor, Varco uses comedy and character work to approach difficult subject matter including child abuse, addiction, and self-sabotage.

According to the production, RISE examines “the concept of rage, judgment and self-sabotage” while searching for hope and resilience in painful experiences.

RISE will run for 60 minutes with no intermission and will be presented at The Actor's Company (The Other Space), located at 916 N. Formosa Avenue in Los Angeles.

Performances are scheduled for Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m. PT, Saturday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m. PT, and Sunday, June 14 at 12:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $18 general admission and are available through Hollywood Fringe Ticketing Page .

Additional information about the production and the artist is available through Diana Varco Official Website .

The production carries an 18+ age recommendation and includes discussion of potentially distressing themes including child abuse, alcohol use, sexual assault, and strong language. Viewer discretion is recommended.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Diana-Varco-Will-Present-Solo-Show-RISE-at-Hollywood-Fringe-Festival-20260508)._