FringeHIGH Artist Profile: Jessica Greer Morris, Ashley Marinaccio & Elizabeth Koke, Executive Directors/Editors
Meet Jessica, Ashley & Elizabeth
Jessica, Ashley and Elizabeth are Executive Directors and Editors of Project Girl Performance Collective, an organization that uses the performing arts as a platform and catalyst to discuss social issues. The Project Girl Performance Collective is showcasing GirlPower: Survival of the Fittest at Fringe 2010.
What’s next on your Netflix queue?
Jessica - I don’t know. Hubby babysits our queue and I’m afraid he often picks some doozies.
Ashley - I’ve put a moratorium on Netflix because I just finished watching the entire HBO series Oz in under a month (all 6 seasons!). I couldn’t stop watching. Hands down, it’s the best episodic television series I’ve ever seen. I ended up buying it. So, no Netflix for the moment.
Elizabeth - I don’t have Netflix.
What’s playing on your iPod right now?
Ashley - The soundtracks to Flashdance, The Newsies, Fame and All That Jazz
Elizabeth - Patti Smith’s cover of White Rabbit.
Jessica - Eminem, Not Afraid; Adele, Make you Feel My Love; Death Cab for Cutie, I Will Follow You Into the Dark
Last good book you read was…
Ashley - The Damage Done by Warren Fellows.
Elizabeth - If You Have To Cry Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone
Jessica - Pippi Longstocking (I have 7 year old identical twin boys)
Favorite restaurant in the city?
Jessica - Momofuko
Ashley - Amy Ruth’s in Harlem
Elizabeth - Pure Food and Wine
All-time, hands-down favorite piece of theater?
Jessica - Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan; Lynn Nottage, Ruined; Cole Porter, Kiss Me Kate
Ashley - The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project
Elizabeth - The NYC Subway during rush hour.
Why Jessica, Ashely & Elizabeth Love Fringe and the Arts
What’s the best thing about Fringe?
Ashley - We had such a fantastic experience last year in the Fringe Festival that we couldn’t wait to return. I love meeting the other artists and seeing all of the new and innovative work that’s being presented. The girls love it because it’s such a huge event. Everyone in the theatre world knows that August in NYC means Fringe is here!
Jessica - The name, Fringe.
Elizabeth - So many fabulous shows and lovely people.
What’s the #1 reason people should come see your show?
Jessica - Project Girl is the real thing. Our girls — from Wesport, CT to Bed Stuy— are crazy talented writers, performers, songwriters and singers. Each one tells her remarkable story which will break you heart open.
Ashley - Talented girls with a message. Audiences will leave feeling inspired and empowered regardless of age and gender.
Do you have any Opening Night rituals?
Ashley - I’m generally running around like a chicken without a head… sometimes I fold programs.
Jessica - Party! Come to our fabulous cast party at Bowery Bar, following our debut.
What are the craziest performance conditions you’ve had to work under?
Jessica - I had a one-woman cabaret show that was invited to perform at a Jewish artist festival. Little did I know that they’d put me in a gym with no sound equipment or lights with an audience full of senior citizens who were only tolerating my performance as they waited for the real star, Mandy Patankin to perform.
Ashley - I recently directed a show where for a number of reasons the space was not conducive to the play and we had to make it work. There were 3 entrances and exits for the actors but no where to cross and reenter from backstage. It was gruelling on the actors. A few of them ended up making in dept color-coded diagrams mapping out entrances/exits/costumes/props because there was absolutely no way to get a missing item if it was set in the wrong place. It was certainly an important lesson in picking the right kind of space.
How did you get involved with the arts?
Elizabeth - My mom signed me up for dance class when I was 2 1/2 years old.
Ashley- I was hooked by age 5 after performing 6 Little Ducks at my dance recital!
Learn more at FringeHIGH and buy your tickets to GirlPower: Survival of 
the Fittest today!
Don’t miss the Opening Night Fundraiser and Cast Party! RSVP on Facebook. AND purchase your Project Girl Performance Collective t-shirt (featured in GirlPower: Survival of the Fittest) at the show or the after party!
