EdFringe Talk: #40sandsingle – The Secrets to Finding Love!

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“I decided that I would spend my summers at Edfringe from now on.”

WHO: Joyce Lao

WHAT: “Dr. Kara Kibara sells her services through a hybrid Ted talk-workshop transformation-improv performance style as the best dating and relationship guru. Dr. Kara unintentionally reflects on her past to find out why she is still single herself as she offers advice on how to manifest love. Featuring her unreleased original songs recorded when she was under a Columbia Records mentorship years ago, snippets of familiar 80s and 90s tunes as well as choreography and monologues that will leave the audience laughing, crying and inspired.”

WHERE: Haldane Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 22:55 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is my third time. I decided that I would spend my summers at Edfringe from now on. I love the energy and the grit of the festival. As a writer, producer and a performer of my show/s, I describe it as a theater production experience on steroids with arts administration marathon component to it. As a New Yorker, it inspires me more. Meeting new people, watching shows and creation of other artists feeds my soul.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Yes I have learned that I cannot control everything. I do my best with the resources that I have, I acknowledge that there are thousands of events and shows going on. I invite people to come see my show, wether there is only 1 audience or a full house, we as a team will give our best every time. There is no use stressing over audience numbers, negative reviews, comparing my ticket sales with other shows, it kills the spirit of fringe.

Tell us about your show.

#40sandsingle, is a Musical comedy variety show in a symposium style theatrical setting. I am excited about this because I will be performing my original songs, I will be playing the piano, dancing, improving, etc… I play Dr. Kara Kibara – the most successful dating and relationship expert. I relate my experience as a single woman in my #40s, and how my background as an “Indigenous of the Igorot tribe, Filipino, Asian -American, Protestant” has affected my perspective in dating and relationship The show was originally conceived as a pilot with locations in New York City and the Philippines in mind. The show has a ready 8 episode script. It can also be performed live as a Cabaret style, Concert style and Musical Comedy Variety style in 50 min, 60 min and 90 min versions. I am performing the 50 min Musical Comedy Variety version at Edfringe. It premiered at The PIT NYC – that was so much fun since the theater has an audience of comedy and improv lovers. I will be performing for the United Solo Festival at Theater Row in New York City. One of my goals at Edfringe is to meet prospective co-producers and venues around the world to tour this show.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I am also producing an Ai show called, AI:The Waiting Room at the C venues. We were sold out multiple times last year. I also recommend my dear friend’s show, The Boy from Bantay at theSpaceUK. I did encourage him to bring a show here. His show also talks about his experience growing up in the Philippines. For a more traditional theater experience, Jack Feldstein and Paul Doust”s “Falling in love with Mr. Dellamort”.

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