EdFringe Talk: Lizzy Sunshine

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“The lesson that I’ve absorbed the most is you must rest as hard as you work. I’ve prioritized rest, breaks, and my health in the last year so that when it’s time to go Beast Mode I’m well-equipped!”

WHO: Liz Coin

WHAT: “When her partner doesn’t show, Lizzy Sunshine makes the audience her co-star. She promised a two-person show. She got… you. Following sold-out runs at Soho Playhouse and beyond, Liz Coin is BACK with this chaotic, feel-good spectacle! Expect a fast-paced hour packed with gags gone wrong, big characters and something real just beneath the surface. ‘A smart piece of theater masquerading as a clown show’ ***** (TheatreVillage.co.uk). ‘A master of comedy & audience engagement’ ***** (RichardsTheatreReviews.com). ***** (Young-Perspective.net). ***** (EvulveProductions.com). ****** (Liz’s Mom).”

WHERE: Coorie at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 14:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my SECOND time in Edinburgh! I came to the Fringe for the first time last summer for the first 2 weeks with a more work-in-progress version of Lizzy Sunshine. It was incredible and a WHIRLWIND – everything was new to me and so exciting! This year I’m doing the full month, fundraised 5x the amount of money, have a team of 4, and know a bit more of what to expect/how to succeed. And I know better than to call it “EdinBERG” so that’s a start.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

This last year has felt like my necktie was caught in a rocket ship – SO much growth, new opportunities, and a bit of a “level up” on my social media and general resume. I’ve learned that the more you put yourself out there the more you get picked up, which I suppose seems obvious but is easier said than done. I’ve learned a ton about content creation, crowdfunding (we raised $14k for Fringe), and touring with a solo show. In the last 12 months I’ve done my show in Chicago, North Carolina, New York City, and London. Some major lessons include: film every show because you never know which will be “the good one,” cancel the show if you are actually too sick to perform (I had pneumonia & still performed… dumb), and you will always feel like you’re behind. You’re not, you’re right on time.

The lesson that I’ve absorbed the most is you must rest as hard as you work. I’ve prioritized rest, breaks, and my health in the last year so that when it’s time to go Beast Mode I’m well-equipped!

Tell us about your show.

I wrote Lizzy Sunshine and have been developing it since 2024! The original idea was an over-the-top charismatic, energetic young girl putting on a show with her addict brother who promised to show up but never does. Lizzy Sunshine was a nickname from my mom because I’d always make the bad times brighter, and this show is for all the people who had to learn how to become sunshine.

I promise it’s not sad – Lizzy sees her shows as giving Broadway spectacle, in reality it’s giving church basement and the Glee soundtrack.

I first developed the show with Tim Murray (Witches, HBO) into a 20 minute piece for Solocom NYC. It matured into a full-fledged hour through trial and error shows in NYC, Minneapolis, and even my Iowa hometown community theatre! I worked with Holly Mandel on plot strengthening, and eventually brought on my now-director Makena Reynolds. Makena is an incredible director who saw my very first 20-minute piece ON ACCIDENT in 2024.

I have been my own producer from the jump, even as we dove into uncharted waters Off-Broadway at Soho Playhouse (sold-out baby!) and Off-West End in London at the Drayton Arms Theatre. This summer I’ve brought on some associate producers (Lauren Herd and Ron Weiss) to help, as well as a few Northwestern University students to be my production support staff.

After Fringe, I will be taking the show back to the states to be turned into a special! My dream is to have Dropout produce it. I am really hoping to meet more industry people this Fringe and make connections in the Film/TV space. The plan is to develop the show concept/character into its own pilot and work on pitching that! Lizzy Sunshine is just the beginning of my writing career and I’m so proud that it will always be the first big chance I took on myself.

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

YESSS go see Sid Singh’s Love Bombing – I saw him do it in London and it’s hilarious and lowkey VERY touching. I’d also recommend Alexis Sakellaris’s “Child Star” – he talks and sings about being in the German Glee and it’s ridiculous and perfect.

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