Recommendations

"I encourage you to consider bringing Irene O'Garden to your campus. Her show, Fat Girl, is a one-woman performance which mirrors her book of the same name. The show was directed by John Pielmeier, who wrote Agnes of God.

The show is funny, sad and nothing less than inspirational. Telling "One Woman's Way Out," Irene, an experienced actress, shares her own story of a lifelong struggle with her relationship with food. It is a wonderful prevention and wellness message. We had over 300 students attend her performance at New Paltz.

Consider contacting your Student Association or various clubs to raise the funds to make her performance a reality." Robin S. Cohen, Coordinator; Options: A Resource Center for Healthy Choices, State University of New York, (SUNY) New Paltz, New Paltz NY

"The single show not to miss is Irene O'Garden's poetic, funny, deeply touching look at the problem of overeating. O'Garden (is) a warm engaging performer."

Fat Girl is a simply staged, yet emotionally powerful evening. The story is theatrically compelling and counterpointed with slides of the book illustrations, to create a very moving experience for the audience. The performance is about 70 minutes long, often followed by a question and answer session.

Requirements

While it is not necessary to stage Fat Girl in a theatre, some form of focused theatrical lighting is required. My playing area is about 12' x 16'

I also need:

• a substantial armchair (I sit on the arms as well as the main part. Color and condition do not matter; I bring a throw)
• A small side table-the smaller the better
• A carousel slide projector
• An AV person to run the projector through 80 slide cues and two light cues
• A smooth white area on which to project the slides (This can be a wall or a sheet. I stay away from screens as they are often too small and seem too "lecture-y")
• A private "backstage" area where I can change clothes and warm-up for the show.
• Since I perform in bare feet, I appreciate having the playing area swept

I need no sound equipment.

Most organizations print programs, and most ask me to bring and sell copies of Fat Girl, the book. I am happy to do so, so long as someone with a cash box will handle the sales while I sign.

I usually arrive about two hours before the show.

Please email for further information, or visit the booking request page to schedule a performance.