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Katherine Kiefer Stark / The Naked Stark
Dance, Immersive & Interactive Experience, Spoken Word & Storytelling
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You are not alone. I am not special. This is messy. Let’s Go.
In a solo dance show presented as a collage of stories through lip syncing, monologue, and conversation, Katherine Kiefer Stark lays out her awkward, ongoing process of unlearning and searching for answers.
“I am investigating our everyday ideas around ‘specialness,’ how these spiral out to larger justifications, and even farther out to distort our own humanity.
Where are you with self-reckoning, family reckoning, repair, shame, hope? I’m there, too.
Where is the line between thoughtful crafting and perfectionism? I could perform imperfection - is that useful for us? Maybe.”
With over 100 offerings from rebellious circus, delicious dance, fearless theatre and activist art to workshops, parties, and more Cannonball pushes the boundaries of live performance at four different venues this Fringe. Come as you are and stay past bedtime at cannonballfestival.org.
PWYC Options $5+
Venue: The Louis Bluver Theatre at the Drake 
September 11, 2025 8.00pm
302 S Hicks St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 20, 2025 6.30pm
302 S Hicks St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 24, 2025 7.00pm
302 S Hicks St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
About the Artist
Katherine Kiefer Stark is dance-artist, educator, and the artistic director of The Naked Stark, a modern dance company that crafts up-close, immersive dance experiences. Her work through The Naked Stark challenges us to see the dynamics of power shaped by historic narrative, social conventions, and our own unselfconscious playfulness as described by thINKingdance. Katherine works with release-based movement techniques, partnering, and improvisation. She loves embracing weight, being propelled through space, and moving with necessary effort.
Since 2010, The Naked Starks programs have been presented along the East Coast and in Chicago by organizations including Mascher Space Cooperative, the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, Vox Populi, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Capital Fringe, University City District, First Person Arts Festival, and FringeArts. The Naked Stark is fortunate to receive support from the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (2024, 2025) and continued support from the Philadelphia Cultural Fund since 2016.
- Katherine Kiefer Stark Creator and Performer
- Aubrey Donisch Production Supportinfo.thenakedstark@gmail.com
- Andy Thierauf Sound editor athierauf@gmail.com
Accessibility & Content Considerations
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
This event is appropriate for all ages
Parents and others who might want to bring folks younger than 13 - there is some emotionally heavy content, including genocide. I am a parent and happy to talk with you if you want more information. Email thenakedstark@gmail.com
Covid-19 Safety policy
Masks are required during this event
Copyright © 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival
140 N. Columbus Blvd.
(at Race St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Directions
Tickets: 215.413.1318
Admin Office: 215.413.9006
