As we approach Tampa Fringe, Noah Alfred Pantano interviewed Al Blackledge about their show Schizo Days ahead of this year’s festival. We discussed their motivations behind writing this piece, their experiences as queer artists, and why people should see the show.
NP: Hello Al! Can you tell us what is your show about?
AB: Schizo Days is a show about the fun of Schizoaffective disorder. Visual and auditory hallucinations, oh my! Sometimes disturbing, sometimes so ostentatiously ridiculous you can’t help but laugh (or scream)! From sandwich making specters to mysterious body parts, there’s so much of my mind for you to explore. Join in on this campy retelling of experiences with this “only sometimes scary” mental illness!
NP: Why should people come see Schizo Days?
AB: I want to show the silly side of schizoaffective disorder with a campy and thought provoking retelling of some of the hallucinations I’ve experienced. This show is comical, a little spooky, and a whole lot of fun!
NP: Schitzoaffective disorder is seen as quite serious. What made you want to approach it through a comedic lens?
AB: Some shows about mental health disorders are full of trauma or can be too serious for some people’s tastes. I wanted to showcase schizoaffective disorder in a way that’s silly and empowering. I’m incredibly excited to reflect on this side of my life and be able to share it with you all.
NP: You identify as LGBTQ+. Can you tell us how your work reflects your experiences as an LGBTQ+ person? What do you hope other queer people take away from the show?
AB: I, like so many other people in the LGBTQ+ community deal with mental illnesses. I believe it’s important for us to be able to showcase those parts of our experience without fear of being ridiculed or othered. I really want people to come out of this show seeing that are alone in these experiences and can laugh about and accept those parts of themselves.
NP: Is there any audience participation?
AB: Yes! A few audience members will be encouraged (but NEVER required) to help engage in experiencing some of my hallucinations first hand with some mild audience participation.
NP: Are there any content or trigger warnings?
AB: Yes. There is some adult language,talk of mental health, talk of prescription drug use, talk of addiction, descriptions of mild gore, loud sound effects/music, and strobing lights.
NP: When/Where is it? How much are tickets?
AB: Show dates/times are: Friday June 13th at 10:15pm, Sunday June 15th at 6:45pm, Friday June 20th at 7:00pm, Saturday June 21st at 9:55pm, and Sunday June 22nd at 7:15pm.
Location: Kress Contemporary Ybor in the third floor “Lighthouse” venue 1624 E 7th Ave, Ybor 33605.
The base price for “Schizo Days” is $10 with a site service fee of $3. Buying tickets for three different shows automatically activates a discount of 15% off. Buying tickets for five different shows automatically activates a discount of 20% off. An “Eliminator Pass” which grants the bearer admission to all performances of all the shows in the festival is available for $225 (plus fees).
NP: What made you want to perform at the Tampa Fringe?
AB: I started at Tampa International Fringe Festival two years ago as a volunteer and saw how incredibly diverse and inclusive it was. That got me inspired and I decided to take the leap into submitting my own work last year with my solo show “Alby Queer and the Gay Awakening”. I had such an amazing experience and incredible feedback that I couldn’t let that be the last time I performed at Tampa Fringe Festival. In the last year, I have since been part of their December Whinge Fest and have been putting together my new show, Schizo Days which debuts this June 2025!
NP: What other performances do you have coming up (if any)?
AB: While currently there are not performance dates set, an extended version of Gay Awakening is in the works. For updates on new performances and to see information about my other projects: follow my instagram: @albyqueer and linktr.ee.com/albyqueer
