​​A collective of performing and visual artists.

Hi there! We're The Fools Collaborative (formerly The Motley Fools). We are a group of visual and performing artists in the Fresno area who work together, in the limited spare time between our other projects, to bring accessible and affordable ‘pop up’ events to audiences of all demographics. We've performed in churches, backyards, bars, restaurants, libraries, and parks...sometimes even in theaters! Our events are always free or low cost, unless specifically conducted for fundraising purposes- and yes, we do get a kick out of raising awareness and money for lots of community-orientated, philanthropic, and social justice causes. We love creating, we love meeting new people, and we love the Central Valley. As often as possible, we hope our love for all these things shines through in our work.  

How We Got Started.

The Fools Collaborative began as a group of theatre nerds sitting around a dinner table, discussing how to get involved in the world-wide #Shakespeare400 event (which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death). A few dozen artists banned together to accomplish our first project: a month's worth of Shakespearean-themed events spread all over Fresno during April of 2016. Events ranged from performances and readings to pub quizzes and movie nights. Artists from Tulare, Hanford, Selma, Reedley, Kingsburg, and Merced helped us out. Since then, we've grown to over 100 members, and continue to invite anyone with a love for art and community to join our ranks. Whether you participate in one event, or volunteer for everything we do, once you're a Fool, we consider you a Fool for life. Interested in playing with us or helping us plan an event?  Give us a holler at thefoolscollaborative@gmail.com .

What We Do.

You might find us teaching sword-fighting to kids in Fresno, singing along to the entirety of the Hamilton canon in Selma, or competing in charitable game shows in Merced. We might stage an immersive theater experience to raise money for fellow Fresnan's adoption efforts, or throw together a casual cabaret-and- champagne-social-gathering to raise money for another local non-profit. We're always interested in new ideas, venues, and collaborations and we welcome anyone with an interest to join us and partake in the fun. Do you have a great idea for a site-specific production? Know of a good cause that needs some artistic fundraising assistance? Let us know. 

We support the following businesses and organizations. 

Because they support us!