Robert Whirry is a self-employed grant writer and program developer with over 25 years of experience assisting health care and human services organizations such as the California HIV/AIDS Research Program and Asian American Drug Abuse Program. Based in Los Angeles, Robert Whirry co-authored Anita Bryant's Playboy Interview, a play that debuted as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival (HFF).
Held annually in June, HFF promotes complete freedom of expression through the arts and features projects highlighting diverse and cutting-edge viewpoints. Genres included at HFF range from family programming and performance art to circus and comedy acts. All projects are self-produced by the artists and 100 percent of the festival's revenue goes back to both the artists and venues. More than $1.8 million has been generated since the first festival in 2010.
In addition to independent artistic projects, the festival features educational events and an award ceremony. Interested viewers can access footage from previous festivals through FringeTV, the nonprofit organization's YouTube channel. The 2017 festival takes place on June 8-25.
