Blending humor and heart, @Jenna tells the story of how Pam from The Office was my gay awakening when I was 11. The show features original journal entries, cringe-ass stories from my childhood, and tons of dancing.

What moment, idea or frustration first sparked this show into existence? 

I discovered 11 of my childhood journals in my moms garage when she moved out of her house and noticed a consistent theme throughout each journal–I was deeply in love with Pam from The Office (and quite a few other women…). I used the journals to vent out all my feelings and grapple with the questions I had about who I was and what these deeply rooted crushes truly meant.

How has the show evolved from its earliest idea to what audiences will see now? 

The show began as a 30-minute reading of journal entries, with a few characters woven throughout. It has since evolved into a 75-minute multimedia play that incorporates projections of the original journal entries alongside visuals and audio that deepen the storytelling. Together, these elements immerse audiences in the exhilaration, vulnerability, and wonder of experiencing a childhood crush.

What makes Edinburgh Fringe the right place for this show right now? 

While this show is rooted in my own coming-of-age story, it explores universal themes that (I hope!) resonate with audiences everywhere. At our core, we are all still kids, carrying the same sense of curiosity, hope, and wonder. This show celebrates that truth, revisiting the questions we ask ourselves in childhood—some that find answers over time, and others that continue to shape us well into adulthood. Fringe feels like a perfect atmosphere to celebrate the theatre that makes us feel seen, and @Jenna strives to do just that! 

What does bringing this particular show to the Fringe represent for you personally? 

It is an honor to perform in such a celebrated festival and alongside an extraordinary community of artists. Bringing this show to Fringe feels like an ode to my younger self—a full-circle moment. To perform a show about the fear of coming out as a child for audiences overseas, night after night as an adult, is both deeply meaningful and incredibly affirming! 

What has been the most unexpectedly challenging part of getting this show to Edinburgh? 

I have been so wrapped up in the admin part of prepping for this show (marketing, poster-making, getting housing and flights pulled together) that I totally forgot to actually start memorizing and rehearsing the show! That’s been an unexpectedly challenging realization–I gotta get movin!

If audiences leave the venue holding onto one thing, what do you hope it is? 

I hope they leave feeling love and gratitude for the childlike parts of themselves that have remained into adulthood. I also hope they are reminded of the completely exhilarating feeling of having a childhood crush!

How do you think performing this show during a Fringe run will shape it? 

I’m really looking forward to hearing feedback from audiences so I can continue to punch up the show. I don’t imagine I will make big structural changes (but never say never!) but I am sure different lines will come and go, be tried and trashed throughout the run!

Who do you hope this show finds at the Fringe? 

I hope it finds EVERYONE. This show is not a one-size fits all!

Finally, if this show came with a warning label, what would it say? 

Be prepared to reminisce and feel second hand embarrassment for me 🙂

@Jenna runs at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 5th-30th August 2026 (except 17th).