By Jefferson Beavers, communication specialist, Department of English
Creative writing students from Fresno State’s Department of English will headline the “Fresno Writers Live” performances at the 2024 Rogue Festival, scheduled for March 1 through 9 in Fresno’s Tower District.
Fresno Writers Live will feature the latest poetry and prose from 24 emerging Fresno writers in five storytelling and spoken-word shows. The shows will include 8 graduate students from the Master of Fine Arts program, plus 16 undergraduate English majors.
All of the Fresno Writers Live shows will be held inside Hart’s Haven Bookstore, 950 N. Van Ness Ave. Tickets cost $10 per show, along with a one-time purchase of a Rogue Festival wristband. The shows are rated PG-13, and latecomers are okay. Seating is limited.
Friday, March 1 at 8:30 p.m. — Curated by Professor Brynn Saito’s undergraduate English 165 craft seminar, this show features undergrads Chloe Abella, Valentino Di Pietro Hernandez, Eduardo Espinoza-Gonzalez, Amelia Holguin, and Michael Steiner.
Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m. — Curated by the Hmong American Ink and Stories club, this show features graduate students Brian Rojas and Chou Xiong, with undergrads Brandon Xiong and Katie Xiong.
Sunday, March 3 at 5 p.m. — Curated by the Chicanx Writers and Artists Association, this show features graduate students Angelina Leaños and Victoria Monsivaiz, with undergrads Emily Peacock, Leslie Kay Quintana, and Stella Luna Velez.
Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. — Curated by Professor Brynn Saito’s undergraduate English 165 craft seminar, this show features undergrads David R. Carrasco-Gomez, Allyssa Lucero, Genesis Ochoa, Samantha Rostro, Diara Spencer, and Marcus Valadez.
Saturday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. — Curated by the San Joaquin Literary Association, this show features graduate students Soreath Hok, Sharon K. McClain, Taylor Seals, and Anthony Shemaria.
Located in the heart of California, the Fresno State Creative Writing Program enjoys a 65-year history of literary excellence. The program features graduate training in the advanced study of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction and an option in literary publishing and editing. The program also includes an undergraduate English degree in creative writing.
The Rogue Festival is an annual non-juried fringe festival that celebrates independent artists in theatre, music, dance, film, spoken word, performance art, puppetry, and magic. The event is among the largest cultural arts events in California.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 