My name is Julia Ott, and I am the writer and director of The Sound of Water, a physical theater piece that explores the future of agriculture in an increasingly warming climate.

The Sound of Water has received support from The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) to be presented at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest theater festival in the world. Each August, the city of Edinburgh welcomes artists from around the world to showcase new and developing work. The educational and professional benefits of attending this festival are immeasurable, allowing us to foster connections with artists, network with top industry professionals, and receive audience feedback on our work.

The Sound of Water is being produced, created, and developed by The Center Heart Theatre Company, a new physically driven ensemble founded by UNCSA alumni. We will spend 2 weeks in residence at UNCSA developing the piece, followed by two weeks of performances in Edinburgh.

We are currently raising $15,000 to provide fair stipends for the actors and producers, ensuring the team can fully commit to the project and gain meaningful professional experience and momentum into their careers. Thanks to generous early support, we have already raised $5,000 and are seeking the remaining $10,000 to meet our fundraising goals.

The Center Heart Theatre Company operates under the guidance and fiscal sponsorship of The Producer Hub. All contributions are tax-deductible through The Producer Hub, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Any amount of support makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for believing in us and our work.

The Sound of Water: Edinburgh Fringe 2025