For over fifty years, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland has amazed audiences with performances ranging from comedy troupes to operas.

Students will participate in the festival for the second time this summer. Acting troupe “Ophekius Rising,” comprised of mostly Whitman students, will present The Laramie Project at the Fringe Festival from Aug. 4 to 15. Prior to leaving for the trip, the group will perform the play at Whitman June 24 and 25. The Laramie Project is a play based on the real-life murder of a gay teenager in Laramie, Wyoming.

Two years ago, a group consisting of solely Whitman students performed Songs for a New World at the Festival.

Even though the majority of performers at the Festival are adults, junior Joe Lilek is confident that the play will be well-received by audience members of all ages.

“We’re approaching it as a theater company, not just as kids,” Lilek said.

The group leaves for Europe Aug. 1 and will spend a few days in England before arriving in Scotland. Director Christopher Gerken said he hopes that the trip will help students learn both on stage and off stage in a new environment.

“I expect the experience to be a life-changing one for the students,” Gerken said. “We will take in the sights, experience the history and also perform in the world’s largest theater festival.”

Sophomore Michelle Huey is among the members of “Ophekius Rising” and said she is excited for the experience.

“I went on tour to Italy with a chorus, so that was a similar experience,” Huey said. “But I have never been on an actual show overseas. I think it’s going to be my best summer yet.”

Lilek said he expects the atmosphere of the trip to be less competitive than that of a typical school play or musical.

“It’s not about who gets into the next show,” Lilek said. “It’s about the experience. We’re all in this together.”