Eight years ago, On the Fringe Visual and Performing Arts wanted to create a stage where any child could enjoy the spotlight — without charging exorbitant fees. Realizing just how few productions could accommodate students with disabilities, co-founders and educators Maria Stats and Bryan Payne established a performing arts environment with inclusivity as their primary goal. Opening on May 31, the youth-led production of “James and the Giant Peach” is more than just a culmination of this week’s dress rehearsals.

This year’s annual performance marks another wild success for the students, as well as an opportunity for the community to support those endeavors. These tickets have been vital in sending the youth performers to the world-renowned Junior Theatre Festival. For six years, Stats has taken students to the largest theater camp in the world, where the group has won the Ensemble Award, Inspiration Award, Acting Award, and Music Award.

Additionally they secured a total of five youth director wins, two youth choreography wins, and three all-around festival wins. “We beg, borrow and write grants to raise upwards of 15 grand to have this opportunity alongside kids from seven different countries and Broadway actors and directors,” said Stats. “It’s the best and most exhausting 72 hours of my life.

And we make sure every kid regardless of ability comes with us.” Whether it’s on the world stage or the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum stage, the actors are .