KATY & KAREN KOREN

SHEDx Talks are a free to watch series of ten minute talks from theatre makers and key arts industry figures, presented as part of SHEDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL 2021. All the talks are centred around the theme of Edinburgh Festival Fringe and aim to inspire, educate, reminisce and advocate for change.

Gilded Balloon is widely respected internationally as a critical organisation in the cultural and tourism sectors in Scotland’s events industry with many performers, creatives and arts professionals. Run by mother-daughter team Karen and Katy Koren from their hometown in Edinburgh, Gilded Balloon are passionate about providing a supporting platform for performers of all kinds to present their work during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and year-round in Edinburgh and Scotland.

Karen Koren, Artistic Director, is the founder and creative force behind the Gilded Balloon since 1986. Over the years, Karen has earned a deep respect throughout the comedy and entertainment industry both in the UK and abroad. The award-winning track record at the Gilded Balloon is ample testament to her success in innovative programming and in her instinct for unleashing previously undeveloped potential.

In 2014, Katy Koren, Karen’s daughter, joined the company and since then they have become a passionate partnership running the family business together. Katy shares Karen’s love and determination to provide a supportive platform for new and emerging Scottish as well as international artists. Together they started a podcast to record their shared journey of running one of the largest comedy empires in Scotland. Boss Wummin’ is an insight into what it’s like to be women in the comedy industry as well as run a family business together.