The 30th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival Starts TODAY! .. @OrlandoFringe #OFringe30 #OrlandoArts

- Michelle Snow

Orlando Fringe

The 30th annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival returns May 18th-31st to Orlando’s Loch Haven Park, with a wealth of artistic endeavors, music, and more.

What is the Fringe? It is a 14-day arts festival that is founded on the concept of being 100% unjuried, uncensored, and accessible. Fringe Festivals began in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947, and made its way to Orlando where it was started 30 years ago, in 1991.

This year’s Fringe Festival returns to an in person format and features shows for all ages, even kids, as well as adults-only shows (remember the uncensored part?).

Most shows are priced between $12 or less, and a few are even free.

Regardless of when or where you purchase your ticket, there is a $1.25 fee added to each ticket that goes directly to the ticketing company. When you purchase your tickets, you also have the option to round your total to the nearest dollar and donate that amount to Orlando Fringe.

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HOW TO FRINGE

The way you Fringe is first you must purchase a Fringe button for $10. This is good for all 14 days and helps fund this massive festival. The only reason you don’t need a button is if you plan to only see the free shows on the outdoor stage or attend Kids Fringe shows.

Once you have a button, you can purchase tickets to the show(s) you want to see. All ticketed shows require a button and ticket in hand for admission.

The only other rule? Don’t be late. All shows start on time, and once they close the doors, late comers are not admitted for any reason. Also, ticket sales will stop 5 minutes prior to a performance, so buy early.

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THE SHOWS

I haven’t had a chance to preview any of this year’s shows, but several look interesting from the descriptions. You can see full show descriptions in the online guide. Many shows are already sold out on certain dates, so don’t wait if there’s a show you really want to see.

New this year is the Play What You Can Stage, which will be located in the courtyard of The Lowndes Shakespeare Center and offers additional free entertainment for patrons. The new stage is designed to have a more intimate and laid back setting than the Outdoor Stage on the lawn. Shows lined up for the stage include storytelling performances, unique visual art workshops, and live music.

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MORE INFO

To get your button and tickets, learn about pandemic safety protocols, or for more information, visit OrlandoFringe.org.

Read more about this year’s Orlando Fringe on this blog:




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