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Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival Returns

Attendees of the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival watching an engaging performance.

News Summary

The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is set to return from May 13 to May 26. This 14-day celebration will include over 100 performances and the theme ‘Let Your Fringe Flag Fly’. With tickets priced at $15, the festival emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, featuring various food options and free events for attendees. Centralized venues around Loch Haven Park will enhance the experience, making it a noteworthy event in the local arts community.

Orlando – The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is preparing to make its highly anticipated return for a 14-day immersive experience, showcasing over 100 performances from a wide array of artists. This vibrant festival, celebrated for being the longest-running Fringe theatre festival in the United States, will run from May 13 to May 26, with the theme “Let Your Fringe Flag Fly.”

The festival kicks off with opening ceremonies on May 13 at 7 p.m. at the Orlando Family Stage, featuring a ribbon-cutting event and a one-minute live teaser performance showcasing touring shows from five countries and over 20 states.

This year, tickets are priced at $15, which is suggested for attendees ages 13 and up. To access the shows, attendees are required to purchase a Fringe button that supports festival operations. Notably, 100% of the ticket sales go directly to the artists, ensuring that the revenue benefits those who contribute creatively to the festival.

In a shift towards increased accessibility, the festival has more centralized venues this year, all located within and around the picturesque Loch Haven Park. The five performance venues include popular sites such as the Lowndes Shakespeare Center and the Orlando Family Stage. Furthermore, the festival welcomes Bring Your Own Venues (BYOVs) with familiar participants like the Renaissance Theatre Company and The Starlite Room @ Savoy, along with Ten10 Brewing Co.

The festival has also expanded its food truck options, adding a variety of food choices for attendees, along with new outdoor activities. Participants can enjoy offerings like pet adoptions, bingo, and live music, making the festival appealing to a broader audience, including families and newcomers to the arts.

In addition to the ticketed shows, several events and activities at the festival are free and do not require the purchase of a Fringe button, allowing attendees to explore diverse performances without a financial commitment. The festival encourages visitors to step outside their comfort zones and engage with shows that might not align with their typical interests.

As a note for first-time attendees, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour early to secure parking, locate their venue, and prepare to dive into the festival experience.

The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has become a cornerstone of the local arts community, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents. By fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation, the festival continues to attract audiences and participants from across the nation and beyond.

With such a dynamic lineup and an array of activities planned, the festival promises to be an engaging celebration of the arts, bringing together people from all walks of life to partake in this unique cultural experience.

For additional information and updates as the festival approaches, attendees are encouraged to stay connected with festival organizers and follow announcements regarding the specific schedule and lineup of shows.