You guys.
Somehow, it’s only 16 days until the kickoff of the 12th Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival.
I started this job (as Associate Artistic Director of the Know) exactly one year ago–right before Fringe 2014. What a year it’s been!
The Fringe is, in many ways, the heart and soul of Know Theatre. It’s the embodiment of our vision for Cincinnati: to be the Queen City’s Theatrical Playground.
If you’ve never “Fringed” before, you might be asking yourself–what’s so special?
Why the fuss over yet another Festival in Cincinnati?
Here’s why:
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Local fan faves Hugo West Theatricals tease their 2014 hit HOT DAMN! IT’S THE LOVELAND FROG during the 60 Second Preview Event last Fringe. 150 artists convening in one neighborhood to play
Some new, many returning, and all reveling in the glory of creativity… - 170+ performances crammed into 12 too-short days
It’s a smorgasbord of artistic joy, all for you… - Genres to suit any taste
If you love comedy, we’ve got you covered.
Love a gripping drama? We have that, too. Enamored of beautiful movement? Come see world-class dance right here in OTR. Not really sure what you want to see? With 39 different shows in the main Performance Fringe alone, we’d bet good money you’ll find something you love. - A sense of community
We’ve got that in spades. Saddle up to The Underground bar between shows or at the end of the evening every night of Fringe, and you’ll get to mingle with fellow fans, artists, volunteers, and the Know/Fringe staff. Lifelong friendships get forged at Fringe every year and we can’t wait to welcome you in, too.
Fringe 2015 features 20 shows from local artists you know and love, as well as 15 acts from across this fine nation and 4 international acts (from Canada, the UK, South Africa, and Japan)! Through FringeNext, you’ll even get to see four shows created, produced, and presented by Cincinnati high schoolers. Through FringeDevelopment, you’ll be the first people ever to see two pieces created during the festival itself!
Drama, comedy, dance, puppetry, magic, clowning, musicals, visual art, and more. You name it–Cincy Fringe has it!
We have so many ways for you to enjoy the Fringe. Take a look at the full lineup on cincyfringe.com and see what piques your interest.
If you just want to see a couple of shows, single tickets are just $15–or you can get a One Night Stand Pass for $30, which includes two entries AND a drink at the Underground.
If you think you might want to see three or more shows, try the Voyeur Pass. It’s worth six entries that you can use however you choose, and it’s only $65: that’s like getting a show for free!
If your eyes lit up when you saw that schedule and you’d like to go whole hog this year, the Full Frontal All Access Pass is for you. At $200, it’s a steal if you plan to see 16 shows or more this year. This pass is non-transferable, but it allows you to reserve tickets to any show you want throughout the festival, as well as get walkup seats (where available–we do recommend all passholders reserve shows in advance to guarantee seating!).
Our Official Fringe Festival Guide will arrive in the May 13 issue of CityBeat, and will also be available online at http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/ and cincyfringe.com.
The Guide is your Best Fringe Friend, giving you show descriptions, show ratings, venue locations, and the full schedule in an easy-to-read center spread. Make sure you pick up a copy and you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make the leap into Fringe this year!
If you’ve ever felt reluctant to take a chance on the Fringe, I hope you’ll give it a try this season. I can tell you from experience that the Fringe welcomed this newbie last year with open arms–and I’m so glad they did.
We want to welcome you, too. Come get a little weird with us, starting May 26!
Tamara Winters is the Associate Artistic Director of Know Theatre and the Cincinnati Fringe. She loves this community and can’t wait to welcome you, too.