Although I was never much of a theatre goer, I attended my first Indianapolis Fringe Theatre Festival last year, as a blogger for Smaller Indiana, and was introduced to some of the coolest, weirdest, funnest entertainment I’ve ever seen.
And this year promises to be a lot better. “The Fringe” — it’s what the cool people call it; “are you going to ‘The Fringe’ this year?” they ask — promises to be even better than last year. Fringe-goers have a chance to see 53 performers and 270 shows on six stages.
The Fringe begins on August 21st, and will turn the Massachusetts Avenue Arts District into a veritable theatrial circus: dance, theatre, music, improv, visual arts, all written and performed by local, national, and international artists.
There is literally something for everyone, whether you’ve got kids looking for family fun, want some good soul-stirring, emotion-churning drama, or you just love a good sex joke.
This year, IndyFringe has added a 6th stage in five venues
Earth House at Lockerbie Central United Methodist Church
the IndyFringe HQ Building on East St. Clair
Theatre on the Square (Main Stage and Stage 2)
ComedySportz Indianapolis
the Phoenix Theatre
But there will also be shows in the streets with street buskers, performances, visual arts exhibitions, and the occasional band. Last year, I was introduced to both Vermillion Lies, a thriftshop cabaret band from San Francisco, and Indy’s own Grandpall Jukabox.
Who knows, you might find a great new artist, comedy troupe, or life-changing performance that will make you a lifelong Fringer.