INDIANAPOLIS — For 11 days in August, IndyFringe takes over Mass Ave. in Downtown Indianapolis. From Thursday, August 16 to Sunday, August 26, fans of live local theatre line up for a chance to see thought-provoking, crazy, provocative, insightful, and innovative programming thanks to IndyFringe. Indy’s Fringe festival is unique in that performers receive a percentage of the box office for their shows, plus they have full artistic freedom —almost unheard of in fringe-theatre circles.
Now in its 14th year, IndyFringe has grown from a couple of theatres to a nationally respected full-blown “happening” along Mass Ave. that attracts audiences from all over Central Indiana, and beyond.
Attend a free performer showcase on Wed., August 15 at the Firefighters Union Hall, 748 Mass Ave., for preview of all the shows and to pick up a schedule. The Union Hall is the hub of activity for the festival — the beer tent featuring local brews is located there, as well the information and ticketing center. Ticket prices are $15 per show, with senior and student discount tickets $12 and under 12 for $10. (Service fees for online/debit and credit sales are $1.) Remember that 80 percent of sales are returned to the performers.
To order tickets online, visit www.indyfringe.org, where you can purchase tickets up to two hours before each performance. Call 317-292-4429 or 317-292-6910 for phone orders with a credit card (pickup at will-call). Discount tickets, called a Fiver Pass, is only $55 for 5 tickets (limited availability).
If you aren’t biking or ride-sharing, you’ll need a place to park. IndyFringe’s official free parking is at the new Bottleworks District parking area, with the lot entrance on Mass Ave. between College and Edison. Street parking will be very limited, especially on weekends.
The theatres this year will include IndyFringe Basile and Indy Eleven Theatres (719 E. St. Clair), ComedySportz (721 Mass Ave.), The District Theatre Main and Cabaret Stages (former Theatre on the Square, 627 Mass Ave.), and two floors of the Firehouse (748 Mass Ave.).
This year’s line-up of performers include Indy favorites like Indianapolis Men’s Chorus (“Queen Day” musical theatre, IndyFringe Basile Theatre), Taylor Martin’s Indy Magic (“Best Of . . . Vol. 3,” Indy Eleven Theatre), storyteller Sally Perkins (“The Supersonic Suffrage Story You Never Heard in School,” Firehouse Third Floor), Carmel High School (“Failure: A Love Story,” Firehouse Third Floor), and Act a Foo Improv Crew (ComedySportz). Dance Kaleidoscope, Crossroads Dance Indy, Indianapolis Ballet, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will all perform at the District Theatre Main Stage. There will be stand-up comics, skit comedy, drama, storytelling, and some kid-friendly productions. With 62 shows to choose from, there will at least two shows that you’ll mark down as “can’t miss.”
While IndyFringe Festival is 11 days of intense theatre immersion, IndyFringe provides year-round productions, including the upcoming Bard Fest (Sept. 27-Oct. 7), the Indiana High School Theatre Festival (Nov. 2-4), a New Works Showcase by Indianapolis Ballet (Nov. 8-11), Indy Magic shows, and much more. Visit IndyFringe online for a complete schedule of upcoming shows, membership information, and volunteer opportunities with the organization.
