The annual IndyFringe Theatre Festival returns August 19-September 5 with a revamped format to showcase local and Midwest performing arts talent, while providing a safe theatre-going experience with both indoor and outdoor venues.
Departing from the typical non-stop pace of the 10-day festival, this year’s fest will be spread out over three extended weekends with performances running Thursday through Sunday.
Forty productions have been confirmed with more to be announced. These productions will be created by more than 280 performers and production staff — for many, this will be the return to the stage after a year of not performing. As always, 80% of the box office will be returned to the performers.
As we move forward we will continue our work building a welcoming and inclusive platform for all performing artists. Four shows selected from 2020 OnyxFest (Being Black by Vernon Williams and I Feed You Defiance by Rain Wilson) and 2021 DivaFest (A Dry Rose by Missy Koonce and Honk, Squawk, Love by Paige Scott) will be among the diverse selections this year.
All artists and staff participating in the Festival have agreed to be fully vaccinated (or additional testing/protocols if unable to vaccinate). Additional protocols will be determined closer to the festival based on current guidance.
The IndyFringe Basile Theatre is also getting a big upgrade this month with a new HVAC system to equip the 100-year old building with increased ventilation and filtration. Fringe venues include the Athenaeum, the District Theatre, Indy Eleven Theatre at Fringe, and the Oasis at the Murat — all conveniently located on Mass Ave.
There will be a Festival Kick-Off party at the Oasis at the Murat on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are free and available online only. Catch previews of shows, live music, and a toast to the start of the festival. There is limited capacity.
Locally produced shows include Acts of Gratitude by Dance Kaledioscope, Act a Foo Improv Crew, Abraham Lincoln: Hoosier Hero by Danny Russel, Beyond Ballet with Indianapolis Ballet, Cabaret Latino featuring Iris Ramirez and Pavel Polanco-Safadit and Direct Contact, Lear’s Shadow by BardFest, and Radium Girls by the Christian Youth Theater.
Several outstanding non-local acts will be part of this year’s Indy Fringe, including Shakespeare’s Histories: Ten Epic Plays at a Breakneck Pace! by Tim Mooney, Do Jokes Still Work? with Stewart Huff, and The Reluctant Mind Reader with Brendon Ware.
General admission tickets are $20 or $14 for students. Save on tickets by buying Fiver Passes — 5 for $85. Buy tickets online at indyfringe.org or by calling 317-210-4639. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. In person tickets may be available 30 minutes prior to show — sales are CREDIT CARD ONLY (no cash transactions). Every venue will only sell up to 80% capacity, allowing for some social distancing.
Free parking is available near the venues, including the Davidson Street North lot (NOT in the Mayflower lot), along Davidson, Trailside surface lot behind Yats, and along Fulton. Art Bank offers $5 parking in their lot. Metered parking is available along Mass Ave. Get the Parker app on your phone for locating open spaces in real time.
