Itching for a multi-disciplinary, open-access, uncensored performing arts festival? Well, you’re in luck because Tampa will be hosting its 1st Annual Tampa Fringe Festival from May 11th - May 14th! This is an exciting event you want to know more about, here's why...
What is the Tampa Fringe Festival?
Keeping it fringey since 1947, historically during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, eight theater companies wanting to bring their particular brand of exhilarating, innovative, experimental work to audiences - despite not being involved in standard city-organized festivities - created what is known globally as the Fringe Festival. Think of it like "Off-Broadway". In true fringey-form, these heroes of the theater took it upon themselves to perform their pieces on the literal “fringes” of the Edinburgh festival inspiring artists worldwide for decades prompting like-minded Tampa thespians, producers and more to bring on the 1st Annual Tampa Fringe Festival.
Where in Tampa Can you Dive into The Fringe?
Historic Ybor City is the heart of the 1st Annual Tampa Fringe Festival. Watch as Ybor City transforms into a theater hub where you can experience 87 shows in 4 days at 6 venues AND 112 artists from all over the world. Already Ybor favorites, you will visit venues like HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, Crowbar, Urban Phoenix Studios, and Silver Meteor Gallery as they open their doors to the fringe!
When does Tampa get Fringey?
The festival is loaded with shows, meet and greets, VIP parties and more:
May 10th 7 PM- 9 PM at the CL Space – Fringe Preview – Audiences can get a taste of the fringe and watch the screening of Fringe Artist Nancy Kenny’s documentary On the Fringe at 9:30 PM, recommended $5 donation.
May 11th 10 PM at the New World Brewery – Opening Night Open Mic Hosted by Charlie Doal Cohosted by Trish Parry- Come to this almost-anything-goes open mic. 5-7 min sets. $Free
May 13th (technically Sunday 12 AM) at Urban Phoenix – Midnight Cabaret hosted by Matthew McGee - $10
May 14th 9 PM at New World Brewery- Closing Night Party – presenting Mike Milazzo 9 PM, Fringe Awards 10 PM, Urbane Cowboys 10:15 PM & Your Open Jam 11:30 PM-end.
May 11th – May 14th Tampa Fringe Shows - see the entire performance schedule by times on the 1st Annual Tampa Fringe’s website.
Who will I see at Tampa's 1st Annual Fringe Festival?
In addition to artists from all over the world, the 1st Annual Tampa Fringe Festival will feature local artists and their works such as Tyler’s Time Out by Theatre eXceptional, The Flashlight Play by Kevin Michael Wesson, and much more!
Where to get your Button!
Adhering to Fringe Guidelines, artists must receive one hundred percent of box office sales; thus, in addition to your ticket purchase for the shows (ranging from $5 to $13), you must purchase the TiFf Button for $5 to gain access to the festival events and venues. You will be asked to show your fringe-tastic TiFf Button and use it for the entire festival!
Not enough theater for you? We recommend the Eliminator Passes. They are limited in number however you can see as many shows as you want in any venue. In addition, the Eliminator Pass entitles you to free and unrestricted access to each VIP event, all panel talks, and more for $300.
After this festival, your theater itch will be thoroughly scratched and you will have met a bunch of talented artists both locally and from all over the world. This is a performing arts experience not to miss. Be on the fringe this May, be at the party that started it all as a patron of Tampa's 1st Annual Fringe Festival.
(All photos used with permission of the Tampa Fringe Festival)
