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WTF?! Are Fringe Festival Leaders Up To: World Fringe Congress 2026
A few weeks ago, I got to be a fly on the wall at the World Fringe Congress, a gathering of fringe festival directors from around the world. Like, WTF?! who gets to do that?! I was one of a few delegates not directly working with a festival. We all had a blast spending the week geeking out about fringe, and seeing a few good fringe shows. While I can’t divulge all the juicy details (what happens at Congress, stays at Congress), I’d love to share a few things every fringe arti

Lauren Hance
Jun 124 min read


Orlando Fringe 2026 Top Picks
Orlando Fringe is the longest-running fringe in the United States, and has long been on my list of fringe festivals to attend. Sadly, my lottery number has never been pulled (does anyone have a hankie?), but I do keep a regular eye on the festival. I’m thrilled to give my top picks of this year’s festival. While I have to narrow down my picks, I’m gonna have some bonus picks (because you deserve it and I love you).

Lauren Hance
May 84 min read


District Fringe Says “Hell Yes” to Carrying on the Fringe Tradition in Washington DC
You might be wondering: wasn’t there already a fringe festival in DC? The answer is yes, but Capital Fringe is no more. Here’s what happened and why we said yes to District Fringe.

Karen Lange, District Fringe
Apr 243 min read


REVIEW: ESL Rochester Fringe
Rochester is a unique Fringe. I have not seen another festival set up and run quite like this one. I participated in the Rochester Fringe Festival in 2024 and had a really lovely experience. I had a fantastic venue, found a friend to stay with (free housing always helps), and already knew quite a few touring artists, which made it feel social right away.

Lauren Hance
Mar 305 min read


REVIEW: Omaha Fringe
Welcome to the Midwest, and possibly one of the friendliest Fringe festivals you will attend. One of the best parts about Omaha Fringe is the staff.

Lauren Hance
Feb 63 min read


Bringing a Solo Fringe Show Off-Broadway: What United Solo Offers Artists
For fringe artists, producing a solo show Off-Broadway can feel like a big leap, even though much of the work looks familiar. What changes is the context: New York City and the expectations that come with an Off-Broadway venue.

What the Fringe?!
Jan 303 min read


REVIEW: Denver Fringe
Denver Fringe is a newer festival here in the US, and I fully expect it to grow into something big in the coming years. I was impressed on many levels. Festival promotion, artist care, and some lovely venues all stood out.

Lauren Hance
Jan 235 min read


The Job of a Fringe Reviewer: Connecting Audiences and Artists
In the world of theater, the relationship between performers and reviewers can feel complicated. For some artists, the thought of a reviewer in the audience brings excitement and dread in equal measure. But at its best, the work of a reviewer is not about passing judgment from a distance, but about helping connect audiences to the art being made in their community.

What the Fringe?!
Jan 93 min read


REVIEW: Vancouver Fringe
Looking to try out the Canadian Fringe circuit? Vancouver Fringe happens in September, right at the end of the season. Vancouver was my first fringe outside of the U.S., and I had a fantastic experience. I met incredible artists, had solid ticket sales for a first-timer, and even picked up some press coverage.

Lauren Hance
Jan 23 min read


REVIEW: Minnesota Fringe
Welcome to one of the longest-running fringe festivals in the Midwest! Each year, the Minnesota Fringe Festival offers over 100 productions across two jam-packed weeks.

Lauren Hance
Dec 5, 20255 min read


What Makes a Successful Edinburgh Fringe Show?
S2 E9 of What the Fringe?! Sam Gough, Chief Executive of Summerhall Arts Every August, thousands of artists descend on Edinburgh with a dream tucked under their arm: to make something bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. But with hundreds of venues, thousands of shows, and a city that becomes its own ecosystem, what actually makes a Fringe show successful? According to longtime Fringe producer, arts advocate, and current Chief Executive of Summerhall Arts, Sam Gough, the rec

What the Fringe?!
Nov 21, 20253 min read


REVIEW: Solofest at Whitefire Theatre
There’s something special about your very first festival. It’s equal parts adventure, nerves, and a big ol’ heap of hope. Solofest was a great experience, but it was also a crash course in the festival hustle.

Lauren Hance
Nov 10, 20254 min read


Edmonton Fringe 2025 Reviews Part 3
!SNAFU's Sexy Puppet Show (Epidermis Circus 2), 1 Small Lie: Martin Dockery, BRAIN, Connor’s Gonna Tell, Die-Nasty, Goose, Jem Rolls, Magic Dropout, Stroke of Genius Edmonton Fringe 2025 has come to a close. It is a jam-packed 11-day festival that is incredibly well-run and creates an atmosphere of fun for both patrons and artists alike. There is something to do almost all times of the day. One notable feature of this festival is the presence of street performers. They are s

Lauren Hance
Aug 25, 20252 min read


Edmonton Fringe 2025 Reviews Part 2
52 Stories, Bangs, Bobs & Banter: Confessions of a Hairstylist, Charlie’s Riot, Emo Majok: African Aussie, Multiple Neurosis, 'THE FAMILY CROW': A Murder Mystery, The Divorced Dads, The Peter Pan Cometh, The Routine, Wit and Whimsy The Edmonton Fringe Festival is at the halfway point. The audience base in Edmonton is loyal, and they show up all day, every day for the 225+ shows at the fringe. The food trucks are plentiful and surprisingly fast. There are definitely some hom

Lauren Hance
Aug 20, 20252 min read


Edmonton Fringe 2025 Reviews Part 1
A Cabaret of Legends, Anne Zander is MOTHER, Eleanor's Story: Life After War, Elon Muskrat, Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story, F*ck Marry Kill: The Improv Show, Genesis, Ghostbusters One Man Show, GUMS: An Accidental Beach Prequel, Orphan Well, The Human Cat Experience, The Underwear Fairy and Other Love Stories This is my first time at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, and I am quite impressed with the caliber of the festival. This festival has an i

Lauren Hance
Aug 17, 20252 min read
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