the blog

Last week, I had the honor of attending the 2026 World Fringe Congress in San Diego, CA, during the San Diego International Fringe Festival. I was fortunate enough to catch a few shows throughout the week. It was exciting to see that SD fringe secured a few new state-of-the-art venues in partnership with San Diego State University. Additionally, the Baja Fringe Bi-National Fringe Program featured a multi-day lineup and was well-received. Now on to the Reviews!

From comedy to matchmaking to fringe, Olivia Raine Atwood has learned that each unexpected turn in life and work has been pointing her in the same direction. Olivia is a comedian, writer, matchmaker, fitness instructor, and award-winning fringe performer whose career path could best be described as “a series of accidental perfect fits.”

Penny Peyser’s journey in entertainment is a lesson in adaptability, resilience, and creative reinvention. From off-Broadway to Hollywood to Edinburgh Fringe, her career reflects a simple truth: sustaining a life in entertainment requires both flexibility and the courage to create your own opportunities.

Shelley Cooper has earned recognition in the Fringe theater world for her ability to bring historical figures to life through compelling solo performances. Her works, La Divina: The Last Interview of Maria Callas and Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum, merge storytelling, music, and careful research to offer audiences a deeper, more nuanced understanding of iconic women whose legacies have often been shaped by myth rather than fact.

The arts have the power to transform not just individuals, but entire communities. This belief is at the heart of PUSH Physical Theatre’s work, as co-founder Darren Stevenson has experienced over decades of creating and performing. Darren's story illustrates how the arts can bridge divides, spark empathy, and foster collective well-being.

Fringe theatre has always been built on movement. Artists travel from city to city, crossing borders with stories shaped by where they come from and where they are going next. International touring fringe artists are not an added bonus to the ecosystem. They are fundamental to it.

Children’s theater is often treated as a stepping stone to “real” theater, but Marilyn Greer of Meg in the Magic Toy Shop sees it as a vibrant art form in its own right. Her award-winning Fringe show blends vintage charm, interactive storytelling, and a deep understanding of child development to create something that is both delightful and purposeful.

We are an artist-centered outlet, we're happy to do some narrowing down and give some well-deserved shout-outs to shows at the Adelaide Fringe 2026. We celebrate what has been created. Go see something that interests you, who cares if it has no reviews or top picks? Or, take a chance on something you'd never see; it will probably surprise you.

Accessibility in fringe theatre is not just a matter of compliance—it is a commitment to inclusion. New tools like SlideTeller help ensure that the full experience of a performance is available to all, regardless of how someone receives it.

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.

Fringe performer Steve Budd has become known for his multi-character solo shows. His process enables him to create stories with strong narratives and grounded characters.

How collaboration improves any fringe show: a case study of Denver Aerial Dance Collective.

EXPOSED invites storytellers to share experiences that are often hidden away—trauma, grief, identity struggles, and moments of deep transformation. The goal is not sensationalism but authenticity.