2025 WTF Best of Fringe Theatre Awards

S2 E30 of What the Fringe?!

For the 2025 fringe season, we saw over 100 dynamite shows across the globe, including shows at the San Diego Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe, Edmonton Fringe, and Fort Worth Fringe. It was difficult to narrow down the best of fringe theatre, but we managed. We are thrilled to announce the nominees and winners for the 2025 WTF Best of Fringe Awards. All award nominees and winners were revealed on the season finale episode of What the Fringe?!, where the incredible Chris Grace helped us make the big announcement.

Fringe AF

This award is for shows that are as fringey as they come. You can find anything at the fringe, that is for sure, but these shows were standout productions that incorporated that extra bit of fringe theatre flair.

WINNER: Perchance to Dream- Jet & Anatasha

NOMINEES: Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote, The Faustus Project

Best Dance

I must admit, I usually do not see much dance, but these shows were well worth my time. I was incredibly moved by each piece and was so glad I took a chance on dance.

WINNER: husk/vessel

NOMINEES: Rince Panic, Sole to Soul

Best Family Friendly

It is incredibly important to expose children to theatre at a young age. And what better place is there to do so than with fringe theatre?! These three shows delighted children and adults alike. I do have to note that Honest Fraud was not specifically a children's show, but it was very appropriate for people of any age, and I wish my entire family could have seen the show.

WINNER: Meg in the Magic Toy Shop

NOMINEES: Honest Fraud, Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret

Best Writing

I'm not saying I have a favorite category, but if I did... I am a writer, and when I see a show with good writing, it makes my heart sing. These stories were not only well acted, but the writing was stupendous.

WINNER: Clean Slate

NOMINEES: 'THE FAMILY CROW': A Murder Mystery, Ah Ma, Flick, The Peter Pan Cometh

Best Directing

Having a skilled director can take a show to the next level. All of these shows had clear evidence of gifted directors who were able to bring the show to life in vibrant and moving ways.

WINNER: Ah Ma

NOMINEES: Alone, Charlie’s Riot, Fly, You Fools, The Peter Pan Cometh

Best Clowning/ Physical Theatre

The first time I saw a clown show, I was sold on the art form. These shows made me laugh, cry, and feel deeply. Thank you, clowns, for making the world a more joyful place.

WINNER: !SNAFU's Sexy Puppet Show (Epidermis Circus 2)

NOMINEES: Anne Zander is MOTHER, Pickled Republic, Smile, The Routine

Best Spoken Word & Storytelling

Storytellers know how to capture your attention and draw you in. I suppose most theatre makers are storytellers, but there is something beautiful about one person simply telling you a story for an hour. These fringe theatre performers are incredible wordsmiths and storytellers.

WINNER: Chat Sh*t, Get Hit

NOMINEES: 52 Stories, jem rolls ADVENTURES IN CANADIAN PARKING LOTS, The Crystal Kingdom, The Underwear Fairy and Other Love Stories

Best Ensemble

When a pair or group of actors mesh well, the story becomes vivid and real. The actors in these shows had incredible chemistry, making the performances almost magical. If you know a show was wonderful, but can't figure out why, ensemble might be one of the main reasons.

WINNER: Orpheus

NOMINEES: Alone, Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story, Goose!, The Peter Pan Cometh

Best Comedy

Who doesn't love a good laugh at the fringe? These shows made me giggle, guffaw, and laugh till I cried.

WINNER: Graham & Steen

NOMINEES: Stroke of Genius: Pantomime Masturbation Throughout Performing Arts History, The Faustus Project, Wage Against the Machine, Wit & Whimsy: An Improvised Regency Romance

Best Drama

I love a good drama. While comedies tend to sell well at most fringes, I will choose a drama almost any day. These shows made me reflect deeply on the human condition through beauty and heartache. When you go see fringe theatre, don't be afraid to get into your feels and take a chance on a drama.

WINNER: Alone

NOMINEES: Ah Ma, Colours Run, Dots, Eleanor's Story: Life After War

Best Solo Show

As a solo artist myself, I know what it takes to put a solo show together, and it might be one of the hardest things an actor can do. These fringe theatre artists are truly gifted and their shows shine!

WINNER: A Cabaret of Legends

NOMINEES: Cartoonopolis, Queen of Fishtown, Clean Slate, Flick

Chris Grace’s Best Music

When Chris learned that he was helping me announce the awards for 2025, he asked if he could give out an award, and of course, the answer was yes! (perks of being on the season finale episode). I am so pleased to feature these fringe theatre artists. Thanks, Chris!

WINNER: Ohio

NOMINEES: Couplet: Honey, Honey, Moon, Moon, Orpheus

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners, you certainly are the best of fringe! And friends, if you ever get a chance to see one of these fringe theatre shows, please do! Keep fringing!