REVIEW: Minnesota Fringe
- Lauren Hance
- Dec 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 10
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. I participated in 2024, and it quickly became one of my favorite festivals. Maybe it’s the classic Midwestern hospitality, maybe it’s the “new man on the Minnesota Vikings,” or maybe it’s the fact that the Minnesota Fringe is run by folks who know WTF they’re doing.
Getting In
Most artists enter through the festival’s lottery system, which includes several categories:
BIPOC
Never Have I Ever (first-time MN Fringe participants)
Touring (outside the 11-county area)
Newer categories include:
Midwest Trifecta (for regional touring)
Border Buddies (for those also performing at the new Green Bay Fringe)
Platinum Lottery (for artists who can fill a larger house)
If you don’t get into any of the specialty lottery categories, you’re automatically rolled into the General Lottery.
If you’re like me and your number still doesn’t get drawn (multiple years in a row, tragic), you can join the festival as an independent producer. While there aren’t official non-fringe hubs right now, there are venues that happily host fringe shows, and the festival keeps a list. You can also negotiate with a coffee shop, bar, or even a church. Once you secure your venue and register with the festival, you’re officially part of the lineup.
If you go the independent route, choose a venue near fringe-supported spaces. Patrons sprint between shows like it’s an elite sport, and being out of the way means you risk being overlooked, no matter how brilliant your show is.
Audiences & Artists
Minnesota Fringe audiences are hard-core. They attend preview nights with notebooks, spreadsheets, and personal ranking systems. If you go over your allotted preview time, the patrons will applaud you off the stage (which might be one of the most aggressive things a Midwesterner could do). Many patrons see as many shows as humanly possible, adjusting their schedule based on word of mouth. These people are committed.
The artist community is equally fantastic. The local fringe scene is strong, supportive, and wildly welcoming. The year I participated, the nightly fringe hub “roved,” so we got to hang out in different parts of the city. Parties were well attended by artists, patrons, and reviewers, and the end-of-festival bash? A true blast.
Media & Awards
Media coverage at U.S. fringes can be… sparse. But Minnesota is an exception. The Twin Cities have an active group of theatre review bloggers (yes, multiple blogs dedicated to reviewing theatre year round). Their reviews are thoughtful, consistent, and trusted by local audiences. (If you want more insight, check out S2 E25 with reviewer Jill Schafer of Cherry and Spoon).
You’ll also see reviews from publications like the Pioneer Press and Lavender Magazine. If you’re hoping to leave the festival with a couple of reviews, this is a great place to do it.
The festival also hands out lots of awards, many tied to ticket sales, with each venue naming a top seller. There are also multiple staff and artist picks. In other words, plenty of chances to go home with a shiny laurel for your poster.
Other This & That About
The festival uses a button system: patrons must buy a festival button each year to attend any show. Buttons often come with local business discounts.
Minneapolis is a huge theatre town, and the venues are fantastic.
There is 30 minutes between shows, which provides ample time for set up and strike. If your show goes longer than the allotted 60 minutes, audiences will not be pleased (remember, they have schedules and spreadsheets).
Button and sticker merch sell well; anything larger is tough with quick turnover between shows.
The festival website is crucial; load your show page with as much clear info as possible.
Patrons leave reviews on the fringe site, and they’re usually very kind (more great pull quotes for those socials).
Artists have limited control over ticketing (standard for U.S. fringes), unless you’re an independent producer.
Minneapolis has a great airport and solid public transportation.
The Billeting Program is excellent.
Final Thoughts on Minnesota Fringe
I highly recommend this festival, whether you’re just starting your fringe journey or you’re a seasoned touring artist. The staff is supportive and genuinely invested in artists. The community is friendly and fun, and you might even walk away with a new best fringe friend (I did). The audiences are adventurous and ready to take a chance on new work, which translates into strong ticket sales.
And you are in luck, because the Minnesota Fringe applications just opened… what are you waiting for?!
If you want to hear more about the Minnesota Fringe, check out our podcast episode with Artist Liaison Amber Bjork (S1 E18).
Minnesota Fringe Show Reviews 2024
Since the WTF blog did not exist when we reviewed shows at the Minnesota Fringe, we are including our reviews here for your enjoyment.
You can also find our reviews on the What the Fringe?! Productions Instagram page.
5x5- The ensemble work is everything in this unique show. Visually stunning.
A FIRST CLASS COMEDIC REVIEW OF THE REANIMATED CORPSE OF A WRIGHT BROTHER- Brilliantly strange and fringey AF! (S1E17 of WTF?!)
BLACKOUT IMPROV DOES SOMETHING!!!- A delightful set. These folks know how to bring the funny.
A HORSE WALKS OUT ONTO THE STAGE AND DIES- A captivatingly quirky show that reminds us to embrace being alive. (Winner 2024 WTF?! 'Fringe AF' Award)
AN HONEST* HISTORY OF BULLSH*T- Paco is an incredible stand-up comic, especially given that he’s German ;)
ANTI.HERO- Captivating storytelling. Motz shares his heart, and it’s why he is so beloved at the fringe.
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW- Some of the most honest and vulnerable acting I have seen in a long time. The staging was breathtaking. (Winner 2024 WTF?! 'Best Drama' Award) (S2E20 of WTF?!)
BEANIE BABY DIVORCE PLAY- A difficult script that was beautifully handled by expert actors. Also, Timothy Kelly’s solo is everything. (S1E16 of WTF?!)
GODZILLA IS NOT A DINOSAUR- Abby's chill sense of humor is anything but “bland.”
Laugh out loud funny.
GOOD ONES- Incredible bouffon show! Funny, Poignant, and about as Minnesota nice as one can get.
HEART RIPPED OUT TWICE AND SO CAN YOU- Achingly hilarious. The turn at the end is everything, reminding us that no matter how bad it gets, life is still worth it.
MARTIN DOCKERY: TRUTH- A wild ride of hysterical tales. Martin is truly one of the best storytellers around. (S1E15 of WTF?!)
THE BANANA WARS - An engaging romp through the troubled history of bananas and deeper truths about the dark sides of the US government.
THE CAMP OUT- This show had me riveted and on the edge of my seat. I laughed and was moved to the core. Incredible improvisers. (Winner 2024 WTF?! 'Best Improv' Award)
THE DUMB WAITER- The actors handle Pinter with passion and expertise.
THE LIGHT BRINGER- An engaging story of one woman’s journey to finding herself.
THE PETER PAN COMETH- Well crafted writing. Expertly acted. Heart wrenchingly beautiful. (2025 WTF Best of Fringe) (S2E16 of WTF?!)
VILE- This clown knows how to use her craft to drive home a message. Funny. Vile. Beautiful. Heartbreaking.
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