What is

Fringe?

Since 1992, Orlando Fringe has provided a space and opportunity for artists to emerge and showcase their talents and craft. The Orlando Fringe produces The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States, which strives to be unjuried, uncensored, accessible for artists and audiences alike, with 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists.

It All Starts with a Festival

For 34 years, we’ve hosted our annual international theatre festival. For two weeks each May, we offer loads of live entertainment, unique theatre experiences, visual art displays, kid friendly shows and activities, and free outdoor concerts. It's a full celebration of independent artists. It is the oldest Fringe Festival in the US and, with its lottery-based selection, offers a variety of experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Over the years, we’ve grown and expanded to include a second annual festival, special events, educational programs, and so much more.

Meet the Team

  • Melissa E. Fritzinger

    Managing Director

  • Genevieve Bernard

    Director of Experience 

  • Tempestt Halstead

    Artistic Director

  • Scott Browning

    Operations Assistant

  • Clark Levi

    Experience Associate

  • Jordan Lewis

    Associate Producer

  • Jennifer Thibodeau

    Festival Box Office Manager

  • Heather Sladick

    Festival Technical Director

  • Amber Schoenwald

    Volunteer Coordinator

  • Carla Davis

    Audience Services Manager

  • Bonnie Kerlin

    Lawn Producer

  • Bethany Post

    Kids Fringe Producer

  • Shannon Motherwell

    Kids Fringe Associate Producer

  • Melanie Leon

    Visual Fringe Producer

  • Megan Markham

    Visual Fringe Associate Producer

  • Ilene Lieber, Passion PR

    Publicist

  • Charlie Jones

    Beverage Manager

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Marcus Williams

    President

  • Lynn Hoppes

    Lynn Hoppes

    Vice President

  • Doug Davis

    Past- President

  • George Fender

    Treasurer

  • Dr. Cheryl Robinson

    Secretary

  • Matt Broffman

    Board Member

  • Wayne Dictor

    Board Member

  • Jason Flowers

    Board Member

  • Leah Patterson

    Board Member

  • John Payne-Rios

    Board Member

  • Mike Marinaccio

    Board Member

  • Emily Fontano

    Board Member

  • MARTY STONEROCK

    Board Member

  • Chase Padgett

    Board Member

  • Colte Suggs

    Board Member

  • Orlando Fringe’s mission is to provide an accessible, affordable outlet that draws diverse elements of the community together and inspires creative excellence through the arts.

  • Orlando Fringe is committed and strives to be a respectful, safer environment free from harassment, violence, discrimination, bullying, and abuse. All community members should be treated with respect and dignity. We provide opportunities for everyone to contribute and participate in all events and activities whenever possible. We will not tolerate participation in activities or behaviors that discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, age, marital status, religious beliefs, citizenship, mental and physical abilities, or sexual orientation.

  • Orlando Fringe acknowledges that our Festival resides on the traditional homelands and territories of the Seminole, Miccosukee, and Timucua Tribes. We are privileged to create here, and recognize that identifying inequities in our organization and working to change policies will support inclusive artistic expression for all.

  • At Orlando Fringe, we believe in Amplifying Voices.

    Our goal is to assure that we are creating and fostering an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative environment, one that promotes participation and openly recruits diverse stories and performances, providing opportunities for underrepresented artists and communities by not only offering a platform for inclusive shows, art, and experiences, but by facilitating and creating opportunities for coaching, mentorship, and scholarships, and by offering any guidance that might help on their artistic journey.

    Ultimately, our greatest ambition is that artists and patrons of any background will see themselves represented in the work showcased at the Orlando Fringe Festival as well as all of our year-round events and that we might serve as a model and inspiration to other artists and arts organizations in our own community and around the world.

 

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