Orlando has long been established as a place that revels in fringe culture. Even with the backdrop of all the theme parks and sunny beaches that the tourists flock to season after season, there’s always been an element that celebrates the individual and the uniqueness of counter-culture. After all, there’s got to be something here for us longtime residents to do, right?
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is a culmination of this embracing of alternative art, entertainment, identity, and spirit. As they describe themselves on their website, the festival is a thirteen day event “that is founded on the concept of offering 100% unjuried, 100% uncensored, 100% accessible theatre, music, dance, and art to all types and ages.”
With a history that traces back all the way to Edinburgh and 1947, the Orlando variant has been a consistent event since 1992. Currently taking place in Loch Haven Park, the 2012 Fringe Festival will run through the weekend to the 28th.
All ages are welcome, and there will be a special Kids Fringe festival that takes place at the Mennello Museum for American Art. A listing of the main schedule of shows can be found at their website, and tickets may be purchased here.