In 2013, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival spread out across Ivanhoe Village. This year the Black Venue (511 Virginia Drive) is still in action, but Loch Haven is where you’ll find most of the action. Check out show details, festival policies, ticket availability, parking info, venue maps and much more at OrlandoFringe.org.
Bars and restaurants
This year, the food stalls on the Green Lawn of Fabulousness will include high-end treats (including Santiago’s Bodega and the Bohemian Baker) along with the usual hummus, hot dogs and pizza slices. There are also ample opportunities to stop for a drink or a bite to eat along Orange and Mills avenues and Virginia Drive.
Bathroom
Go first, because there’s no re-entry if you leave a show.
Box office
There are four (the main one is in the Shakes, but there’s one at each venue), plus you can buy tickets online.
Button
The $9 button is a one-time purchase that funds Fringe’s operations – ticket sales go to the shows themselves. It can only be purchased at a festival box office (cash only!). Without a button and a ticket, you will not be admitted to any show, so don’t lose it.
Cash
Bring it. The on-site ATM tacks on fees and gets cleaned out fast on weekends.
Cheapness
It’s always free to hang out on the lawn, where there’s food, drink and local bands playing throughout the festival.
Discounts
For the first time, Fringe offers a discount ticket pack this year. The 10-Pack costs $99 and includes 10 tickets and a button; available online or at the Shakes box office.
Help! What should I see?
Use Orlando Weekly’s reviews to plan your viewing – our critics are risking life and limb to see as many shows as possible. Find their reviews at blogs.orlandoweekly.com starting Monday, May 12.
Green Lawn of Fabulousness
Between the Shakes and the Rep lies a broad grassy swath; here you’ll find the beer and wine tent, Stonewall’s mobile liquor bar, food vendors, an ATM, a Poetry Vending Machine and a seething mass of theatrical humanity.
Kids Fringe
The coolest kids in town attend Kids Fringe, which is packed with creative entertainment – puppetry, concerts, hands-on art activities – that parents will enjoy too. Hosted on the shady grounds of the Mennello Museum of American Art.
Lateness
Even if you’ve paid for a ticket, once the doors close, you’re not getting in. Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime and leave plenty of time to walk to the venue; it may be on the opposite end of the complex.
Outdoor stage
This year the outdoor stage on the Green Lawn offers even more local goodness than ever, booked by promoter Jessica Pawli. See page 39 for this week’s lineup.
Parking
Limited as always, but a little better this year, with the Orlando Science Center and Florida Hospital garages open to Fringe attendees. Florida Urology Associates and Magruder Eye Institute have offered their lots as well (check the map at OrlandoFringe.org). Better yet, ride your bike and make use of the bike valet parking service!
Social
Follow Fringe on Facebook and Twitter for late-breaking announcements and info.
Visual Fringe
This year, the art market is hosted at the Orlando Museum of Art, just across the bricks from the Shakes, where you’ll find paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics and sculptures for sale on both weekends of the festival.
Weather
Don’t forget: hat, sunscreen, umbrella. It will be hot and it will rain. But who cares? You’ll be prepared.
