What is Fringe?
It all started in 1947 in Edinburgh, Scotland, as an alternative festival that played concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival. Though not invited to participate, groups of actors, musicians, and the like performed at various venues on the fringe of the EIF. In 1948, Robert Kemp, a local journalist, gave it the name Fringe: “Round the fringe of official Festival drama, there seems to be more private enterprise than before…” (Read more about Fringe history at Wikipedia.)
And so the Fringe as we know it was born. Fringe performing arts festivals can now be found all over the world, with dozens thriving in the United States today.
In the U.S., no one organization or individual owns, controls or regulates the name “Fringe”. There are no national rules for how each individual festivals operate; festival content, finances, and structure vary from city to city. Generally, all festivals are committed to an open forum of expression that minimizes the financial risks for both artists and audiences. Fringes work hard to keep production fees and ticket prices low so that more people can participate in our festivals.
And now we are celebrating the 14th Annual Kansas City Fringe Festival. Let’s get our Fringe on in support of the Arts. There’s something for everyone! KCFringe.org
Late Nite on the Fringe
We all know that those on the Fringe have a tendency to stay up late. I mean, how many times do the best ideas come to you late at night- but no one is awake to hear it?
Join Fringe Festival KC after hours at The Haverty Family Yards behind Union Station (next to the Planetarium). Hang out with the artists, crew, and volunteers as you enjoy local bands and Schlafly brews. Late Nite on the Fringe admission is free with your Fringe Button! July 20, 21, 27, 28 10pm – 1am.
The KC Fringe stage is for the diversity, innovation and creativity that can be found throughout our community. This event is an example of how the arts bring people from all walks of life together, inspiring participants and attendees to embrace creativity and dare to be different.
- Fringe shows span across 14 venues
- Features 76 different producers
- Over 630 participating artists
- Galleries showcase 35 Visual Artists across multiple mediums
- More than 400 opportunities to find your Fringe this year!
