Know Theatre proudly presents The 21st Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival – the region’s largest and longest-running annual performing arts festival – May 31-June 15, 2024! A 14-day celebration featuring hundreds of live performances from independent local, national, and international artists, the Cincy Fringe is Cincinnati’s Summer Theatre Party.
TICKETS
$18-20 Single Tickets
$90 Fringe Flex Pass
$300 All-Access Pass
Advance tickets can be purchased at cincyfringe.com, over the phone 513.300.KNOW (5669), or in person at Fringe Headquarters on the day of the performance. After 4pm on the day of the performance, advance tickets can no longer be purchased until the venue box office opens. Venue box offices will open 30 minutes prior to the performance time.
PRIMARY LINEUP
1-MAN NO-SHOW from Isaac Kessler
The most theatrically anti-theatre show you’ve ever seen.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
WINNER: Artists’ Pick Award — Edmonton Fringe Festival
An artistic tour-de-force examining the question, “What is Theatre?” as only #CanadianComedyAward Nominee Isaac Kessler can.
“An utterly bizarre, hilarious experience. It’s a must-see.” – Intermission Magazine
“★★★★★ = #HighArt” – ChatGPT
P.S. (plz call/text me at 402-782-5338 when/if I/you need help)
- Thu, June 6 at 8:30pm
- Sat. June 8 at 8:30pm
- Tue, June 11 at 8:30pm
- Wed, June 12 at 8:30pm
- Fri, June 14 at 6:45pm
A MIGRATION OF CRONE from Performance Gallery
A migration of crones toward authenticity through movement and sound.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room S361
A feast for the eyes and ears exploring and challenging myths of crones, hags, and hellcats through embracing the power of wisdom, the joy of survival and the freedom of no fucks left to give.
- Sun, June 2 at 7pm
- Wed, June 5 at 8:45pm
- Thu, June 6 at 7pm
- Sat, June 8 at 7pm
- Sun, June 9 at 4:15pm
- Tue, June 11 at 7pm
A PERFECT DAY AWAY from Dead Cat Productions
Dylan loses his cat, gains a delivery guy, & uncovers his past.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
Dylan’s cat has vanished, and to make matters worse, a food delivery guy won’t leave his apartment. A Perfect Day Away is a quirky tragicomedy about choices and ugly truths. Will Dylan’s quest to root out the whereabouts of his cat uncover more than he’s ready to face?
- Sat, June 1 at 2:15pm
- Wed, June 5 at 6:45pm
- Fri, June 7 at 6:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 4pm
- Sun, June 9 at 4pm
AS IF YOU WILL REMEMBER from Gerry Grubbs, Pauletta Hansel, Rachel Desrochers, Katie Chal, Rob Keenan, Adam Petersen and Michael Burnham
Words, Music and Dance Exploring Dementia’s Love and Loss
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
Through stories and poetry, live music, and dance, As If You Will Remember is a multi-disciplinary live arts experience that explores love, loss, grief, and what it is to be human. The artists’ individual expressions of dementia-related losses create space to express and process grief, move emotion, and experience healing.
- Sun, June 2 at 2:30pm
- Tue, June 4 at 7pm
- Wed, June 5 at 7pm
- Sat, June 8 at 4:15pm
- Sun, June 9 at 12:45pm
BLOODY MARY from Kelly Collette
A demon is summoned, and is forced to go to high school.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
Three Catholic school outcasts play the urban legend game, Bloody Mary, and summon a demon. Unable to put her back, they are forced to take her to high school. Through the demon’s hilarious rise to popularity, the girls are forced to examine their own desires, fears and friendships.
- Sat, June 1 at 8:45pm
- Sun, June 2 at 7pm
- Tue, June 4 at 8:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 7pm
- Fri, June 14 at 8:45pm
BODIES from Can’t Stand Sitting Productions
One man explores body insecurities through live body painting.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 404
BODIES is a live art experience chronicling Matti McLean’s journey from Northern Ontario to body painting. It delves into human relationships, self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Through humorous monologues and live body painting, it explores our connection to art, each other, and our own bodies.
- Sat, June 1 at 8:45pm
- Wed, June 5 at 7pm
- Thu, June 6 at 8:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 4:15pm
- Sun, June 9 at 7pm
- Wed, June 12 at 8:45pm
CANCEL THIS MUSICAL from Wesley Zurick
Identity politics? Yikes. Social media? Ew. Musical? I’M INTERESTED!
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
CANCEL THIS MUSICAL is an absurdist romp regarding identity politics, social media, declining individualism and the urgency with which we need to feel seen.
- Tue, June 4 at 6:45pm
- Thu, June 5 at 8:30pm
- Sun, June 9 at 6:45pm
- Tue, June 11 at 6:45pm
- Fri, June 14 at 8:30pm
CASTAWAYS from Silver Lining Productions
Gilligan’s Island meets Waiting for Godot in memory care.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 404
Dementia is no laughing matter—but between the tears, we need to laugh. CASTAWAYS was born as a tribute to Mary Ann and Ginger, two female icons of my youth, and to our elders marooned in memory care, waiting and hoping for rescue. We all know someone on that island.
- Sun, June 2 at 4:15pm
- Thu, June 6 at 7pm
- Sat, June 8 at 7pm
- Sun, June 9 at 2:30pm
- Tue, June 11 at 8:45pm
- Fri, June 14 at 7pm
CYRANO ON THE MOON from Arcane Arts
Fifteen years after his death, Roxanne writes about Cyrano’s afterlife.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
Cyrano wakes up in a lunar afterlife. Meanwhile, Roxanne, still living in a convent, struggles to reconcile her love with Cyrano’s legacy. Roxanne sets herself to the task of writing the posthumous adventures of “Cyrano on the Moon” with the help of two Nuns in this sequel to Rostand’s Cyrano.
- Sat, June 1 at 7pm
- Sun, June 2 at 4:15pm
- Wed, June 5 at 8:45pm
- Sun, June 9 at 2:30pm
- Wed, June 12 at 7pm
ELEANOR’S STORY: An American Girl in Hitler’s Germany from Ingrid Garner
Award-Winning WWII memoir, performed by author’s granddaughter.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
★★★★★ “Left me lost for words and yet I cannot stop talking about it.” —The Advertiser
Eleanor Ramrath Garner’s award-winning memoir, detailing her youth as an American caught in WWII Berlin, adapted into an internationally acclaimed performance by her granddaughter, Ingrid Garner. BEST OF FEST, Edmonton Fringe
- Sat, June 1 at 4pm
- Sun, June 2 at 6:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 4pm
- Wed, June 12 at 6:45pm
- Thu, June 13 at 6:45pm
ESTHER MADE ME DO IT from Nell Adkins & Elizabeth Sacktor
Heart-felt comedy about best friends auditioning for a Purim shpiel.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 404
Best friends, Naomi and Ruth, are preparing to audition for their local Purim shpiel. Naomi, gunning for the part of Esther, hopes to kick start her theatrical career. Ruth questions her feelings for Naomi and how long she’s willing to put Naomi’s desires before her own.
- Sat, June 1 at 7pm
- Tue, June 4 at 7pm
- Fri, June 7 at 8:45pm
- Sun, June 9 at 4:15pm
- Wed, June 12 at 7pm
- Thu, June 13 at 8:45pm
GENDER? F*CK! from Rachel Baker
Gender is a performance, and I’m being booed off stage.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room S361
Gender? F*ck! Is a devised piece created by three Cincinnatians hoping to create a safe and relaxed environment for the Fringe audience to ask questions about gender that they have never had the opportunity to ask. The show follows Protagonist as they explore what gender fluidity means to them.
- Sat, June 1 at 4:15pm
- Sun, June 2 at 8:45pm
- Thu, June 6 at 8:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 8:45pm
- Tue, June 11 at 8:45pm
- Wed, June 12 at 7pm
KNIGHT, KNIGHT from Madeleine Rowe
Knight & horse. Sword & stone. Love & loss. A wild medieval romp
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
A wild romp of a medieval tale about a knight who pulls a sword from a stone, and becomes king. No, not that king. This one is in love, and is hesitant to fulfill his duties. A story of love, determination, brotherhood, grief, and most of all – horses.
- Sat, June 1 at 4pm
- Tue, June 4 at 6:45pm
- Thu, June 6 at 8:30pm
- Sat, June 8 at 6:45pm
- Sun, June 9 at 2:15pm
LE SPECTACLE DE MERDE (Welcome to Our Sh*t Show) from Megan Flynn & Teresa Vandenend Sorge
Aging. Adulting. Good luck trying not to slip in it!
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
Instead of “break a leg,” dancers say “Merde!” An evening of experimental, devised dance works that weave together stories of aging, adulting, grieving and growing, while navigating the messiest stages of life alongside our chosen family. Created by Megan Flynn & Teresa VanDenend Sorge, choreographers of Mothering & Mourning (Cincy Fringe 2023).
- Fri, June 7 at 7pm
- Sat, June 8 at 2:30pm
- Sun, June 9 at 7pm
- Tue, June 11 at 7pm
- Thu, June 13 at 7pm
MEET ME AT THE BATHTUB: The Short Life & Tumultuous Times of Charlotte Corday from Samantha Joy Luhn
A bathtub assassination immersed in the tempestuous French Revolution.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room S361
Charlotte Corday, a young supporter of a French republic, is horrified at the turn the revolution has taken. Charlotte sets out to kill the man she holds responsible. Follow the woman who would become known as the “Angel of Assassination” through her decision, preparation, crime, trial, and execution.
- Sat, June 1 at 8:45pm
- Tue, June 4 at 7pm
- Sat, June 8 at 4:15pm
- Sun, June 9 at 8:45pm
- Thu, June 13 at 7pm
- Fri, June 14 at 8:45pm
MOUNTING WASHINGTON: The Story of a Mountain and a Miracle from Penny for Your Thoughts (Penny Sterling)
The true story of a miracle…that almost killed me.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room S361
Mounting Washington is a story of improbable events started by improbable circumstances. It’s a story of struggle and triumph, told with the good humor and unflinching honesty expect from a story by Penny Sterling. What’s unexpected, however, is that she’ll be doing this show while pedaling a bike. Yes, really.
- Sun, June 2 at 4:15pm
- Wed, June 5 at 7pm
- Fri, June 7 at 8:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 2:30pm
- Sun, June 9 at 7pm
- Thu, June 13 at 8:45pm
NO F*CKS GIVEN. NONE TAKEN. ALL DONE from Pamela L. Paek
Darkly comedic TEDesque talk on our complicity in humanity’s demise.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
“No f*cks given. None taken. All done.” An interactive dark comedy TEDesque talk originally created as the playwright’s swan song. In this 55-minute class, students reckon with their complicity in the BS of toxic positivity and social norms too many of us hide behind. Content warning: math, many bad words.
- Sun, June 2 at 6:45pm
- Wed, June 5 at 8:30pm
- Thu, June 6 at 6:45pm
- Wed, June 12 at 8:30pm
- Fri, June 14 at 6:45pm
NO PASSENGERS from Gideon Productions
Alan and Diane hold a seance to resurrect Alan’s ex-wife.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
Alan has been happily remarried to Diane for years, but he falls apart after his tumultuous ex-wife Maddie dies. Diane turns to her academic studies into spiritualism to conjure Maddie’s ghost in a desperate bid to give Alan – and herself – the closure they need.
- Sun, June 2 at 4pm
- Wed, June 5 at 6:45pm
- Thu, June 6 at 6:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 2:15pm
- Sun, June 9 at 4pm
SeaMAN from 2 Sleepy Ratguys (Amica Hunter & Bruce Ryan Costella)
A one-man-show, by two. Like The Lighthouse meets Gilligan’s Island.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room S361
A dynamic, revenge-fueled sea-venture featuring the hijinks of a weird old captain with a weirder past, by award-winning Fringe veterans Amica Hunter (ANATOMICA) and Bruce Ryan Costella. A sweet & salty concoction that is as stupid as it is smart. A one-man-show, by two. Like The Lighthouse meets Gilligan’s Island.
- Sat. June 1 at 7pm
- Tue, June 4 at 8:45pm
- Fri, June 7 at 7pm
- Sun, June 9 at 2:30pm
- Wed, June 12 at 8:45pm
- Fri, June 14 at 7pm
SINGING IN THE DARK, 1933 from Big Empty Barn Productions
In a ruined theatre one man recreates a forbidden show.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
In the ruins of a theatre, after the performers are beaten and arrested by the authorities, one defiant actor attempts to perform the entire show. “Laughter and jaw-dropping physicality… must see” -Theatre Jones, Dallas. “Incredible one-man show… brilliant acting” – PBS America. “A gem of a show” – Orlando Sentinel
- Sat, June 1 at 8:30pm
- Sun, June 2 at 8:30pm
- Tue, June 4 at 8:30pm
- Fri, June 7 at 8:30pm
- Sun, June 9 at 2:15pm
SONGS WITHOUT WORDS (or, The Mendelssohn Play) from Jennifer Vosters
Two geniuses + one actor = sibling dramedy with a classical twist.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 404
Songs Without Words (or, The Mendelssohn Play) is the humorous, heartbreaking true story of one artistic soul inhabiting two very different artists. One actor brings composers Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn to life with a tour-de-force performance that wrestles gender and genius, family and fame, siblinghood and the power of art.
- Sat, June 1 at 4:15pm
- Sun, June 2 at 8:45pm
- Wed, June 5 at 8:45pm
- Fri, June 7 at 7pm
- Sat, June 8 at 2:30pm
- Thu, June 13 at 7pm
STRONG BEAR from Jack Fogle
A Palestinian-American family, their grief, and a teddy bear.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
A Palestinian-American woman deals with the death of her immigrant mother by reconnecting with her beloved teddy bear as the family prepares for the funeral. Explore Palestinian family values and how they intersect with the universal yet deeply personal experience of grieving a loved one.
- Sat, June 1 at 6:45pm
- Tue, June 4 at 8:30pm
- Sat, June 8 at 8:30pm
- Sun, June 9 at 6:45pm
- Thu, June 13 at 8:30pm
THE F-FILES from Solasta Theatre Lab
A choose-your-own-adventure exploring the assumed paranormal.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 404
The year is now. The Bureau of Intergalactic Evaluation (BIE) has been assigned Terra 3.0. Will the unnatural-natural tentaclizing phenomena that exist be enough to sway the skeptics on the case? The fate of Earth is in the audience’s hands. Or at least the fate of the show.
- Sun, June 2 at 7pm
- Tue, June 4 at 8:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 8:45pm
- Sun, June 9 at 8:45pm
- Tue, June 11 at 7pm
- Fri, June 14 at 8:45pm
THE LAST WITCH IN IRELAND: The Story of Bridget Cleary from InBocca Performance
Was it folklore hysteria or gender-based violence?
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
The Last Witch In Ireland: In 1895 Michael Cleary declared his wife had been replaced by a changeling whom he’d burned and buried as he waited for his real wife to be returned. Who was Bridget Cleary, the last witch burned in Ireland? Who are we women – the wife or the changeling?
- Sat, June 1 at 2:30pm
- Sun, June 2 at 8:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 8:45pm
- Tue, June 11 at 8:45pm
- Thu, June 13 at 8:45pm
WAITING FOR LAURA from Ben & Justin Present
Two friends anxiously wait to interview Oscar Winner, Laura Dern.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
While waiting to interview critically acclaimed actress, Laura Dern, two friends discover they aren’t on the same page when it comes to their methods… or even her assistant’s name. It’s camp, it’s comedy, it’s Waiting for Godot if Godot was an Oscar-Winning gay icon.
- Sun, June 2 at 4pm
- Fri, June 7 at 8:30pm
- Sat, June 8 at 2:15pm
- Thu, June 13 at 6:45pm
- Fri, June 14 at 8:30pm
SPECIAL EVENTS
ABSURD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE from Paul Strickland
Paul Strickland’s new weird-lightful acoustic-blues-infused story / song concoction.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
2023 National Storytelling Festival Featured Teller and 2024 International Storytelling Center Teller-in-Residence Paul Strickland returns to Cincy Fringe with a new surreally funny, absurdly poetic acoustic-blues-infused concoction in the style of 2017 Critic’s Choice Award Winner “BALLS OF YARNS!”
- Fri, June 7 at 6:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 6:45pm
ALPHAS: ORIGIN STORY – A Comedy Variety Show from Alphas Comedy
A joyful women’s variety show with improv, sketch, music, & dancing!
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
A thematic variety sketch show from the popular Cincinnati-based group of performers and writers consisting of fast-paced sketch, improv, music, goofy choreographed dancing, and stand-up comedy.
- Sat, June 1 at 6:45pm
- Sun, June 9 at 8:30pm
I’M FINALLY GOING TO ASK ELIZABETH HOPKINS TO THE HOMECOMING DANCE AND NOTHING’S GOING TO STOP ME, NOT EVEN THE GHOST OF MY DEAD GRANDMOTHER WHO WATCHES ME MASTERBATE from Queen City Flash
A “Choose Your Own Adventure” Romantic Comedy About Second Chances
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
A New Adventure by 6-time CincyFringe “Pick of the Fest” winners Queen City Flash. *See Title*
- Sat, June 1 at 4:15pm
- Thu, June 6 at 8:45pm
- Fri, June 7 at 8:45pm
- Wed, June 12 at 8:45pm
- Fri, June 14 at 7pm
METHTACULAR! from Stephen Strafford
A funny and harrowing musical romp through meth addiction.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
Methtacular! is a one-man show about Steven Strafford’s three-year addiction to crystal meth. Through comedy, original music, an improvised game show, documentary interview footage of his mom, and heart-wrenching storytelling, Methtacular! is never preachy. It’s an honest account of a life almost lost to bad decisions.
- Sat, June 1 at 8:30pm
- Sun, June 2 at 8:30pm
THE STORK FILES: True Stories of Adoption, Abortion, and Having No Choice from Julie Coppens
Unswaddling secrets. Terminating shame. Bearing witness. Fostering community.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
Summer, 1972. In Cincinnati, the cradle of the modern anti-abortion movement, a suburban housewife gets a phone call—another baby!—out of the blue, while a young couple are left holding nothing but a secret. Blame the bird? A mother-son team cracks open the truth, with music, comedy, and courage.
- Thu, June 6 at 7pm
- Sun, June 9 at 4:15pm
trueFRINGE 2024 from True Theatre
True stories told by the Fringe artists who lived them.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
“trueFRINGE” is a CAN’T MISS Cincinnati Fringe Festival tradition! For 12 years, we’ve invited artists from other shows in the Festival to share their true, personal stories about their lives as artists. See their shows then come hear what makes them tick at “trueFRINGE 2024”!
- Thu, June 13 at 8:30pm
FRINGE DEVELOPMENT
A FORD’S ESCAPE (Or a Honda’s Civic Lesson) from Zamudio Theatre & the Milford Drama Dept.
A school roadtrip turns into high school road R.I.P.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Gabriel’s Corner
A group of childhood friends, on the verge of “adulthood,” decide to take a roadtrip together before they all go their separate ways – some to college, some into the workforce, others… elsewhere. Along the way they discover an uninvited guest in their trunk, a guest who has her own intentions.
- Sun, June 9 at 8:45pm
CRACKS from Claire Lochmueller
Trans comedian explores her Catholic military upbringing- a heartfelt journey.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
From military school classrooms, witness a journey of self-discovery and resilience in this one-woman show. A transgender comedian shares her hilarious, poignant, and awkward tale of navigating her breaking through the shell of protection she built for herself. With laughter, she shows us how her two lives became one identity.
- Tue, June 11 at 6:45pm
TEA SIPS AND TELL from Leila Kubesch
Powerful solo performance: Triumph over adversity, hope for all.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
Tea Sips & Tell: Gripping solo, Leila’s journey from adversity to triumph; a poignant love letter to the human experience. Unflinching exploration of dark corners, offering inspiration and hope. A must-see for women, Africans, first-gen immigrants, and dreamers. Life-affirming storytelling transcending pain with raw honesty.
- Wed, June 12 at 6:45pm
WEBCAM from Kirk Sheppard
A play about intimacy, loneliness, and sex work.
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Art Academy Room 204
Cory needs to pay for school and thinks taking his clothes off online is a great way to do it. His best friend has objections – and other feelings, too. Maybe sex work wasn’t such a great idea, after all? Or maybe it was. It’s complicated!
- Wed, June 12 at 6:45pm
KID’S FRINGE
THE EMU THAT ATE CINCINNATI & OTHER CURIOUS TALES from Sean P. Mette
Where the Curious and Even Curiouser Tales Abound
More info & purchase tickets | Facebook event | Press release |
Know Theatre
G.G. Andersen is ready to finally tell his stories to the world; that is if his Leprechaun Godfather lets him. Enjoy this new puppet show of original tales and fresh adaptations! Stories include The Emu that Ate Cincinnati, The Tortoise and Mr. Hairy, The Chili Spaghetti Man and More!
- Sat, June 1 at 2:45pm
- Sat, June 8 at 12:30pm
- Sun, June 9 at 12:30pm
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 