The Cincy Fringe, in Collaboration with the League of Cincinnati Theaters and
Falcon Theatre, Announces the Return of Producer-Artist Speed Pitch Sessions at
Non-Traditional Theatre Auditions
2024 Cincy Fringe Unified Auditions
Saturday, February 24th, 2024
1-4pm
Innovation Room at First Financial Bank
601 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011
Sunday, February 25th, 2024
2-6pm
West Side Brewing
3044 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
Cincinnati, OH: Following the resounding success of last year’s groundbreaking event, the Cincinnati Fringe Festival is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of its Unified Auditions. Scheduled for Saturday, February 24th in Covington, KY, and Sunday, February 25th in Cincinnati, Ohio, these one-on-one sessions offer a unique opportunity for producers and artists to connect, collaborate, and bring new theatrical projects to life.
Breaking away from the traditional audition format, the Speed Pitch Sessions will see Cincy Fringe Producers and aspiring artists engage in rapid-fire, 5-minute long pitch sessions. During these sessions, producers will have the chance to pitch their projects – whether they be plays, devised works, or experimental pieces – to a diverse pool of talented artists. At the same time, artists will have the opportunity to pitch themselves – showcasing their skills, talents, and artistic vision to producers in search of collaborators.
“We believe that collaboration is at the heart of great theatre, and our Speed Pitch Sessions are designed to facilitate meaningful connections between producers and artists,” says Katie Hartman, Cincy Fringe Producer. “By providing a platform for producers to share their projects and artists to showcase their talents, we hope to inspire exciting new collaborations and bring fresh, innovative theatrical works to the stage.”
Open to performers of all backgrounds, experience levels, and disciplines, this event promises to be an inclusive and welcoming event where all artists can practice their self-pitch and be seen. Auditioning artists may prepare a short monologue (30-45 seconds) but more importantly they are encouraged to bring their VIBE (Vision, Insight, Best Self, Energy). Producers may have audition sides available. Materials (headshot and resume) will be submitted digitally in the registration form and available to producers. Walk-ins will be accepted, though pre-registration is very much appreciated!
Registration for the 2024 Cincy Fringe Unified Auditions
Please send any questions or concerns by emailing Cincy Fringe Producer, Katie Hartman, at katiefringe@knowtheatre.com. Thank you!
About the Cincy Fringe Festival:
The Cincinnati Fringe Festival (Cincy Fringe) is a two-week long celebration of independent theatre taking place from May 31st-June 15th, 2024, in pop-up venues in Over-the-Rhine. Produced by the Know Theatre and now in its 21st year, the Cincy Fringe showcases new and innovative works by theatre, music, dance and performing artists from around Cincinnati and around the world. We are Cincinnati’s Summer Theatre Party:)
Breakdown of Available Roles:
- Stage Manager
- Puppeteer
- Outside Eye/Director
- Actor: Woman, 20s, Arab-American: Feels things deeply, middle child, contemplative, a bit spontaneous, always tries new foods, hates conflict, does not want to be a bother, a delicate flower, the kind of person who will lend you money without asking why
- Actor: Woman, 20s, Arab-American: Oldest child, type A, commands people, harsh exterior and gooey insides, wears scrubs and walks powerfully, seems like she might know martial arts, takes jeopardy seriously, corrects your mistakes before you make them, the kind of person that you’ve never seen cry, but secretly writes heartbreaking poetry
- Actor: Man, late teens/early 20s, Arab American: Sensitive type, observer, youngest child, could be a college athlete, not much of a talker, kind of person that slides apology doodles under your bedroom door when they are sorry.
- Actor: Man, late 40s/early 50s: Father, puts others before himself, loves feeding people, likes to stay busy, calls people by nicknames, just wants to see you smile
- Actor: Man, 20s: Real estate agent, likes to golf, gambling problem, insecure about how much money he makes, type of person who calls himself a feminist but hates the WNBA, is generally not a very smart person, the kind of person who is ‘not into politics’ but complains about taxes
- Actor: Woman, early 20s: Brings the freakin energy, puppy vibes, loud and thinks she’s hilarious, ride or die friend, physically funny, will eat your snacks without asking, the type of person who is genuinely happy to help you move, full of pure love
- Actor: an 18th century demon who hilariously speaks only through actions the whole show. She may look like a young, haunted girl. Think: the Ring Actor: senior in high school. Book worm. Cautious. Loves her friends but loves doing the right thing more. Is the catalyst for the whole show. Think: if Diane Keaton was in high school
- Actor: high school senior. Pretty. Chasing popularity. The only one in the group who cares about being social. Think: Gretchen Weiners but not as popular Actor: high school senior. The hilarious side kick. Antisocial. Likes sports and punk music. Think: Jane lane in Daria or Beanie Feldstein
- Actor: high school senior. The evil popular cheerleader. Think: Mandy Moore in Princess Diaries, or Saved.
- Actor: high school senior. Delusional hot guy.
- Actor: high school teacher. Hates everyone. Needs a smoke break type of vibe.
- Actor: Male presenting: 45-55; A hero and a poet, a conqueror of everything but blind ambition.
- Actor: Female presenting: 55-65; A brilliant woman writing an afterlife for those she loved.
- Actor: Male presenting: 25-35; A soldier lost in battle, handsome, charismatic, not too bright.
- Actor: Female presenting: 25-35; Inquisitive and passionate
- Actor: Female presenting: 25-35; Earnest and comedic

Announcing locations and times for the Cincy Fringe Unified Auditions!
On the final night of Fringe, the Cincinnati Fringe Festival honored five special shows with “Pick of the Fringe” awards, voted on by artists, patrons, critics, and the producers of the festival itself. We’re very pleased to present to you the winners of the 2023 Picks of the Fringe:
The question I get asked most by people with limited time and resources is, which shows are a “must see.” And I give them my bias answer, based on how I reacted to the shows. Please understand that differences between shows in the rankings can be infinitesimal. And I guarantee everyone’s list is different and just as valid.
An Interactive Comedy