Orlando Fringe announces grand opening of new downtown ArtSpace

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Fringe announced the opening of its new year-round performing arts space in downtown Orlando.

The grand opening of the new Fringe ArtSpace will be held Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Dyer will be on hand for a ribbon cutting as well as a fun-filled open house and street party featuring a live DJ, strolling entertainment, drinks and two special preview performances of the Fringe Winter Mini-Fest.

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The event is free to the community.

The 9,100 square foot Fringe ArtsSpace includes two performing theatre spaces: a mainstage with 166 seats and a black box with 40-60 seats.

“We listened to artists, patrons and community members, and we are excited to have everyone join us at the Grand Opening Bash on January 11 to launch this amazing new space,” said Orlando Fringe executive director Alauna Friskics.  “This curated season is just the beginning.  We have so much more in store and are looking for many more ways to bring artists together and let their voices and stories be heard.  Stay tuned for much, much more.”

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Fringe ArtSpace also announced its all-new programming lineup to kick off 2023.

“We are absolutely thrilled to finally announce the spring season of the MainStage theatrical programming at Fringe ArtSpace!” said Joshian and Kayla Kelsay Morales of Kelsay + Morales Company.  “This is a truly exciting occasion, as we have come together to create a performance space that truly represents and serves the needs of our community.  At Fringe ArtSpace, the programming will be a living, breathing model that continues to evolve and adapt based on the needs of our community.  We look forward to hearing from local artists and working together to create the best possible experience at Fringe ArtSpace.”

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Fringe ArtSpace 2023 Programming:

January 12-15

Fringe Winter Mini-Fest: The 7th annual Winter Mini-Fest is a 4-day curated theatre festival with the best of past festivals, new works by fan favorites and brand new artists scouted from the international Fringe circuit.

January 26-29

VarieTEASE GENESIS by BlueLaLa Entertainment: An extension of the last installment of VarieTEASE On The Move, which tells the story of the closing of the unique theatre, THE VENUE, and the four years following, this dance performance was specially created by Blue for the launch of ArtSpace.

February 3-5

CARRIE the Musical by William Daniel Mills Theatre Company: CARRIE The Musical is a thrilling and engaging retelling of Stephen King’s classic thriller novel Carrie.

February 17-March 5

Middletown by Kangagirl Productions & Ant Farm: A deeply moving and funny new play by acclaimed writer Will Eno that explores the universe of a small American town featuring an all-star cast directed by Orlando Fringe Festival Lifetime Achievement Award recipient David Lee.

March 9-11

A Quarter of A Century...and then some! by Beth Marshall Presents: Arius has been on this Earth for A Quarter of A Century...and then some.  By mixing comedy, drama, rap, R&B, spoken word, dance and songs to share his evolution of growth as a Black queer artist in 2022, Arius tells the story of his 25+ years of what he has learned and unlearned.

March 17-19

Our Lady of the Tortilla/Nuestra Señora de la Tortilla by Descolonizarte TEATRO: This comedy tells the story of an intergenerational, Latinx family in the U.S. struggling with tradition, culture, language, love, and… each other.

May 16-29

Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival: A 14-day arts festival, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is the longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival in the United States, celebrating 32 years as “Orlando’s Most Unique Cultural Experience.”

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“Fringe ArtSpace is the right balance of retro Fringe meets right NOW,” said Beth Marshall.  “Veteran creators are given a supportive platform with the proper resources to create and produce original work often amplifying underrepresented voices and mentoring up-and-coming artists.  Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this!”

For more information on upcoming shows and ticket purchases, visit www.fringeartspace.org.

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