2023 Rochester Fringe Festival Wraps 12th Edition

The 2023 Rochester Fringe Festival (September 12-23) recently wrapped its twelfth festival and immediately started planning for 2024.  The non-profit festival, which like many arts organizations is still rebounding from the pandemic, saw a 39% increase in ticket sales over the 2022 festival.

“We’re thrilled that our twelfth annual Fringe was the best yet in terms of audience response as well as acclaim,” said Erica Fee, Festival Producer and CEO. “What we really heard from patrons, though, was their joy and the thrilling experiences they had by being part of the festival. With more than 500 performances of 200 shows, there really was something for everyone at this year’s Fringe.” 

In addition to the shows that took place in the Spiegeltent and Spiegelgarden at One Fringe Place and at Parcel 5 in downtown Rochester, more than 30 venues throughout Monroe County presented shows as well. A total of 118 shows were free of charge, making the arts accessible to everyone—including shows at Parcel 5, where tens of thousands of people gathered to see the highly acclaimed French company Cirque Inextremiste on its U.S debut tour in a tightrope-walking, quirky, fiery performance called EXIT, featuring a hot air balloon. Free performances also drew crowds for the Rochester Fringe premiere of The Fanzinis in Ballet Poulet. The Fanzinis, a comedy street theatre duo from County Cavan, Ireland, which is Monroe County’s only sister county worldwide. The Fanzinis came to Rochester as part of the first-ever artistic exchange between the counties.

Mark A. Costello, Board Chair said, "We’re a not-for-profit organization that works tirelessly year-round to bring amazing, accessible art to the community for the 12 days of Fringe. I never cease to be amazed by the exceptionally talented artists who participate, and this year’s Fringe was no exception; it was extraordinary."

More than 100 ticketed performances sold out completely, including comedy headliner Tig Notaro, the world premiere of Corazón by internationally acclaimed circus troupe Circolombia, Shotspeare, Silent Disco, Dashboard Dramas IX,  all Bushwhacked shows, Charming Disaster’s Musical Seánce, as well as productions across the festival.

“The JCC loves opening our doors to artists and audiences as a Fringe venue! Each year we introduce thousands of new people to our community center and the flexibility of the festival allows us to greatly expand the diversity of our programming and our audiences. Fringe is one of the most exciting times of the year at the JCC CenterStage,” said Ralph Meranto, JCC CenterStage Theatre Artistic Director.

A site-responsive outdoor video installation by Australian artist Craig Walsh, Monuments led us to question what monuments actually are, what they represent, and whom we should honor in this public manner. The 2023 honorees were Lisa Robbins Theuman, community organizer against hunger; Ronnie Reitter (Seneca, Wolf Clan), storyteller for Seneca culture; and Patricia McKinney, parent liaison, School No. 23. “Craig Walsh’s work gave us the opportunity to recognize people right here in Rochester who have not received the recognition they deserve for their contributions to our community,” said Fee. “We were thrilled to bring this special event to Rochester, and to create an immersive outdoor environment where our audiences can engage with the art.”

The Rochester Fringe Board of Directors will announce the 2024 festival dates before the end of this calendar year.  The application period for shows wishing to perform at the 2024 Rochester Fringe Festival will open in February.  Festival organizers will announce the exact details and dates of the application period later this month at RochesterFringe.com.