Chicago Fringe Festival Moves to Jefferson Park

The Chicago Fringe Festival has announced the 2013 Chicago Fringe Festival, August 29 - September 8, takes place at various locations in Jefferson Park. In addition, the Fringe Festival also confirms the date and location of the 4th Annual Lottery Party, where individuals and organization learn if they are going to be part of the 2013 Fringe Festival, is at Gale Street Inn, 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave starting at 1:30 p.m. The Lottery Party is free and open to the public.

Vinnie Lacey, executive director of the Chicago Fringe Festival, said about the new location, "The Festival has had a very successful three years in Pilsen and we are grateful to that community for the support. For 2013, we wanted to explore a new home, while maintaining our commitment to the amazing performances and community experience that our audiences encounter at the Fringe. We are looking forward to partnering with Jefferson Park restaurants and businesses to make this year's Fringe the best yet . With the already thriving performing arts scene at the Gift and Filament theatres, we are excited to contribute to the arts renewal in the 45th Ward-it will be an unforgettable year and another great Fringe Festival."

The Alderman of the 45th Ward, John Arena added, "I welcome the Chicago Fringe Festival. Jefferson Park is an ideal location for the Festival as it offers a wealth of unique venues. Coupled with the transportation access for visitors from Chicago and the suburbs means this year's Festival will be a great success. I want to thank the organizers of the Festival for adding another reason why people should visit Jefferson Park."

The Gift Theatre's Artistic Director Michael Thornton also commented on the announcement, "The Gift was born out of a class called 'Alternative Approaches to Theatre.' As a Jeff Park native and resident, I'm ecstatic that my neighborhood will get to see some of the most exciting, strange, alternative, and beautiful fringe theatre in the country. As artistic director of a theatre largely considered on the fringe, I am very moved that The Gift will be a host to The Chicago Fringe Festival. Theatre is the only place where 'the fringe' being 'mainstream' is preferable. I couldn't be happier."