Is anyone interested in an Orlando Gathering?

[opus]

In May? I'm thinking of coming down for the Orlando Fringe Festival on or about May 20 - 29. I went last year and had a great time. So if I come down again this year, would anyone be interested in planning a gathering while I'm there?

Let me know if you're interested, and if so, what dates would work best for you.




(I'm posting this now because I'm thinking about it now, and wanted to put it out there before I forget. )

[Liz]

Hi Kelly,

Since I live in NJ, I don't think I'll be able to get to Florida, much as I'd like to. However, I made the thread a sticky just in case others who are interested might have missed it. Weekends are slow on the forums, and Christmas weekend probably slower.......I noticed quite a few posts not replied to. I just got back myself.

I hope you can put one together.

BTW what is a Fringe Festival?

Liz

[opus]

I think this is the history of what a "fringe festival" is, loosely paraphrased in my own words :

Once upon a time there was a major arts festival held somewhere. People had to apply to get in. Some of those who applied and were not accepted, perhaps because they were not well-known enough or something, decided to put on an arts festival of their own, around the "fringes" of the major festival. Apparently the idea caught on, because now it seems these "Fringe Festivals" take place on their own, and draw passionate, hard-core lovers of the arts. It seems to be a great way for people to get a start and see what kind of market they might have for their work. One of the most famous fringe festivals is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in Scotland. It's the theatre equivalent of the Cannes Film Festival.

Some fringe festivals seem to be more about fine art (Minneapolis, for instance), others are more about theatre. The Orlando Fringe Festival is more about theatre, as far as I could tell last year. So during the course of a week, there might be 70+ shows, ranging from stand-up comedians, one-man shows, dramas, wacky comedies, experimental works, storytellers, whatever. Some shows are clunkers, but many are fun and very good. What's great is that the festival isn't about someone judging which shows get to be seen, but it's all about market forces. If you've got a good show, word spreads and your seats get filled. If you've got a clunker, you don't make money.

The Orlando Fringe Festival is the oldest non-juried festival in the U.S.

All ticket proceeds go directly to the artists themselves, and the artists usually set their own prices, ranging from $5 to $10. All shows are an hour long. You could easily see four or five shows in one day. The artists usually mingle with the crowd and see each other's shows; it's not unusual to see someone's act and then join them for a beer afterward.

Some of the shows are extremely good. I saw one last year (The Nutty Professor - a musical) that I can easily see making it to Broadway, if they found an investor. Several were very thought provoking. One taught me about a medical condition I never knew existed. Many shows were hilarious. A couple made me yawn mightily and yearn for the door.

I really enjoyed my time down there last year, and plan to experience it again.

Here's a really good, short description, leading to more info if you want:

http://www.digitalcity.com/orlando/e...p?evid=1364325

[Liz]

Thanks Kelly. Very interesting. And it sounds like fun.

Liz

[Mando327]

Hello Kelly,

I'm currently in Tallahassee, FL (at FSU go Seminoles!!!!), but my brother lives in Orlando and i visit him here and there. I just came from there spending Christmas time with them (family). If you get something together let me know. Depending i might be able to make it.

Armando

[natatbeach]

but it al depends on busines in the next couple of months. My travel department(hubby---he also runs accounting geesh) has limited my expenditures to what I earn...so no cash no trips...we are doing some serious house savings and and cutting unecessary expenses (although sending me to a shrink when I go out of mmy mind with my kids will cost more)

anyway keep us updated

[MJS]

We might be going up that way for my Son's 15th birthday, assuming he makes it that far. (Just kidding) It would have to be the last weekend, 28 and 29. Let me know how it shakes out.