Weekend 1 @ Le Mondo

Ladies, gentlemen, non-binary pals, and intergalactic weirdos, gather 'round because we've got a tale to spin about last week's reunion! A big THANK YOU to everyone who graced us with their presence at our first Fringe Festival since the good ol' days of 2019. Your enthusiastic support and shared love for the peculiar arts made this weekend truly special.

In case you missed out on the spectacle (shame on you!), fear not, for we're not done yet. We've got a whole week of fringe-tastic madness lined up from October 4th to 8th, just waiting for you.

Join us as we continue to celebrate the weird, the wonderful, and the utterly unique. Your seat is waiting, and the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.

Tickets and passes are still available, and we're counting on your passion for the arts to fill those seats and make this coming week a resounding success.

Keep scrolling for all the must-see events and exciting happenings during Week 2 of the Charm City Fringe Festival!

Your ticket not only grants you access to remarkable shows but also helps us keep the spirit of fringe theater alive. So, don't miss your chance to be part of something truly exceptional. Secure your tickets now, invite your friends, and together, let's ensure that the Fringe Festival shines brightly for all to see.

Experience the Best of the Fest with Festival Passes

The 2023 Fringe Festival passes are on sale now! Choose between the 3 types of passes: 

Date Night Pass: 2 tickets to 2 shows and 2 festival buttons. 

3 Ticket Pass: 3 tickets and 1 festival button. 

All Access Pass: entry to all festival events for the ultimate experience. 

Wednesday, October 4

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

7pm - Arson 101

Arson 101, A Choose Your Own Adventure is the story of one relationship told collaboratively between the audience and the actors to create 1008+ possible show combinations. Winner of the 2023 “Artists Pick” and “Spirit of the Fringe” Awards at San Diego International Fringe Festival, it begins when the soon-to-be-lovers meet, and ends... who knows where?!  Secure your spot

8:45pm - The Galaxy Brain Experience

Created by Joe Cahill, The Galaxy Brain Experience combines hip-hop music, chamber music, animation, and dance. This 45-minute original story follows Astris on her psychedelic journey into space. Whether traveling on a rocket, through a black hole, or a maze, she learns to love herself while living alongside her mental illness.— Click here for tickets

BlakWaterMusic 218 W Saratoga St.

7:30pm - Flurpa

Deep in a river, a creature grows. Up on the bank, mutant children, with 12 eyes, cry. Men pass furtive glances while the water levels rise. Everything hinges on a mother who's sickly tired from deceit. In a town poisoned to the bone, even good men get scared. But whoever said there was anything good growing in Flurpa? — Click here for tickets

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

8:15pm - Law & Order B.I.G

Law & Order: B.I.G. -- Created by Michael Harris and developed by the Baltimore Improv Group (BIG), this Fully Improvised show places America's longest running episodic series in YOUR hands. From finding a dead body in public to the verdict given by the audience, it's everything you expect from Law & Order, as you've never seen it before. — Click here for tickets

Thursday, October 5

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

7pm - The Galaxy Brain Experience

8:45pm - Arson 101

10pm - Fringe After Dark : Between 2 Minds

Between 2 Minds is a symphony of laughter, wonder, and sheer disbelief, seamlessly merging the impossible and the hilarious. Prepare to be captivated by the talents of Bernardo Rodriguez, the masterful mind reader, and Judge Mentalist, the mesmerizing hypnotist. In this thrilling theatrical spectacle, the power of the mind reigns supreme, and the audience is the true star of the show. Between 2 Minds is not just a show; it's an unforgettable experience that will leave you questioning the limits of your own mind. Don't miss your chance to witness this extraordinary fusion of talents as you prepare to be spellbound, enchanted, and utterly amazed as you embark on a journey to Enter the Impossible. — Click here for tickets

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

7:30pm - Spank Bank Time Machine

Best friends, sex parties, douches, death, and 50% of Andrew Christian underwear. Travel with John Michael in a spanks- and participation-fueled time machine to every one of his orgasms. It's a Queer Fantasia about how grieving makes you horny. — Click here for tickets

8:45pm - Law & Order: B.I.G

BlakWaterMusic 218 W Saratoga St.

6:30pm - Flurpa

9:15pm - Tweets You Can Hold: A Fashion Presentation

An intrepid group of thespians awake one morning to startling news: their friend, the supermodel, is calling in a favor. She has an important obligation and can’t make her runway that evening– can they cover for her? Of course, they can! The thespians nail the assignment and set off on a journey from fashion to stardom to friendship. It's a part-tay! — Click here for tickets

410 Lofts 410 N Eutaw St

8:45pm - The 1973 Dodge Monaco Station Wagon

Our family had a huge Dodge in the 70s. We bought it when the Ford finally died just as we were about to cross into Mexico, to stay for an unspecified amount of time – and under very unspecified circumstances. I remember some things about that period. But I was a child, so I've forgotten a lot. My dad remembers some things. My mom remembers some other things. My photographs are fuzzy. And no one remembers the things I do. What actually happened? — Click here for tickets

Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

6:30pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?

A surprise party turns into a "Who Done It?" This is what happens when Sylvia gets the bottle. She was supposed to be celebrating her 60th Birthday. Now she's gotta go to jail. But we're going to find the culprit before the cops get here. Who gave Sylvia the bottle? — Click here for tickets

Friday, October 6

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

10:30pm - The Galaxy Brain Experience

6:15pm - Arson 101

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

10pm - Spank Bank Time Machine

6:30pm - Law & Order: B.I.G

410 Lofts 410 N Eutaw St

8:45pm - The 1973 Dodge Monaco Station Wagon

Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

9:15pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?

Saturday, October 7

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

8:45pm - The Galaxy Brain Experience

3:15pm - Arson 101

10pm - **Fringe After Dark** Time Machine Blueprints

Shawn Wickens is a comedian, futurist and casual stoner. One night a weed brownie changed his life. The next morning he realized he had bought the domain name: TimeMachineBlueprints.com. Things only got weirder from there. You will remember this very true comedy show… in the Future! — Click here for tickets

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

4:30 & 6:30pm - Baal & Dix

Meet Bertolt Brecht and Degenerate painter Otto Dix. Kinda. Fact or fantasy? Either way, they’re yours to devour. Baal & Dix is an immersive piece that explores German auteur Bertolt Brecht and his contemporary, Otto Dix. The audience chooses their own path in this quasi-factual, cabaret-style romp into toxic art. — Click here for tickets

2:45pm - Spank Bank Time Machine

8:15pm - Law & Order: B.I.G

410 Lofts 410 N Eutaw St

8:45pm - The 1973 Dodge Monaco Station Wagon

Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

9:15pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?

Theatrical Mining 401 N Howard St

8pm - Triple Play

BlakWaterMusic 218 W Saratoga St.

9:30pm - Ladies Night with Ebony Jackson

Come Party with comedian Miz Jaxxxn as she navigates through love  sex and relationships during this comedic storytelling event filled with crowd participation and laughter. — Click here to get tickets

Sunday, October 8

Le Mondo 406 N. Howard St

5pm - The Galaxy Brain Experience

3:15pm - Arson 101

11am - Fringe After Dark: Drag Brunch with Pariah Sinclair

End the 2023 Charm City Fringe Fest with a BANG! Come see the best drag performers in Baltimore at “Fringe After Dark: Drag Brunch”. Hosted by Pariah Sinclair at Le Mondo on Sunday October 8 at 1130 am. Featuring Naomi Ratchet, Myah Duboise Blue, and Stealya Manz. — Click here for tickets

MAP Underground 218 W Saratoga St.

2:45pm - Law & Order: B.I.G

1pm - Baal & Dix

4:30pm - Spank Bank Time Machine

6:30pm — Charm City Fringe Closing Party - All good things must come to end and the 2023 Charm City Fringe is one of them. Come spend one last evening with Fringe! Mingle with the artists, enjoy live music, and watch our festival awards ceremony! This event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP Here

BlakWaterMusic 218 W Saratoga St.

1pm & 2:15pm - Flurpa

3:45pm - Tweets You Can Hold: A Fashion Presentation

Theatrical Mining 401 N Howard St

1:30pm - Triple Play

Media Rhythm Institute 20 N Howard St

3pm - Who Gave Sylvia the Bottle?

Theatrical Mining 401 N Howard St

8pm - Triple Play

Then you won’t want to miss this! 

Welcome to Weekend 1 of the Charm City Fringe Festival, where the cityscape itself becomes a canvas for boundless expression, and the stage sets the scene for countless captivating stories. We extend a heartfelt invitation to embark on an exhilarating journey with us through the enchanting and diverse world of fringe theater.

This weekend is your passport to a dazzling array of experiences that will leave you not just entertained, but profoundly moved and thoroughly inspired. As we step into the enchanting realm of the Charm City Fringe Festival, we'll explore a rich tapestry of performances, artists, and encounters that define this festival as an absolute gem on Baltimore's cultural calendar.

This blog will be your trusty guide, leading you through all the must-see events and exciting happenings during Weekend 1 of the Charm City Fringe Festival. So, don't hesitate – grab those tickets, brace yourself for sheer amazement, and let's plunge headfirst into a world where creativity knows no limits! It's an adventure you won't want to miss!

Experience the Best of the Fest with Festival Passes

The 2023 Fringe Festival passes are on sale now! Choose between the 3 types of passes: 

Date Night Pass: 2 tickets to 2 shows and 2 festival buttons. 

3 Ticket Pass: 3 tickets and 1 festival button. 

All Access Pass: entry to all festival events for the ultimate experience. 

Thursday, September 28 - Charm City Fringe Launch Party

Le Mondo

Friday, September 29 - Day 1 of Charm City Fringe Fest

Le Mondo

6:30pm - 50 Shades of Gay: 8th Anniversary

Get ready to indulge in an unforgettable evening as Ike Avelli and his incredible lineup of performers celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the renowned show, "50 Shades of Gay." This spectacular event promises a night filled with laughter, music, dazzling drag performances, hilarious sketches, and an abundance of audience participation and giveaways.
Step into a world where comedy knows no boundaries and laughter reigns supreme. Ike Avelli, a seasoned entertainer known for his wit and charm, will take you on a journey that explores the diverse and vibrant facets of the LGBTQ+ community. — Click here for tickets

8pm - Welcome to Splitsville

You may know Matt Sadowski from his work as the Blue Power Ranger. After almost two decades, the filmmaker and playwright, returns to the stage with his first solo show. It's a deeply personal rap session about the people we lose, the insights we gain, and the love that we want.

"Splitsville" is an embarrassingly honest and ironically melancholic cautionary tale about a hopeless romantic ADHD-ridden writer, his kids, and the hilarious and cringe-worthy stories surrounding the temporary apartments he moved in and out of while going through a divorce. He has a lotta crap to unpack! Laugh with him. Laugh at him. Laugh because it’s not you, or if it is . . . laugh at yourself.— Click here for tickets

Saturday, September 30 — Day 2 of Charm City Fringe Fest

Dear Globe Coffee

5:30pm - VIP Arcade Happy Hour

Join us for the VIP Arcade Happy Hour at Dear Globe Coffee!
Indulge in the full magnitude of the festival by securing your tickets to our exclusive VIP Arcade Happy Hour. Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where you’ll not only have the chance to connect with the festival's brilliant artists, but also mingle with the very individuals who orchestrate this enchanting event. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating evening of drinks, appetizers, and an abundance of thrilling arcade games! — Click here for tickets

Le Mondo

3pm & 5:30pm - Alas, Confederates

"The Past is a foreign country, they do things differently there." Greytown, Nicaragua. 1899. An old Rebel pens his Civil War memoirs. Using a local girl as his stenographer, the recollections come easily, until the writing session where he tries to remember the third day at Gettysburg.

First came Confederates (2016). “If you are a Civil War buff and a theater lover, this is the show for you.” DC Metro Arts. And then, the controversial Black Confederates (2018). This is the final play from the "The Trilogy of the Confederacy," written by Virginia playwright James F. Bruns. — Click here for tickets @ Le Mondo

7:15pm - Welcome to Splitsville @ Le Mondo

9pm - 50 Shades of Gay @ Le Mondo

10PM - Fringe After Dark Presents: Black Out Comedy

The blackout comedy show is a stand up comedy event where 5 comedians  appear in succession into a pitch black room illuminated

by a single spotlight fading to black between each comic — Click for tickets

Downtown Cultural Arts Center

8pm - Triple Play

The devastation of war, the effects and affects of the aftermath of Vietnam. Bobby Lee, nearly escaping an ambush, begs for forgiveness and pleads to the gods to return him home in Baltimore City. His wish is granted, but there is a high price and a unsettled debt to be paid.

Sunday, October 1 — Day 3 of Charm City Fringe Fest

Le Mondo

12pm - Fringe After Dark Presents: Chuck a Buck

Chuck-A-Buck and the Chic Chuck Picks. A one man comedy show of imaginary friends helping a boy overcome his shyness to date the girl of his dreams. Writer Charles Shafer plays all five characters (three males and two females). It is the story It's a wacky story that sorta has a real message (but not too blatant).The audience gets to join the effort to help our hero (and maybe themselves) overcome one additional fear. — Click here for tickets

2pm - 50 Shades of Gay @ Le Mondo

3:45pm - Alas, Confederates @ Le Mondo

5pm - Fringe After Dark Presents: Game Show Gauntlet

The Game Show Gauntlet is a celebration of game shows past and present from all around the world. Relive staying home sick from school and watching game shows all day! Audience members will have a chance to get called up on stage and compete in a variety of trivia games, word games, games of luck and skill, and more. It’s Game Show Network meets Mario Party in a comedic, interactive, fun show.

 It's free to play but if you buy a Skip the Line ticket, you'll be bumped up to the front of the line to play! — click here to get tickets

Do you love the arts? Are you looking to mix up your life with some inspirational, weird, or down right hilarious performances? Do you want to connect with the Baltimore arts community and support creative learning opportunities for adults and young people alike? 

Then you won’t want to miss this! 

Voted “Best Eclectic Festival” by Baltimore Magazine in 2018, the annual Charm City Fringe Festival will showcase over 90 performances of the most original, cutting-edge theatre and performing arts across multiple venues in the Bromo Arts & Entertainment District this October 10th through 20th. 

You can expect fresh new shows, zesty after-parties with live music and comedy, exclusive festival collaborations, and special deals around the city throughout the 11 days of red-hot performances. 

It’s an opportunity for Baltimore performing artists to shine and for audiences to witness incredible theatre, explore new avenues of expression, and support our city’s arts and culture - all at a great price!

Experience the Best of the Fest with Festival Passes

The 2019 Fringe Festival passes are on sale now! 

While you eagerly await the announcement of the festival schedule, save a bunch with festival passes. The earlier you buy, the more you save with our new EARLY BIRD discounts that end on September 9th! Once the full festival schedule is released in mid-September, individual tickets will go on-sale. 
Choose between the 3 types of passes: 

1. Date Night Pass: 2 tickets to 2 shows and 2 festival buttons. 

2. 3 Ticket Pass: 3 tickets and 1 festival button. 

3. All Access Pass: entry to all festival events for the ultimate experience. 

The most bang for your buck is the All Access Pass which allows you to see as many performances as your art-loving heart desires.

What’s the festival button?

Buttons are included with your first performance ticket or with each pass type. The festival button gives you access to special deals at participating businesses and a $5 discount off performance tickets for the rest of the festival. The $5 cost of the button serves as a direct donation to the festival so we can keep our programming going while continuing to give the artists a minimum of 80% and up to 100% of ticket sales.

Be a Part of Our Community

The annual Charm City Fringe Festival is put on by Charm City Fringe (CCF), a nonprofit that supports Baltimore’s ever-growing fringe theatre community. Through the festival and other semi-regular productions and workshops, this organization provides a platform for artists to showcase their work and reach new audiences while offering creative learning opportunities for young people to get interested and involved in the performing arts. 

Our primary mission is to support the artists for their contribution to our culture and community, which is why the majority of ticket sales goes straight to them. That’s also why we need your generous help as a community to keep Charm City Fringe going.

We would be so grateful if you joined us and volunteered for one of the many festival duties, such as operating the box office, merchandise duties, street team, photography, ushering, and more. Your time and effort will be immensely appreciated, plus you will meet some incredible people along the way! 

By volunteering, you can earn free tickets, merch, and other cool stuff as a thank you from us! Who doesn’t love free stuff? 

Check out our volunteer Facebook page where we share the latest updates on volunteer opportunities and sign up now using our Volunteer Form. Email volunteer@charmcityfringe.com if you have any questions or would like more information.

We can’t wait to see you at the next wild and wonderful Charm City Fringe Festival this October 10th through 20th at Baltimore’s Bromo Arts & Entertainment District! 

Stay up-to-date on the latest festival news through our Facebook page @CharmCityFringe. And don’t forget to buy your best-value EARLY BIRD passes which ends September 9th! 

If you would like to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to the arts today, you may do so through our secure account on our website. Your donation will directly bolster the ongoing efforts of Charm City Fringe and its year-round services to Baltimore’s artists, audiences, and youth. Thank you!

Thank you for coming out for Nights on the Fringe at the Baltimore Theatre Project last month! The event was packed with a variety of curated performances by Baltimore area artists, and Fringe is proud to be able to give back to the artists all of the money raised from ticket sales. Woo!

Here are some fun facts from this year’s event, which once again was hosted by funnyman Umar Khan and WTMD radio whizz Aaron Henkin.

• More than 300 people saw the shows.
• Almost $3,500 in ticket sales went back to the artists.
• 20 swag-filled totes with Umar and Aaron’s faces on them are now floating around the city.

Nights on the Fringe is a variety show of different acts, with live music interludes by Telepathic Dog between performances. The band performs on stage, creating a cabaret-type vibe that’s complemented by Umar and Aaron’s banter and thoughtful introductions of each act.

See photos from this year's Nights on the Fringe!

Night I on Friday, June 8, featured:

• Beautiful ballet by Ballet Theatre of Maryland
• A quirky one-act play by Interrobang Theatre
• A comedic motivational speaker focused one-man-show by Alexander Scally
• A shadow puppet story about a historical Baltimore figure by Cagesafe Productions
• An independent short film by Devin Martin
• Powerful poetry by National Poetry Slam Champions from DewMore Baltimore
• A colorful crankie of a cat’s walk through Baltimore by Matt Muirhead

Night II on Saturday, June 9, featured:

• Modern dance by The Collective
• Interactive magic by The Encounter
• A knock-down performance about sexual assault by WombWork Productions
• Aerial circus performances with 1920s flair by In the Dark Circus Arts
• A crankie of a loving tribute to a bird-loving father by Katherine Kahey
• A dynamic acrobatic performance by four-person troupe Club Sandwich

We’re Announcing 2018 Festival Productions Soon!

We’re close to announcing this year’s lineup for the 2018 Charm City Fringe Festival, which is November 1-11 in the Bromo Arts District! We got fantastic submissions from artists from all over the country, and our adjudication panel, which included theater professionals from the region, had a hard time narrowing down the acts to something we’re very excited to present this fall. Save the date and keep an eye out for more details later this summer.

Take some time away from warming up your voice to hear tips on acting in Baltimore, shared by UMBC alumnus Alexander Scally. He offers enough insight to make heads spin; if you get overwhelmed, remember to fall back on your training by remaining grounded, poised, and ready for anything that you read. Perfect.

My experience knowing Alexander started in college when working together on a 48-hour play festival and after college with Glass Mind Theatre Company, which he co-founded. Alexander has always showed professional attitude, dedication and an ability to build memorable onstage personas. Today, Alexander is making an appearance this summer with Quarry Theatre's Meditations on Nationalism.

Alexander has attended the Fringe Festival "since year one." His comedic one-man show, Building Your Emotional Home, is set to run as part of Nights on the Fringe on June 8th and 9th.

Tips for Acting in Baltimore

There are Baltimore companies that specialize in producing Shakespeare alone (such as Baltimore Shakespeare Factory and Chesapeake Shakespeare Company). For this reason, Alexander suggests that a professional actor ought to have a classical monologue prepared. Baltimore audiences enjoy contemporary work, as well. Getting musical numbers ready to perform should be part of your plan, since Alexander mentions that plenty of musicals audition in Baltimore.

On the topic of being open for opportunities — Alexander says staying non-equity will help you keep your options open while living in Baltimore. But a flexible schedule is just as desirable. "Keep your nights and weekends open for auditions and rehearsals,” he says. “Any job with nights and weekends is not easy to manage."

Advice on Material and Character Work

Actors must keep tuning up their repertoire by taking workshops and classes, according to Alexander. "Keep your material fresh," he says. "Do it because you love it … You have to really love it. I never understood performers who don't love it. Go and do something else that doesn't ask for your emotional and physical being at all times."

As part of his system for acting, Stanislavsky wrote, “In the language of an actor, to know is synonymous with to feel." The actor must work with feeling like any other artist works with their materials, but the job of acting is to create, refine, and recreate a living person. “Character” comes from the Greek word meaning to engrave, stamp or mark. Alexander mentions that character work is especially successful in Baltimore and that audiences enjoy eccentric qualities.

Alexander's one-man show, Building Your Emotional Home, centers on a motivational speaker named David Mark Davids. The character was unveiled to Baltimore audiences during a vaudeville-style variety show called LAF*fest, alongside comics, performers and poets (Bunny Themelis, Mike Allison, BreezyBrisk, and Chris Hudson). It was produced with the help of Charm City Comedy Project in 2016. Alexander and his wife, Caitlin Bouxsein, produced the premiere of Building Your Emotional Home at Annex Theater in December 2017.

On building this character, Alexander says, "It was about using structure [to become] familiar with his background. What does a motivational speaker do? You go out on a tour, do a structure based on a book they wrote, then there's the [psychic] cold reads…"

Build a Company, Build a Show, Be Part of a Community

In a city that loves original work, writing and producing a show is a viable option. "If you don't like the work you're getting or not getting enough work, make your own opportunity. That was how Glass Mind came around," Alexander says. In addition to being a founding member of GMT, he was the Community Engagement Director for four seasons. The company closed after five seasons.

Alexander doesn’t necessarily recommend sticking to acting in Baltimore exclusively since there's always the option to audition online or travel. He auditions and performs in New York City and Washington D.C., and he toured with Baltimore Rock Opera Society when they took a show to Philadelphia.

Final Thoughts

The last bit of advice Alexander has comes from being pushed for too much information. Actors have to know when to turn roles down, and they have to know when someone is asking too much of them... When Alexander was asked to summon one of his previous characters from a show called “Meredith's Ring,” he did not do it. Instead, he calmly said, "I'm not your monkey," and he went on without further comment.

Behind the Mask is a monthly Q&A with different members of the Charm City Fringe community written by Communications Committee member Shaun Vain. Shaun is a playwright from Baltimore. The UMBC graduate studied writing and theater. For the latest reporting on local and world events visit his news site, The Mid-Atlantic Exposè.

Founders of Charm City Fringe Mike Brush (pictured right), 30, and Zach Michel (pictured left), 31, talk about how theater in Baltimore has changed since Fringe started seven years ago, what makes a successful Fringe show, and the importance of theater as artistic expression.

Mike places his Buzz Lightyear book bag on the bottom step as he taps lightly on a window to signal Zach to let him inside his Charles Village apartment that doubles as the Charm City Fringe headquarters. It’s a cold January day, but Zach and Mike are already having weekly meetings to prepare for the seventh annual Charm City Fringe Festival in 11 months. The former high school classmates decided to start the festival after reconnecting as under-employed recent grads (Zach of UMBC, Mike of Towson University) with a passion for theater and some free time to create a place for new performances. Now, more than seven years later, both have full-time jobs – Mike is in arts education and Zach does marketing for a brewery – and the festival they started when they had time on their hands has grown so much that it requires year-round weekly meetings and a full board of directors.

What do you want the Charm City Fringe Festival to do for the Baltimore theater community?

Mike: Essentially, what we want to be able to do is take the theater community that already exists in Baltimore, and add to it. There are a ton of colleges in the area, most of which have theater departments. There's no reason for those students coming out of those theater departments to leave Baltimore.

How has Fringe contributed to the Baltimore theater community?

Zach: We've helped a number of artists produce their work for the first time and move on to produce again, to elevate their work, and to push themselves in new ways. I think, as a community, there's still a lot of work to be done. It's a challenge that we're looking to face this year and moving forward. It's how to unify the existing artists and companies and build out a larger, grander sense of community.

What makes Charm City Fringe special?

Zach: One thing we've done is cultivate a really welcoming festival atmosphere and experience. While we are a smaller, more modest-sized fringe festival, we do work really closely with the artists. And they've really embraced how much they can learn on the production side of things. This past year, every artist was written about. A number of them were featured on the news and things like that.

Side note: Charm City Fringe hosted its first international group, from Canada, this past year. Of the 23 groups in the 2017 festival, 13 were from outside of Maryland.  

Talk about the Bromo Arts District, the new home of the Charm City Fringe.

Zach: The Bromo Arts District was the historic theater district, so I think that's the natural place for Fringe.

Side note: The Bromo Arts District is anchored by the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower in downtown west Baltimore. You might have seen the clock tower – which is modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy – driving into town from I-95 as you pass M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park. The arts district is home to more than 30 artist galleries, theater collectives, and music and poetry venues. One of the 2017 Fringe spaces in the Bromo was actually used for training employees to work at CVS; before Charm City Fringe entered that particular space, it was set up to look like the store with red-orange walls and a fake pharmacy. Flipping the spaces around to be repurposed once again is one of Mike and Zach’s interest in working with the community.

What makes a successful Fringe show?

Mike: My perfect Fringe show would be one that leaves me feeling an emotion. That's super vague. It's a Fringe show, so I have no idea what to expect going in. I leave with a very real identifiable thought and emotion about what I just saw. It doesn't necessarily have to be good. It doesn't necessarily have to be the most incredible performance I've seen. But what's most important is it's making me think and it's making me feel.

Do you have any closing thoughts you'd like to add?

Mike: It's really interesting that the work in these festivals makes you kind of reexamine what you think about the medium on the whole. I think the biggest takeaway for me is when you go to a fringe festival — at least when you go to our fringe festival — you really have to let your guard down and take advantage of the things that are there to see. Because there's a really good chance that your mind will be blown, or your perception will change about what you're seeing.

Behind the Mask is a monthly Q&A with different members of the Charm City Fringe community written by Communications Committee member Shaun Vain. Shaun is a playwright from Baltimore. The UMBC graduate studied writing and theater. For the latest reporting on local and world events visit his news site, The Mid-Atlantic Exposè.

Hello everyone, thank you for being a part of theatre in Baltimore. The festival finished its sixth year of fringe performances, and now we must set our sights on next year's events. But first we would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their support in helping our organization arrive at our mission of providing a platform for artists to reach new audiences with their work. You can check out some highlights from the festival in our gallery.

Charm City Fringe needs support from patrons of the arts in order to keep running smoothly. Artists keep 80-100% of the ticket sales, so we need generous donations from you in order to keep the Fringe alive. Your generosity comes at an opportune time, as we have plenty to offer in terms of quality fringe theatre in Baltimore. As we work to improve venues and contact artists for next year’s festival, your generosity of gifts of any size ($5-$5,000!) keeps this organization alive. We hope you will consider making a donation to Charm City Fringe.

HATS OFF TO OUR NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

This year’s festival was our biggest Fringe to date. Now, normally out of all the artists who plan to appear at the Fringe, five to eight of them have a complication come up and can’t perform. However, this year the Fringe hosted 23 out of 25 artists. This HUGE offering of talent was unprecedented and our biggest festival to date. With 10 of the artist groups being from Maryland, 12 from around the country, and one artist group being our first international guests from Canada, the sheer diversity of the performers running all 96 performances is something that we are glad you had a chance to experience. New this year, we were even able to subsidize hotel rooms at La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown Baltimore (a total of $1,650 subsidized this year) for 7 of the traveling Fringe companies to stay comfortably and within walking distance of the festival.

Charm City Fringe Festival enjoyed lighting up the Bromo Arts District this year, and we would like to take a moment to say how thankful we are to the people who helped welcome us in our new neighborhood. The Bromo Arts District put up directional signage to make it easy to navigate to our 4 walkable venues in the neighborhood as well as being a gracious host. Downtown Partnership was especially helpful in welcoming the Fringe and its guests with our very own Star Walk of celebrities associated with Baltimore, hosting the Pop-Up Park, and helping us get the funds together to make improvements to the 322 N. Howard Street venue. All of our partners were incredibly generous this year.

STAY INVOLVED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

In addition to the main festival, Charm City Fringe also hosts a variety of other events, ranging from entertainment to community support programs. This year, there were 11 Fringe After Dark events that showcased the talents of over 50 artists. It is also worth noting that Charm City Fringe hosted the first ever Family Fringe Day, a partnership with the Choice Program in an endeavor to focus on youth empowerment through creative self-expression. Family Fringe Day was packed with performances and gallery experiences designed by children and young adults for the local community to enjoy. In addition to celebrating creativity as a means of self-expression, panels of teens in Baltimore shared their stories with us all.

If you didn’t make it out to the festival for whatever reason, or if you simply can’t get enough of fringe theatre in Baltimore, then you are going to love hearing about the events we’re already planning for 2018. But don’t take your 2018 calendar out of its clear, plastic wrapping just yet. We’ll be sure to let you know when we have exact dates for these events happening throughout the year:

• Nights of the Fringe: Last year over 200 people had a rare opportunity to see this modern take on vaudeville with aerial acrobats, monologues, puppetry, and more. Our Fourth installment of Nights of the Fringe will be in the same format, so be sure to check it out!
• Pop-up Fringe: These free events are a way for audiences to preview the artists that will be performing at the Fringe in the fall. Last year, we had our first Pop-up Fringe at Mount Vernon Marketplace. We will be sure to remind you about it when it is time to see what types of artists will appear in the Fringe in 2018!

Keep a look-out for fun, new things coming to your inbox. If you like to hear the inside-scoop from artists about their unique craft, then get ready for a treat. This year we are treating our loyal fans to exciting interviews with Fringe award winners and more! You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for the latest news from Fringe.

KEEPING THE FRINGE ALIVE IN BALTIMORE

Did you know that Charm City Fringe is a volunteer run organization? Everyone involved in planning and operating the festival each year does it for the love of fringe theatre in Baltimore. Volunteering is one of the best ways to show your support for the arts, theatre and your city. In 2017, CCF had 33 volunteers committed to putting on a memorable show. That’s 295 volunteer hours over 11 days of the festival, which helped artists get everything prepared and patrons ready to experience one-of-a-kind performances. The Charm City Fringe staff are already hard at work planning next year’s Fringe Festival. It is through volunteer support and generous donations that this unique theatre experience in Baltimore is possible.  

Thank you for being a part of our Fringe family. We look forward to providing a great experience for everyone involved. Until next time, we’ll see you on the fringe!

Just 2 weeks to go before the 6th annual Charm City Fringe Festival, November 2- 12th at venues across the BROMO Arts and Entertainment District; and we have some exciting events to announce both before and during the festival.

Can't wait that long for Fringe? Then join us at Pop-Up Fringe at Mount Vernon Marketplace this coming Thursday October 26th!
Pop-Up Fringe at Mount Vernon Marketplace - Thursday, October 12th
6:30pm-7:30pm
Tickets: Free!
Take a look at this year's Charm City Fringe Festival with us at 2017’s second Pop-Up Fringe: Mount Vernon Marketplace! Have a taste of the some of the city’s best performance art you can find while munching on delicious offerings like Pinch’s dumplings, Cholitas’s tacos, or Mi & Yu’s ramen.

It’s the perfect preview of this year’s Charm City Fringe Festival (November 2–12 in the Bromo Arts District). See the work of performers like QuaQuaQua, an experimental musical performance artist, the Hallucination Project, a troupe focused on dream-like experiences, and Rufus Drawlings' Smack ‘Em In The Snout, a knee-slapping scene from one of this year's Festival performances.

These performances are free! You’ll have the opportunity to purchase swag, tickets to the festival, and buttons.

And don't miss...

Charm City Fringe Festival Opening Party at Le Mondo - Thursday, November 2nd
Doors: 7:00 Performances: 7:15
Tickets: $15
Come out to Le Mondo on November 2nd, and help us kick off the festival with host Aaron Henkin (WYPR)! The cost of entrance will get you a drink ticket, festival button, plus light fare provided by Modern Cook Shop and refreshments. At 7:15 festival artists will treat you to a preview of their performances to come, followed by an evening of dancing.

Charm City Fringe Festival Closing Party at Le Mondo - Sunday, November 12th
Doors: 7:30
Tickets: Free!
Come spend one last evening with Fringe! Mingle with the artists, enjoy live music, and watch our festival awards ceremony! This event is FREE and open to the public!

Fringe After Dark performances at Le Mondo - FESTIVAL BUTTON NOT REQUIRED

Dewmore Night: "Coming Home - Friday, November 3rd
Doors: 7:15 Performances: 7:30
Tickets: Pay what you can
The national award winning spoken word collective made up of Slangston Hughes, Lady Brion, Black Chakra, Grim Jackson, Mecca Verdell and Kenneth Something will do a feature set on the beauty and ugliness of being black-plus (woman, queer, man, youth etc) in America.

Broadway Live with CJay Philip - Friday, November 3rd
Doors: 9:00
Ticket: Pay what you can
This Broadway themed party has music, games, improv, an open mic, lip-sync battles and lots and lots of Jazz Hands! Hosted by Broadway veteran CJay Philip and featuring the talented theater companies, singers and actors of Baltimore, Broadway Live is a fun new night out for Broadway Lovers. Come see the show or sing a show tune for the open mic. All are welcome to #BmoreBwayLive

Fifth House Events Collective Presents: "As Above, So Below" - Saturday, November 4th
Doors: 4:00-6:00
Ticket: Free!
Experience the opening of this otherworldly lounge experience that aims to embark participants in the impossible quest of finding transcendent love in inner and outer space. This installation references the nostalgic way we look at outer space, the stars, and multidimensional planes. After this event, the installation will remain open and available for free for the duration of the festival. 

Scorpios Rise: The Dance Party - Saturday, November 4th
Doors: 9:00
Tickets: $5 online, $8 at the door, FREE for Scorpios (no joke)
Everyone warns you that Scorpio Season is coming up. You all dread it, you see it in the horizon, you shiver, it gives you goosebumps, your heart beats faster...and you love it! Fifth House Events Collective and The Charm City Fringe Festival present: SCORPIOS RISE, a night of dancing, friends, passion, and because we're Scorpios; regret.
Dare to delve into the deep oceans of your soul as we celebrate our Scorpio Siblings with light installations, video projections, and a lineup of DJs and performances. A Scorpio-themed drink special will be served at the bar. Costumes, extravagant attire, and outlandish accessories encouraged! We go all out or not at all!
DJs and Performers TBA
Mark your calendars people, as this is going to be a wild night. Everyone is welcome! You don't need to be a Scorpio to party, but you'll get in for FREE if you are.

Rufus Roundtree and Da B'more Brass Factory - Thursday, November 9th
Doors: 9:00
Tickets: $15
Formally trained musicians, Rufus Roundtree and Da B'More Brass Factory infuse the essence of the New Orleans brass band sound that defines the mardi gras experience with a hometown contemporary flare; recreating versions of R&B and hip-hop songs with funk, neo-soul and jazz elements... guaranteed to keep the crowd dancing. This is not the traditional band, this is truly an invigorating experience.

Short Films and “Carnival of Souls” with Live Score Performance - Friday, November 10th & Saturday, November 11th
Doors: 7:00 Show: 7:30
Tickets: $10
Area filmmakers will present short films before a screening of psychological thriller and cult classic “Carnival of Souls,” with live musical accompaniment performed and written by Adam Sterr.

One Last Dance: Charm City Fringe After Party! - Friday, November 10th
Doors: 9:30
Tickets: $5
Two DJs will spin music for a dance tournament between eight of Baltimore Club’s best dancers, which will be followed by a dance party for all.

Fringe After Dark Comedy Night - Saturday, November 11th
Doors: 9:30
Tickets: $8
Join us for a comedy night hosted by Dark Mark with headliner Larry Lancaster! Other comedians featured include Archie Jameson, Valance Michael, Ivan Martin, Maria Sanchez, and T Mooney.
Comedian, Actor and Model, Larry Lancaster is one of the most dynamic, young personalities in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. BET’s Man on the Street is known for his political commentary and wittiness on issues related to race, culture and class.

Keep an eye out for more Fringe After Dark Performances! For the most up to date schedule, check out our ticket page.

We cannot contain our excitement anymore... the 2017 Charm City Fringe Festival will have the largest number of performances since our inception six years ago. We've worked really hard to provide artists with spaces to share their craft and, each year, it's getting better and better. With 26 shows and more than 90 performances during the 11-day festival, this year we've moved to a centralized two-block campus in the Bromo Arts District between November 2-12, 2017.

Our line-up includes performers from all over the North America, who will come to Baltimore to present new and experimental work. This year’s shows include a thriller on roller skates, a rock opera, and a one-person show starring “All Things Considered” host Emil Guillermo. Check out the full line-up with info on each performance. We'll announce the schedule and tickets in the next few weeks but, in the meantime, you can buy passes! Once you take a look at the line-up, we know you'll want to see more than one show...

Festival venues are conveniently located within three blocks in the Bromo Arts District, with the new Le Mondo space serving as the festival headquarters and location of Fringe After Dark performances and parties. Additional venues include the 14 Karat Cabaret at Maryland Art Place, Downtown Cultural Arts Center, and 322 North Howard Street.

As previously announced, this is the first year Charm City Fringe is partnering with the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and the Bromo Arts District, which is providing financial and programming support. Charm City Fringe is also made possible with support from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Special programming leading up to and during the festival includes Fringe After Dark events at Le Mondo of live music, spoken word, dance parties and more; a pop-up gift shop; and the “Baltimore Star Walk” honoring 20 Baltimore legends, including Billie Holiday, Babe Ruth and Tom Clancy. More programming details will be announced soon so save the date in the meantime!

This year’s Nights took place June 2nd and 3rd. Here are the highlights:

• Aaron Henkin, Umar Khan, and Josh Kuderna set the stage for the night with witty banter and great chemistry!
• All artists were great!  Some standouts were Cagesafe Production’s multi-media presentation of their web series Blue Light and Grim Jackson’s high energy, and thought-provoking slam poetry.
• House band, Telepathic Dog, kept the evening moving with sweet jazz tunes.
• Awaiting patrons outside of Baltimore Theatre Project were stilt walkers, jugglers, accordionists, and more!
• We wish Katie Kopatjic luck as she makes her way to Scotland for the 70th Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

You can relive Nights on the Fringe by checking out the full gallery of photos.

This year’s theme

Our city hosts incredible venues like the Hippodrome, Everyman Theatre, Center Stage, and a myriad of performing arts groups. Baltimore has hosted, and continues to host, an array of famous performers and artists throughout the years. Fringe helps cement newer artists and give them a chance to show their work to our city.

Fringe is just one part of Bird City’s theatre community, but we aim to make it one where all kinds of performance arts can show their work, whether they’re mimes, poets or an acro yoga troupe. It’s not just for artists — it means that our city’s residents get a taste of a variety of performances.

This year, we will also bring the performing arts directly to Baltimoreans outside the walls of our venues, through promotion, direct interaction, and performance. All of these ideas are summed up neatly in this year’s theme: “theatre without boundaries.”

The arts deserve a chance to enrich everything. Let’s show Baltimore City all sorts of performances and create opportunities for artists, and bring the arts into nontraditional venues. These ideas will wind throughout the festival, in the selection of performances, the venues, and the way we promote the arts in Baltimore.

We’ve found a new home

Charm City Fringe has been around for 5 years, and in all that time we’ve bounced between venues in northern Baltimore, often in buildings that are kind of far from each other. This year, however, you’ll be able to attend the whole festival in one place at one time.

This year, we’re heading downtown to the fast-growing Bromo Arts District. It’s host to performing arts organizations like Everyman Theatre, EMP Collective, The France Merrick Performing Arts Center, and more. We’d like to thank the district and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore for providing programming and financial support.

Our festival will run from November 2–12, all across Bromo in locations like the Maryland Art Place, the Downtown Cultural Arts Center, and Le Mondo. This move is going to let attendees see the festival all in one location, and walk from venue to venue with ease, all while being near downtown’s amenities. We hope to see you there!

One more thing…

Fringe has a lot of moving parts, and pulling off the festival off every year takes a lot of work. We can always use help with things like ticket-taking and concessions. If you want a chance to help out there, or anywhere on the Fringe team, join our Charm City Fringe Volunteers group. We’ll post whenever we have volunteer opportunities, or when we find cool stuff. Can't volunteer but still want to help? Consider donating to Fringe so we can keep giving artists a venue to showcase their talent.

Sound appealing to you? If you're a performing artist, come fill out the application! If you have other talents and want to volunteer your skills to help plan or staff the Fringe, let us know here.

Can’t wait until November?!

We need eye-catching and awe-inspiring street acts to wow our guests at this year’s Nights on the Fringe! Located at the Baltimore Theatre Project, Nights on the Fringe, June 2nd and 3rd, is a preview of what guests can experience at the full Fringe Festival in November. We’re looking for buskers, mimes, circus acts and street performers for paid work before the shows start each evening.

This is paid work in early June, and the show has sold out before, so email us at info@charmcityfringe.com for more info.

Stay tuned for a big announcement regarding the 2017 Festival home, Nights on the Fringe line ups and more coming soon!

The festival is just a month away! Don't miss out on any of the fun. Here's what you need to know as we get close:

Join the Family

Our volunteer application is open and waiting for you! See new and emerging theatre, meet the artists, get a glimpse behind the scenes, and get great swag. Fill out this brief form to be a volunteer this year with the Charm City Fringe Fest!  Email volunteer@charmcityfringe.com with questions. Visit charmcityfringe.com/jobs/ for remaining paid positions.

Open (Your) House

Some of our incredible emerging artists travel thousands of miles to Fringe.

This year, if you sign up and are selected to house an artist, you will earn an all-access festival pass for each artist that you billet as well as other great swag like our fifth anniversary t-shirt and more. Email info@charmcityfringe.com with information about yourself and your accommodations.

Artists & Schedules

101-10-11

We're not talking in binary, that's the number of shows, venues, and days of Fringe this year! Because there's so much to dig into, start exploring this year's artists today. Visit our artist pages today to read each artist's bio, show description, and more! On each artist page, you will also find their personal schedule and performance venue.

Visit our online box office to reserve your buttons and passes today or go straight to our artist pages to browse and purchase individual tickets.

Fringe After Dark

Back again for a fourth year, our popular after party series features loads of live music and comedy from some of the region's best and most exciting acts. 

Saturday, Nov. 5: Tom Hanks (MUSIC), 10 p.m. @ Joe Squared
Wednesday, Nov. 9: North Ave Comedy (COMEDY), 10 p.m. @ The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St., Baltimore
Thursday, Nov. 10: Gin & Jokes (COMEDY), 9 p.m. @ Joe Squared
                               FAM (MUSIC), 10 p.m. @ Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave., Baltimore
Friday, Nov. 11: Swinging on the Fringe (MUSIC), 9 p.m. @ Joe Squared
Saturday, Nov. 12: Funk on the Fringe (MUSIC), 9 p.m. @ Joe Squared

Other Special Festival Events

Launch Party: Thursday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. @ Joe Squared, 33 North Ave., Baltimore
Previews & Opening Production: Friday, Nov. 4, 9 p.m. @ Stillpointe Theatre, 1825 N. Charles St., Baltimore
Closing Party & Awards: Sunday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. @ Ideal Arts Space, 905 W. 36th St., Baltimore

Where to Fringe: Venues

We've introduced a bunch of new venues this year. Visit our venues page to explore each and help plan your trip. Our festival map will be posted in late October.

Hey, guys!  Do you know what 2016 is? 

Oh my god, Charm City Fringe Festival is FIVE!  That’s right - FIVE years old.  If you’re thinking about birthday presents, we are really into My Little Ponys and Star Wars action figures.  But, for real, in the past four years we have put on four festivals, two Nights on the Fringe, presented 65 artists, and served over 4,500 audience members.  You were so much a part of that, that we couldn’t possibly celebrate five years without including you.  Here are some ways to get involved!:

• Applications are now open.  Always wanted to produce a play?  Have a brilliant idea that you want a safe place to play with?  Got a bunch of friends that have only gotten to play in your dad’s garage?  Apply to perform in CCFF Numero Cinco

• Don’t have a show/aren’t particularly creative, but really, really want to get involved?  Don’t worry, we’ll need Venue Managers, Front of House Managers, and volunteers for lots of other great opportunities as well!

We are also excited to announce that for our fifth year, we are revamping the Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV) program.  This year, every BYOV venue will have their own venue manager and box office representative, to help facilitate ticket sales to your venue!

As a part of our year of celebration, Nights On the Fringe is returning bigger and better than ever.  July 8th and 9th at the Baltimore Theatre Project, you will be totally immersed, Vaudeville-style, in music, puppetry, dance, comedy, the works.  It’s gonna be hot and sexy, and so much better than staying home to “Netflix and chill.” We promise.  I mean, just look at the poster:

Aside from our usual festival programming, we are dedicated to expanding our education program this year.  The Fringe Academy has been actively engaged in working with students to find their voice through different forms of storytelling.  This semester culminated in a presentation as a part of the ARTRISING on April 26th, to “envision a Baltimore where peace and unity reign.”

This past year has been a time of transition for Charm City.  After spending a year working with NYU, I moved back to the city exactly one year ago.  On the day of the uprising.  I’ve got Old Bay in my blood, so it was important to me to find a way to make a difference here in the post-uprising time.  But all I have to give is the ability to facilitate art, and what art does do is give us a space to be, and a safe opportunity for challenging conversation.

Charm City Fringe Festival is an opportunity for us all to come together, with artists near and far, to talk, commune, and experience being an artist in Baltimore in this very, possibly most, important time.   

I hope that you will join us, as we celebrate five fantastic years in this most Charming of Cities.

-Kate Gibson, Production Chair

PS - Can’t join us, but want to contribute…  we take donations too!

We hope so. We want you because we are about to begin accepting applications for the fifth annual Charm City Fringe Fest, coming this November 3-13, 2016. Young and new companies, undergrad or grad school groups, out-of-towners and traveling bards, one-person shows, established veterans of the theatre scene -- all are welcome to apply!

Artists, learn all you need to know on how to apply here. Applications run April 1 - June 26.

Five More Years!

One time only, new for 2016, Charm City Fringe is entering its fifth year! I mean really, this is hot stuff. But have you been able to catch one of our artist's shows yet? 

Now's your chance. We are bringing back Nights on the Fringe this July 8th and 9th at Baltimore Theatre Project. If you missed this last year, it is an immersive vaudevillian showcase of the arts. We are again bringing out buskers, walkabout performers, curating gallery works, and surprise guests. And that's just what you'll see before you get inside! Onstage you'll witness comedy, music, theatre, acrobats, dance, film and more.

Fringe Benefits

For this month's Benefits section, we're taking a gander at our Fringe Academy. Launched in 2015 with our Opening Act program, we are continuing our work in 2016, along with our wonderful partnership with the Choice Program. Inspired by the work of Baltimore's brilliant Stoop Storytelling series, students will explore the theatre and performing arts through the art of storytelling, utilizing a variety of performance and production tools to help them tell their story and find their voice. Since 2015, Fringe has worked with over 100 young adults, providing them volunteer opportunities, a chance to be a part of team-based projects, and empowerment through creative learning opportunities through the arts.

Jobs

As part of a new initiative with other regional Fringe Festivals, we are beginning a collective of sorts to provide a more established and dependable system for hiring and providing work our seasonal staff. Keep a lookout on our jobs section for more information, as well as new positions being posted in the coming weeks. In the meantime, visit our festival friends to the south: Capital Fringe in DC is currently hiring for the summer.

As always, reach out with any questions at any time. Thanks for reading!

-Zach Michel, Co-founder

See what I did there?

Baltimore has a vibrant art world and everyone who makes it out, participates, or otherwise lends their time and money is a part of the progress we make in building a stronger arts industry and culture in Baltimore. We need your support to continue doing so.

Why is this important?

Good question, question maker, glad you asked. We started Fringe four years ago after seeing most of our artist friends flee to the four arts corners of the country (Washington, New York, Chicago, and LA).

Did we agree with this?

Of course not! We went to school in the city, grew up here, and love the possibilities (just look, we started a festival). But we understood it. It may be difficult to start your own thing in one of those cities, sure, but there are also seemingly endless possibilities to become a part of something. It is, simply put, currently a challenge to sustain yourself on the arts alone in Baltimore. There are wonderful works being put on by industry pillars Center Stage and Everyman. And the future of theatre is promising when you watch productions by younger up-and-coming companies. 

However, just as a town center is made up of more than one shop, a cultural center must be made up of a vibrant landscape of companies of all sizes and varieties. The quality is surely not missing from Baltimore, but what is needed is the concentration and variety. There are the aforementioned "giants," a handful of young companies with a modest staff, and then whole heaps of artists working for free or seeking out their niche elsewhere.

Simply put, we must come together and build on this scene, and Fringe is an important part of shaping this reality. The benefits abound. Young artists and companies are given the opportunity to focus on their art. The festival offers a platform for young companies to kick-start a season, it lessens the financial burden of producing, established companies can workshop a play, and traveling artists can find a home and an audience in a foreign city.

Through the festival, we take the onus off of companies to attain infrastructure. We bolster young companies. And the more young companies that establish themselves in the city, the more young people move to the city. The more young people that move to the city, the more people there are to see and support a vibrant arts scene. This is intensely important to both the creative future of Baltimore, but more so, the continued growth and ongoing Renaissance our city is experiencing.

We would be remiss to leave out the role that the riots and ongoing unrest from 2015 play in moving forward. But that means now, more than ever, we must decide and define our city's future. There are ongoing victories and setbacks in the course to repair our city and our city's image and we are excited to be a part of one of the defining industries. The arts can serve as grassroots PR for any city. It is a near-unwritten rule, joked about by those doing it and taken for granted (if even recognized) by many a policy-maker and businessperson, that artists play a vital role in creating and maintaining vibrant city centers.

However, the fact of the matter is that the power that artists wield as an agent for change in their communities is incredible.* Arts districts were once thought, and continue to be proven, to be powerful tools in catalyzing community revitalization and ongoing economic development. Charm City Fringe aims to augment these efforts by our arts districts** and continue our work to cultivate Baltimore as a hub for the arts. By fostering a sustainable model for producing new works, and drawing artists from around the city, state, and country, Fringe serves as a cultural ambassador for Baltimore.

How You Can Help

These artists, we must stress, are not only the reason for which we exist, but something that everyone should embrace and support if we wish to continue developing Baltimore. If you live in the city, be a part of it. Come out to shows, the Fringe Fest alone runs for 10 days each November. Volunteer! We are a growing organization and volunteering is a great way to have a huge impact, meet likeminded people, and find out what's going on in the arts world. There are heaps of shows by other artists as well - don't know where to look? Follow us on Facebook to see what we like, check out City Paper (I personally prefer the printed version), and talk to your friends and relatives.

On that note, talk to your friends and relatives. If you live in the city, tell them about the cool stuff you're seeing, remind everyone that you're not in The Wire, take them out. If you're a student, venture off campus, pay us a visit! If you don't live in the city, talk to people who do, find out what's going on, make a day of it. We promise you, there's a lot going on, from up-and-coming snack companies to a constant stream of shows, musical and otherwise, art galleries, and so much more. 

Like Baltimore, Fringe is developing at an alarming rate. Measuring attendance, production volume, or new programming (Fringe Academy (Spring 2016) and Nights on the Fringe (July 8-9, 2016)), Fringe has anywhere from doubled to tripled each year since 2012. However, we are a volunteer-run business. As such, we need your support to keep doing our part. So please, sign up to be a volunteer today, donate to support our programming, and tell your friends about us!

We've only scratched the surface of everything happening in Baltimore, but collectively we are all Fringe. We owe it to ourselves and to Baltimore to make sure we are a part of seeing our city develop.

-Zach Michel, Co-Founder

*Studies by the American Planning Association, as well as anecdotal evidence in Pittsburg and Yonkers surrounding the pronounced benefits of cultural and arts districts, reinforce this notion.

**Namely Station North and Bromo Seltzer, as well as area neighborhoods across the city.

Join us! Volunteer or make a tax-deductible contribution to the arts today through our secure account. Your contribution will directly bolster the ongoing efforts of Charm City Fringe and its year-round services to Baltimore's artists, audiences, and youth.

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