By Mandy Pennington
A decade ago, I never knew a fringe festival existed. In fact, I recall having to ask for an explanation as to what the difference was between a fringe festival and any other celebration of performing arts. Wasn’t it just a lot of theater all at once?!?
Photo credit: Grace Dinella
When some of my dearest friends set out to start Scranton Fringe, I couldn’t have been more excited, though I was still a little confused as to what it would actually be like to experience one for myself. I bought my pass with a little flutter in my belly — how would it feel to watch all this performance in such a short amount of time? Would I understand everything I saw? Would I like it?
Needless to say, one fringe and I was hooked. I LOVED it. I’ve now attended Scranton Fringe every year since its inception. I’ve also been lucky enough to have performed in the festival several times in the last decade, and each time, I’ve learned something new about the experience. And as of this year, I’m officially on Team Fringe as a board member, giving back to an organization I love.
For those of you who might be new to Scranton Fringe and all that it entails, I’d like to share a few thoughts that you might have going in as a newbie and hopefully, some that will put your mind at ease. I put myself back into those same shoes I wore back in 2015 when Scranton Fringe first popped up in my beloved city and imagined what might have gone through my head if I were experiencing the festival again for the first time.
Ready? Let’s go!:
- I’ve heard of Scranton Fringe, but I had no idea how big it was. What do you mean we have tons of folks coming downtown to celebrate the arts for two full weekends of shows?!
- Oh my gosh! There are so many different things to choose from. There’s comedy, drama, performance art, children’s shows, live music, world premieres, dance…there’s really something for everyone here.
- I want to give my 12-year-old self a gigantic hug and tell her that yes, dreams really do come true. You really can just go to performances all weekend long.
- I’m gonna go through the Fringe guide and star the things I want to see most. Then, I can make a schedule where I can try to pack in as much as I can!
- Wow — I had no idea you could do a show in a coffee shop. Or a museum. Or a greenhouse. How cool is that?!
- (reading through the guide) Hey! I know those folks! This’ll be a great chance for me to get to see some local talent and show my support.
- Oh, cool — there are out-of-town people, too! I love getting to see new things and this is the perfect opportunity to catch something I would have otherwise never gotten to see.
- Wait — there are discounts at local businesses if I grab a fringe button? And it’s only $5? AMAZING.
- Some of the shows are free — that’s awesome.
- Okay. I’ve got my first draft of a schedule. Now, just to map out my route between shows so I know when I can grab a tea or a bite. Good thing there are tons of spots in downtown Scranton to do just that 🙂
- Maybe I should send a note out on the group text — this’ll be so much fun to do with friends!
- Fringe is here! I’m gonna start things off at the Kickoff Party. It’ll be a great way for me to get to see previews of the shows that are part of the festival so that I can decide if there are any more I want to sneak into my schedule.
- Holy moly. All these previews are great. Now I want to see EVERYTHING!
- First day of shows. I’m so glad that everything is close together. I can park in one of the garages or on the street and walk to wherever I need to go.
- I’m at my first venue. All checked in. Snagged a great seat. Just a few more minutes until showtime.
- IT’S STARTING!
- That was great. Totally unexpected, thought-provoking, and interesting. I’m so glad I went!
- I can’t believe so many of the performers here are doing original works they developed themselves. That’s such an incredible achievement! Maybe I can do that someday.
- Next show. I think this one will be funny!
- OMG! It totally is! I’m crying!
- Everyone here is having such a great time. The vibes are IMMACULATE.
- On to the next one. I can’t believe that this is all a non-profit venture. I’m definitely going to make a donation because we need more things like this in our community! Oh, they have a membership, too!
- Whoops! Forgot to get my ticket online in advance. No worries, though! They’re selling tickets at the door. Next year, I’m totally springing for the VIP pass so I can see as much as possible.
- Ugh, that was so good, too. Everything is so good. I can’t wait to do this all again tomorrow! And next weekend!
- Okay, it’s official. I’m a Fringe fan.
The 2025 Scranton Fringe Festival (September 25th – October 5th) will be here before you know it. Click here to explore our 2025 shows and start snagging those tickets!
