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ABOUT US

We believe in the power of
dramatic art
…

…to spark creativity and celebration

Since 2015, Scranton comes alive each year with our annual Fringe Festival showcasing dynamic performances, through-provoking discussions and innovative art installations.

annual festival →

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…to weave a vibrant tapestry of engaging experiences

With a dazzling kaleidoscope of performances, we transform Scranton into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and creative wonder all year long. From immersive theater to electrifying live storytelling, our stage is yours.

performances →

…to uplift and unite our community

We’re here to make a positive impact through art in Northeast Pennsylvania. From educational workshops and panel discussions, to pop-up performances and community gatherings, there’s a place for you in our creative family.

community outreach→

Our Mission

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We are a vibrant performing arts organization producing theater and creative experiences for curious audiences and daring artists.

Scranton Fringe is dedicated to creating a bold, engaging platform for thought-provoking art, with minimal risk to artist and audience alike, while striving to promote Northeast Pennsylvania as a viable creative environment.

Our History

A photo of about 15 to 20 people in a room with very little ornamentation on the walls. Most of the people are in small groups talking to each other.

Scranton Fringe Launched

The first-ever Scranton Fringe Festival launched in 2015 as a bold experiment in downtown Scranton, spanning four days across 12 venues. Nearly 50 productions participated, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the region’s most vibrant and inclusive celebrations of the arts.

2015

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This image shows a live storytelling event with four people on stage in front of an audience. A man at the center stands at a microphone, speaking, while two others to his left smile and watch. Behind them, a banner reads “BIG GAY STORY SLAM – A celebration of LGBTQ voices and allies”, with the words “Story Slam” in colorful rainbow letters. The stage is dimly lit with blue and purple spotlights, creating an intimate performance setting.

STORYSLAM joins Fringe

In the spring of 2016, Scranton Fringe proudly took over production of the Scranton StorySlam series, initially founded by Pamela and Zoe McNichols, helping it grow while honoring its roots.

2016

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Close-up of a smiling woman with shoulder length hair she is wearing a green top and has placed her face in a frame that is labeled with #ScrantonFringe at the top. There is a school bus, a building and a blue sky behind her.

team Fringe marches in scranton St. Patrick’s Parade for first time

Proud to march in Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and chat Fringe with Kate Flannery (Meredith from The Office)!

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This photo shows a stage reading of a play. One performer is reading from a book to their left or two other performers. We can also see some audience members in the four ground looking towards them.

First Main Stage Production

Scranton Fringe takes the plunge into directly producing its own “main stage” works with three performances of White Rabbit Red Rabbit.

2017

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This image captures a dramatic stage performance. A performer in ornate costume with red pants and a vest brandishes a weapon toward a group of elaborately dressed and painted actors. The group, featuring bold makeup, tattoos, and exaggerated expressions, poses menacingly under colorful stage lighting, creating a vivid, theatrical confrontation.

First International Performance

We hosted our first international group, Viva Kultura, featuring artists from 15 different countries who present a visually stunning array of art forms such as ballet, classical Indian dance, hip-hop, jazz, folk music, and poetry.

2018

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A photo of a building at night with a projection cast upon it. The building is covered in blue light and the Scranton Fringe Festival logo in a golden yellow color, with "Visions 04"04" above it and "LumaFestival.com" below.

FESTIVAL EXPANSION

After growing audiences and receiving feedback from artists and attendees, the Festival expands to 2 weeks.
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Photo of a smiling woman with dark hair, wearing a black dress, holding a Sage Award in her hand.

AWARD-WINNING SCRANTON FRINGE

We won a SAGE Award, presented by the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, for the Big Gay StorySlam!

2019

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Exterior of the Huron Club in Edinburgh, Scotland with Fringe posters on display outside

INTERNANTIONAL  & REGIONAL PRODUCTIONS

Producing at the Edinburgh Fringe Fest + Soho Playhouse (NYC)
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A close-up photo of the 2019 Scranton fringe Festival fifth anniversary program. It is sitting on a ledge in a downtown Square.

SCRANTON FRINGE CELEBRATES 5 YEARS

Happy 5th Anniversary to us! We celebrated this milestone with the largest Festival attendance to date (10,000 unique visitors).
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Logo for NEPA emergency artist support fund with illustration of raised hands against the background of geometric shapes and colors ranging from red, orange, yellow, and green

EMERGENCY ARTIST RELIEF FUND 

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Scranton Fringe quickly pivoted to digital programming and launched an Emergency Artist Relief Fund to support local creatives impacted by the pandemic, which helped distribute over $20,000.

2020

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This photo shows a lively street performance in a storefront window at night. A crowd has gathered outside a shop with large front windows, watching performers inside. The shop sign reads “Bring Ideas to Life” and mentions folders and copies, suggesting it’s usually a print or copy store. People stand and sit, filling the sidewalk, creating a casual, community-centered atmosphere. The audience is wearing headphones to hear the audio of the performance.

FRINGE UNDER GLASS

Our annual festival transformed into Fringe Under Glass, an innovative approach to the performing arts experience, utilizing storefront windows and wireless technology.
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Photo of a drag queen with curly red hair and a dress of blue with silver stars. They are standing in an empty cement lot.

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

As Scranton became a focal point in the national conversation (as the childhood home of then-presidential candidate Joe Biden), Scranton Fringe became featured in Vogue and The Washington Post.

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A woman wearing a face mask in a short sleeved red shirt with one sleeve rolled up, receives a vaccine from a woman with blonde hair and a white shirt. There is a table in front of them with various bins of medical supplies.

Fringe Hosts Public COVID Vaccine Clinic

Partnered with a regional pharmacy to host downtown Scranton’s first public COVID-19 vaccine clinic, helping ensure access for all, including members of the creative workforce.

2021

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In illustration of a logo that says animal crossing fringe fest February 2021 produced by Scranton Fringe

New ARts experiences

Produced Animal Crossing Fringe Festival and Scranton PorchFest, bringing safe, playful, and hyper-local arts experiences to the community in unique ways.
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A photo of a female holding a lantern she is dressed in a red sweater with a jacket of horizontal rainbow striped colors. She is wearing a knit hat and looking upwards into the sky. She is outdoors and standing in front of four other performers in the background, also in winter attire, there is a building behind them in the distance.

First Winter Market Production

Launched our first outdoor Lackawanna County Winter Market production (RISE) in partnership with the seasonal market, blending festive arts programming with local shopping.

2022

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Logo for the taking up space film festival in black against a yellow background there is an icon to the left of a raised fist against a film strip in the background

TAKING UP SPACE LAUNCHES

Taking Up Space is a curated film festival within the Scranton Fringe Festival that celebrates stories by and about BIPOC communities, with all selections juried by BIPOC creatives. This initiative marked a milestone for Fringe, deepening its commitment to creating a platform for all in the arts by creating a dedicated platform to amplify the voices of those historically excluded.

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A older man with a bald head and wearing a flowered print shirt is standing behind a Wilkes University podium and reading to the audience. To the right is a banner that reads, "Share Your Story"

Creative Writing Partnership

The Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Wilkes University partners with Scranton Fringe to give emerging playwrights a platform through the staging of MFA student and graduate work. The debut play of the partnership, Madam and Eve by Nicole Duncan, kicked things off to rave reviews.

2023

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BRENT PENNINGTON - Scranton Fringe's performance of "1984" during their final dress rehearsal, held in the Lackawanna College theater in Scranton, PA, on the evening of 26 July 2023.

1984 Production

We were the first Pennsylvania theatre company given the rights to produce the most recent Broadway adaptation of 1984 (by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan) – it was a massive success and a significant moment for us as producers of larger work.
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Photo of a group of performers sitting in a half circle on a raised stage. One person is standing and speaking to the group.

Expanded free arts education 

Thanks in large part to our growing partnership with the Youth Arts Coalition, we expanded free arts education programs across Scranton. 

 2024

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This image shows a nighttime projection mapping display on the side of a large building. Neon-colored geometric lines and shapes in green, purple, and pink create a glowing web-like effect across the structure. The vivid visuals reflect beautifully in a body of water in the foreground, enhancing the surreal atmosphere.

10th Anniversary

Scranton Fringe celebrated 10 years with year-round special events and new innovative presentation, such as a large-scale 3D projection art installation during the festival.

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Our Team

This image shows Conor O'Brien with short, wavy brown hair and bright blue eyes, standing outdoors. He is wearing a black collared shirt with the top button open, giving him a relaxed but polished appearance. The background is softly blurred with shades of green and beige, keeping the focus on his face.

Conor Kelly O’Brien

CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

An award-winning actor, writer, and arts educator whose original works have been performed across the U.S. and Great Britain, Conor is a member of the New Vintage Ensemble and Dramatist Guild. He also serves as Program Director for The Center for the Living City and teaches through The Armature NEPA.

This image shows a close-up portrait of Dan Kimbrough with a neatly groomed beard and shaved head. He is wearing a casual gray shirt and has a calm, slight smile on his face. The background is softly blurred, making the focus entirely on his face.

Dan Kimbrough

Technical director & artistic director – taking up space

A content creator, educator, and storyteller with a media career spanning radio, TV, documentary film, podcasting, and education, Dan owns Park Multimedia in Northeastern Pennsylvania and presents nationally on media strategy, diversity, and inclusion.

This image shows Terry Thompson smiling warmly at the camera, creating an open and friendly vibe. They are wearing a black headband, a septum piercing, and a long earring on one ear. Their outfit includes a floral-patterned jacket with a tan collar layered over a black shirt, giving a stylish and expressive appearance.

Terry Thompson

YOUTH PROGRAM MANAGER

A Scranton-based musician, poet, and actor who performs alternative/lofi hip-hop as “Silo Good”, Terry is a proud member of the New Vintage Ensemble. A Marywood University graduate, he works in media production and can often be found writing in downtown coffee shops or longboarding through the city.

This image shows a smiling bride in a white lace wedding dress sitting at a table. She has light hair styled up with decorative hair accessories and is wearing glasses and a delicate necklace. In front of her is a plate of food and a glass with a drink, and she looks joyful, possibly during a wedding reception meal.

Giuseppina “Peanut” Corcoran-Michaels

RESIDENT STAGE MANAGER

A graduate of Point Park University with a BFA in Theatre Production, Peanut’s past credits include technical direction for Good Grief and The Wolves at Pittsburgh Playhouse. Scranton Fringe productions include Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, 1984, Acting Alone, A Christmas Carol, and more.

This is a photo of a person wearing a white short sleeve shirt. They have a very large rimmed hat with white underneath they have tinted glasses with a very colorful frame. They have multiple piercings in their ear and one larger lip piercing on their bottom lip. they have a blue neck tie, loosely tied around their neck and a brown lanyard, as well as the straps to a brown backpack of some sort. The person also has numerous visible tattoos on their arm.

Melanie Evans

Social Media Manager

Originally from Wolverhampton, UK, and now based in Scranton, Melanie Evans brings a global perspective to content creation, writing, and social media. Her background spans work in professional sports, corporate, and entertainment, including valuable experience with productions at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe!

Grace DiNella & Lilianna Damian

Graphic Designers

Originally from Doylestown, PA, and Bangor, PA, Grace and Lilianna are senior graphic design students at Marywood University. Their work spans across many categories of design, including sports, print, apparel, and web design. They are passionate about creating impactful visual experiences through thoughtful and dynamic design.

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2025 Board of Directors

Board Chair

Mandy Pennington

Wilkes University

Board Members

Chris Calvey

Jennings-Calvey Funeral Services & Lackawanna County

Melissa Carestia

Sordoni Art Gallery

Conor Kelly O’Brien

Scranton Fringe Festival
& Marywood University

Dr. Robert McKeage

University of Scranton

2025 Festival Committee Chair

Comissioner Bill Gaughan

Advisory Board & Committee Chairs

Simone Daniel

Heather Davis

Dan Kimbrough

Maggie O’Brien

Giuseppina “Peanut” Corcoran-Michaels

Jamie Moss

Terry Thompson

Mary-Pat Ward

Lara Zelinski

Elizabeth “Lizz” Bohan, Co-Founder

In Our Memory

Elizabeth “Lizz” Bohan was a passionate and creative leader in our community.

She graduated from Scranton Preparatory School and Loyola University in Maryland, and served as CEO and COO of A.H. Noonan and innovated the Human Resources Coordinator role, earning her PHR certification.

Lizz showcased her talent as a producer and production manager for theatrical works in Pennsylvania, New York, and Edinburgh, and was a member of the New Vintage Ensemble.

She actively contributed to local initiatives, including the Lackawanna County Disability Action Committee and the Scranton Public Library board.

Lizz’s visionary spirit deeply impacted Team Fringe and the Scranton community. We will forever love, miss and celebrate her remarkable spirit.

“Eat the food. Spend the money. Remember Me.
-Love, Lizz”

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It is also worth noting that her express wishes were for us to state – “After a lifelong struggle with heart disease, Elizabeth Bohan was eaten by a bear“

What’s up with that Chicken?

Meet King Raymond, his most brilliant & benevolent Lord of all things Scranton Fringe.

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Our beloved and wise mascot represents the spirit of the Scranton Fringe Festival.

Hatched in 2014 from the creative minds of our volunteer designers, King Raymond, a striking chicken/human hybrid with a crown, captured our hearts instantly.

Named after the esteemed architect Raymond Hood, who designed the Scranton Cultural Center, King Raymond symbolizes our commitment to evolving artistic expression. His various incarnations have been crafted by professionals and students alike.

King Raymond encourages you to embrace creativity and join us at the Fringe!

King Raymond through the years

This depiction of “King Raymond” shows the Scranton Fringe Festival mascot as a stylized, geometric chicken. Created with bold black lines and angular shapes, the bird has a modern, origami-like design. A small golden crown floats above its head, emphasizing its royal status, while soft beige and gold tones give it texture and warmth.

REECE WOLBERT

This version of King Raymond is bold and regal, depicted in a striking pop-art style. The rooster’s feathers are rendered in layered shades of cream, gold, and fiery orange, while a detailed face and piercing eye command attention. A bright golden crown tilts jauntily on his comb, reinforcing his playful but powerful royal stature.

REECE WOLBERT

This depiction presents King Raymond in a dramatic black-and-white papercut style. Intricate feather details flow across his wings and tail, giving the rooster a sense of movement and power. With beak open wide, he crows proudly as musical notes float beside him—a commanding monarch whose voice carries like a royal fanfare.

REECE WOLBERT

This vibrant version of King Raymond bursts with festival energy. Illustrated in bold yellows, reds, and pinks, the rooster spreads his wings proudly beneath the slogan “Let Your Fringe Flag Fly.” Holding a black pennant that reads Fringe Flag, he embodies celebration, creativity, and the spirited heart of Scranton Fringe.

REECE WOLBERT

This playful street-art version of King Raymond is drawn in chalk on pavement. His simple white body, red comb, and oversized feet give him a charming, childlike character. A golden crown rests above his head, elevating the humble sidewalk doodle into a royal proclamation of Fringe spirit.

REECE WOLBERT

This regal rendering of King Raymond is bold and stately. Illustrated in striking red linework against a black background, the chicken stands tall with dignified poise. Atop his head rests an ornate blue crown, contrasting vividly with his body and underscoring his role as the proud, royal icon of Scranton Fringe.

REECE WOLBERT

This intricate portrait of King Raymond highlights fine detail and texture. Rendered in bold red linework, his feathers are carefully etched to show depth and movement, while his alert expression conveys authority. A grand, jewel-studded black crown rests upon his head, crowning him with unmistakable majesty befitting the Fringe Festival’s mascot.

REECE WOLBERT

This collage-style poster for the Scranton Fringe Festival (Fall 2015) bursts with surreal creativity. On the left, a figure with a dinosaur head in a spacesuit reaches out toward a birdlike figure on the right, crowned, wearing glasses, and standing on a cloud balanced atop a flower. Colorful paintbrushes radiate like beams between them, set against a bold orange splash with the festival’s name. Whimsical, dreamlike, and strange, the piece perfectly captures Fringe’s spirit of experimentation, imagination, and boundary-pushing art.

REECE WOLBERT

This witty portrait gives King Raymond a theatrical flair, dressing him in a grand Elizabethan ruff. His rich red feathers and sharp gaze exude authority, while the detailed textures bring him to life. Regal and a touch dramatic, he embodies both comedy and majesty—perfectly fit for a Fringe Festival king.

REECE WOLBERT

This playful pop-art version of King Raymond bursts with bold color and humor. His teal body, oversized red comb, and wide cartoon eye give him a quirky, comic-book feel. A bright yellow crown with jewel-like dots floats above, crowning him as both a king and a jester of Fringe spirit.

REECE WOLBERT

This minimalist take on King Raymond uses bold blocks of red, white, and gray for dramatic effect. His sharp beak, piercing eye, and striking comb give him a commanding presence despite the simplicity of form. Clean and modern, this version radiates strength—proof that even stripped-down, the king still rules.

REECE WOLBERT

This stylized version of King Raymond flows with rhythm and energy. Rendered entirely in red, his comb and feathers transform into swirling, patterned lines dotted with accents, almost like flames or waves. Both regal and abstract, he radiates a sense of movement—an artistic king alive with Fringe vibrancy.

REECE WOLBERT

This soft watercolor-inspired portrait of King Raymond radiates warmth and whimsy. Painted in gentle pinks and reds, the strokes feel loose and expressive, giving him an approachable charm. A simple hand-drawn crown hovers above with radiant lines, suggesting both playfulness and majesty in this lighthearted Fringe royal.

REECE WOLBERT

This dazzling interpretation of King Raymond transforms him into a show-stopping diva. Wearing a sparkling red cape and high-heeled boots, he belts into a microphone with passion and flair. A tilted golden crown completes the look, making him both ruler and rockstar—the ultimate embodiment of Fringe’s bold, fabulous spirit.

REECE WOLBERT

This striking rendition of King Raymond is inspired by bold, geometric patterns reminiscent of ancient iconography. Rendered in vivid orange, red, and magenta, the design transforms him into a stylized, almost mythic figure. A jeweled golden crown tilts above, uniting timeless tradition with Fringe’s modern spirit of celebration and creativity.

REECE WOLBERT

This majestic portrayal of King Raymond combines elegance with flair. His fiery red head is crowned with an ornate golden crown, adorned with jewels and fine detail. Flowing multicolored feathers cascade down like a royal mane, blending warm oranges with cool blues—transforming him into a truly regal, almost mythic, ruler of Fringe.

REECE WOLBERT

Native Land Statement

We recognize and honor the original inhabitants and nations of the land our work primarily takes place upon: the Lenape, the Munsee, the Shawnee and the Susquehannocks. We pay respect to the Native peoples of Pennsylvania and their elders past, present, and future.

This image shows a map of Pennsylvania divided into its counties, with a bold red arrow pointing toward Lackawanna County in the northeastern part of the state. This highlights the area where Scranton is located, a key cultural and population center in the region.

Acknowledging land is just a start, not the full picture. Here are some incredible Indigenous-led organizations that we encourage you to explore and support:

THE RAVEN TRUST →

COALITION OF NATIVES & ALLIES →

LENAPE NATION OF PENNSYLVANIA →

FIRST PEOPLE’S FUND→

WE ARE THE SEEDS →

Enriching Lives Through Art

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