Orlando Fringe Festival Enjoys Record Setting Year

Musicians, comedians, actors and exhibitionists from across the globe took the stage for the most successful Orlando Fringe Festival in its sixteen-year history.

From May 17-28, the nation's oldest Fringe Festival sold more than 28,000 tickets, an increase of 21 percent over 2006. Additionally, the 5,000 artists making up the 77 national and international performing groups, KIDS FRINGE, PET FRINGE, VISUAL FRINGE and Outdoor Stage, took home more than $200,000, 65 percent more than last year. The festival also sold 12,000 Fringe buttons—up 33 percent from 2006.

Fringe 2007 - The Glamorous Andrea Merlyn Magic Show! The Return! - SS Taylor Martin as Andrea Merlyn • PHOTOS : Orlando Int'l Fringe Festival The Glamorous Andrea Merlyn "I'm so excited about the outcome of this year's festival," said Beth Marshall, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival Producing Artistic Director. "This year the festival broke several records in the areas of overall tickets sold, button sales, and money given back to artists. The spirit of the festival was lively and exciting and the energy around it quite positive! We can't thank everybody involved enough for everything they have done to aid in getting this festival where it is - one of the most successful Fringe Festivals in the U.S."

One of the highlights of the Festival was VISUAL FRINGE. It proved to be a huge success, selling 20 pieces from 18 different artists resulting in a 53 percent increase over 2006. KIDS and PET FRINGE was also successful, with numerous performances and kids-only entertainment provided to the community for free. The festival also hosted more national, international and dance groups than ever before.

2006 Fringe Numbers in Brief

• 28,425 tickets sold overall in 2007, compared to 23,457 tickets sold 2006. • $200,047 given back to the artists in 2007, compared to $121,000 in 2006. • 12,000 Fringe buttons distributed in 2007, compared to 9,000 in 2006. • 77 groups of performers in 2007, compared to 57 in 2006. • 20 VISUAL FRINGE pieces from 18 different artists sold in 2007, compared to 13 pieces by 11 different artists in 2006.

With one more extremely successful year under its belt, the oldest Fringe Festival in the entire county is already scheduled to kick off its 17th year in Orlando May 15-26, 2008 in Orlando's Loch Haven Park.

About the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival

Informally known as "The Fringe," the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is a 12-day celebration of theatre and the arts. Its mission is to provide an accessible, affordable outlet that draws diverse elements of the community together and inspires creative experiences through the arts.

As the oldest, non-juried Fringe Festival in the United States, the Orlando Fringe Festival proudly provides a venue for theatrical and performing artists to display their creative talent and novel performances. Staying true to its roots, all acts are uncensored, exposing patrons to performances ranging from mild to wild, with 100 percent of the ticket sales going directly to the artists.

The Closing Agent, Inc., a title insurance agency, was the presenting sponsor of the 16th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. This project was also funded in part by The United Arts of Central Florida, The Orange County Government through the Arts and Cultural Affairs Program, The State of Florida's Department of State-Division of Cultural Affairs, The Florida Arts Council and The National Endowment for the Arts.

For continuous information about the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, visit www.orlandofringe.org.