Unless you're really enmeshed in the local arts community or an avid reader of Creative Loafing, odds are last year's inaugural Tampa Fringe Fest flew under your radar. That was your mistake, and we're gonna let it slide because you're here now, right?
It's a good thing, too, because the second-ever Tampa Fringe has more artsy performancy goodness packed into ten days than you'd believe possible. We're talkin' 10 days of shows you're not going to see anywhere else. Gay uncles, riffs on McDonald's, people breaking into a theater to make theater… Tampa Fringe looks spectacular this year.
Performances start Thursday and run through May 12, and performance times vary. How can you see everything? One, check out the Tampa Fringe schedule. Decide what you must see. Two, get tickets (may we suggest an all-access pass?). Three, get a button. Last year the fest mandated buttons, but this year they aren't mandatory for entrance. But the button gets you discounts (one example we'll make good use of: 20% off The Bricks during Fringe). Four, make use of Fringe Central — this year, Gaspar's Grotto will serve as the hub for all things related to Fringe. (So, sort of Fringe on the fringe, but also the center of the Fringe, if you want to get meta.) Aside from events, it's info central (weekdays, 5:30- 10 p.m.; weekends, 12-9 p.m.).
We talked to Trish Parry, the Festival Producer who was one of the three founders (William Glenn, who recently moved from New York back to Tampa, and David Jenkins, Jobsite's Producing Artistic Director, are the other two) about the fest, and she gladly took us a little deeper into the Fringe.
Why Tampa?
William, being from Tampa originally, has always been passionate about bringing ideas from his travels back to his hometown. Will and I are also performers on the Fringe circuit, and in 2013 we performed at the Orlando Fringe. Across the U.S. and Canada there is a touring circuit for traveling artists, and we realized while in Orlando (America's oldest fringe) that Tampa is just close enough by to add to that, and, with a fantastic performing arts [scene already existing] perfect for a Fringe addition.
What's the best lesson you learned from last year?
We can't do it alone. Last year we had help from the community, but this year a lot more people are involved, both individuals and with help from new sponsors like MOSI, YCDC, and more. And in this way we are excited to be making this festival even more in the community's hands.
Which show are you most anticipating?
As festival staff we can't play favorites! But we can say we are excited about some of the more well-known acts coming to town, like God is a Scottish Drag Queen, 2 Ruby Knockers, and this crazy physical theater show from Japan, Are You Lovin It?. Thrilled also that Ami Sallee is coming back to her hometown with Ruthie in the Shadow, all the LGBT shows coming, and personally, as a nerd, I want to see The Sibyl of Mars.
What festival advice would you have for someone who's never been to a Fringe before?
Be a part of it! Don't just go to one show. Come to the events, come to Fringe Central at Gaspar's Grotto, get to know artists and staff. Give input. It really is your festival. It's not mine. It's not Will's. It's not the artists'. It's everyone's opportunity to make this an experience like none other.
Is The Flashlight Play the only repeat show?
Yes. We were surprised to discover a repeat show [during the lottery drawing, how they picked all shows]. Some festivals don't allow it; some festivals do.
What's the Rooster's name?
Frankie the Rooster.
This article appears in May 3-10, 2018.
