Minnesota Fringe Festival

A person sits on a bench at the edge of an abyss. A second person approaches their “heroic dive” at the edge. The two contemplate what pushes and pulls them from the edge in this award-winning dark comedy. (Presented by Samantha Odens.)

A ridiculous parody retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with classic Batman heroes and villains, told entirely in (almost) Shakespearean verse. (Presented by Big Blue Theatre.)

Stand-up comedy about salvaging sanity in our age of crazy. Presented by four-time Minnesota Fringe encore winning producer and Acme Comedy Co.'s Funniest Person in the Twin Cities title holder Ben San Del. (Presented by Ben San Del Presents.)

A snip. A shriek. A bounce on cold linoleum. A songbird is born. Castrati: A Tale of Two weaves song with castration. Shed your bodily prison during this groundbreaking musical. The first and last of its kind. (Presented by True Men Productions.)

“Chum!” is a musical parody of “Jaws” that invites audience members to bring a chum to be chum by telling the familiar tale of New England beach mastication in musical and interactive format. (Presented by Theatre Engine.)

A queer heroic comedy, in a new "old" adaptation of Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac." We've added sapphic flavor while retaining the period language and emphasizing the poetry of the original play. (Presented by Small Waves.)

Two zombified post-war corporate professionals attempt to run a workshop with the audience on how to face your fears. Outside, the darkness is creeping in threatening to end the show and maybe their friendship. (Presented by Band Practice.)

Three siblings gather in the wake of their mother's death—now orphans—to prepare her hoard for an estate sale. Trashy revelations, bizarre tapes left by their journalist father, and an unhinged auction follow. (Presented by milk rat orchestra.)

Guy For Now is a comedy for all ages! Join us on a journey of self-discovery as our everyman encounters a cast of *unique* characters who teach him about life, love, and the art of letting go. (Presented by Old Dog Theatre Company.)

The true story of the families and truckers in Minneapolis who organized in order to survive the Great Depression. This first strike of 1934 led to the transformation of the North Star State. (Presented by Local 574.)

Ever run a marathon? Why would you? I HATE RUNNING explores the source of the disease of running and other endurance sports that cost money and destroy your body! Nah, its inspiring come see it! (Presented by Charlzik Theatre Company.)

Time to leave, but your hosts have other plans. Sinister agenda? Hostage situation? Or just another visit with your folks? Minnesota Goodbye meets The Twilight Zone. Grab a snickerdoodle, it might be your last! (Presented by Joking Apart Theater.)

Galactus has chosen Earth as his next target. But don't worry. I will stop him. I will save you all. I will become The Silver Surfer. (Presented by Jake Mierva.)

An original 80s musical murder mystery following Scarlet, Matthew, and Bella. After a shocking crime, you become the live jury, cast your interactive vote, and directly decide who goes to prison each night! (Presented by Moonlight Muses LLC.)

“Just One Life” is a delightful original musical telling an inspiring tale of love, loss and redemption—set against the dark reality of the injustice and profit motive of the US health system. (Presented by Dave Dvorak.)

A funny and moving story of two Turkish immigrants rebuilding their lives in America, confronting cultural differences, unexpected challenges, and the meaning of home. (Presented by Tiyatro Misafir.)

Rest In Peace, Maxxeapolis, whose untimely deaths have landed them in Hell right before their performance at Fringe. Join them for an hour of sketch comedy where Satan himself will decide their ultimate fates. (Presented by Maxxeapolis.)

Storytellers Jon Carlson, Vianna Isbister, Bernadine Joselyn, Hank Roubicek - tell three times, and Erin Ferdinand, Kory May, Christopher Nelson, Laura Packer, Anne Wiborg do "one off's" with stories for adults (Presented by American School of Storytelling.)

What happens when you get a group of physical improvisers to make a movie – but without the sets, lights, costumes, props, crew, dialogue . . . or movie. A new genre-smashing cinematic epic each performance. (Presented by The Improv Movement Project.)

Spanning from the 1960's to the present, this humorous, poignant, one-woman show delves into Midwest identity, family, U. S. History, political awakening & an accordion - proving one is never too old to learn. (Presented by Good & Plenty Productions.)

Is being a dwarf clown REALLY half the size, but double the fun? Or is Tyler West just Small Minded? Either way, this show features juggling, magic, Shakespeare, story-telling, and some Ha-Ha's! from the heart. (Presented by Tyler West.)

So Bright the Night is a hard-boiled historical drama about the Mexican Repatriation of the 1930's. A woman boards a train in hopes to rescue her husband from deportation or worse. History is repeating itself. (Presented by Hey Rube!.)

Starting with a "first date" between an audience volunteer & Erika Sasseville, the cast will strive to predict the pair's compatibility and manifest the future of their relationship through improv and whimsy. (Presented by Sass Epants Productions.)

New parents navigate pregnancy & pediatricians & preschool & poop. Somewhere in the realm of classic musicals like "The Fantasticks" or "I Do! I Do!" Featuring 8 new songs & captioned violin baby-talk. (Presented by rick rhobajt widen.)

Fringe veteran Jen Scott presents a one-person storytelling show, a music-show, a bit of a clown show, all about being human and maybe being heard. (Presented by Octoberdandy Productions.)

An immersive corporate satire about a company that considers itself to be a family. "Mom", a middle manager at Space Company, welcomes the audience, now cast as new hires ("Babygirls"), on their first day. (Presented by dancing arms.)

Third Fringe, & Wells thinks he's figured out the game. And he wants to share it with you! Work disasters, spirit world snafus, post Pearl Jam snacks, bootleg CDs, stories that'll make you go, "Oh Geez!" (Presented by Wells Farnham.)

A collective storytelling show featuring local artists sharing humorous tales around mental health. Personal or fantastical, these stories aim to share experience and possibly find catharsis through comedy. (Presented by 7 Stories Tall.)

In the light of the half moon, a pack of manic-depressive werewolves howl about the myths and misconceptions surrounding their affliction. A raw, irreverent, humorous, bipolar crash out with teeth. (Presented by Beta Fish Productions.)

Billy Sipple became a hero when he saved President Ford’s life. Days later, Harvey Milk publicly outed him. What should have been a major win for gay rights ruined Sipple’s life. Inspired by true events. (Presented by Applause Community Theatre.)

From barely qualifying for The Itty Bitty Titty Committee to being president of The Big Booby Brigade, join Rachel as she enlists her talking breasts to help her decide: Can you have too much of a good thing? (Presented by RAR Entertainment.)

Digger. Listener. Runner. A small band of rabbits embark on a perilous journey to find a new home in this adventurous folk musical adaption of the classic children’s novel. (Presented by Melancholics Anonymous.)

Life can be scary. From falling in love to facing imposter syndrome, this storyteller’s guide looks at how anxiety and fear can overwhelm us, but that we can find the courage and grace to continue on our way. (Presented by Peake Productions.)

True stories from folks who experienced, confronted, and did their best to get themselves and their neighbors through Operation Metro Surge; documentary theater with more than 3 dozen characters. Love to MN! (Presented by Three Second Memory.)

Mario and Luigi jump off the screen and onto the stage in this exciting musical adventure based on the cult classic 1993 movie! Featuring four original songs and all your favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters. (Presented by Albino Squirrel Productions.)

An joyful spectacle where every step defies gravity. A circus of rhythm and movement - join us where tap dancing meets the sky. (Presented by Twin Cities Trapeze.)

A Magician is the life memoir storytelling magic show of Las Vegas entertainer Jordan Rooks. This storytelling magical wonder is a combination of storytelling, clowning, and magic. (Presented by Levani.)

Following a devastating global pandemic, Jeff is left to fend for himself. Twelve years later, he’s built a farm, a solar array, and – to pass the time - a hobby of playing guitar for the audience in his head. (Presented by One T Productions.)

An Earth Goddess (Preah Mae Thorani) is a musical that explores Khmer culture during the Angkorian era, where King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218) reigned with queen Jayarajadevi, Indradevi as his consort. (Presented by Narate Keys.)

Based on the 1922 Pulitzer Prize winning play “Anna Christie” by Eugene O’Neill, it's been 15 years since Kris has seen her daughter Anna, and suddenly she’s here, at a bar in a small town you've never heard of (Presented by Mosaic Productions.)

Set backstage at a drag show minutes before curtain, Bangs! unfolds during a shooting at a gay bar. This horror-comedy explores chosen family, queer resiliency, and finding absurd light in the darkest of times. (Presented by The Other Productions.)

Four generations of smugglers from the river bottoms of Pike County, IL deal with their legacy of violence and crime, and the terrifying entity they accidentally smuggled over the veil from the other side. (Presented by The Miller Conspiracy.)

Norwegian for cabin fever, BRAKKESYKE is a new dark comedy about the banal degradation of boredom. Two soldiers wait at the edge of the world. The war is far away until it comes very, very close. (Presented by New Product Company.)

True stories. Masterful improvisation. Kate Button spills the stories, while the Twin Cities top improvisors weave them into comedy gold! Brace yourself for an evening of raw, unfiltered hilarity! (Presented by Button Productions.)

Why would a grown man practice somersaults in a pool? Patrick is neither athletic nor spontaneous. But it was a goal. For real. Laugh, maybe wipe away a tear, with Patrick as he recounts what led to the pool. (Presented by Patrick Mc Graw.)

A musical and storytelling cabaret focused on radiance. Come watch what happens when artists are given the freedom to express themselves without limits. Three guest artists will be revealed throughout the run! (Presented by Black and Foxy Co.)

Dr. Duke Didier is putting on a production of Death of a Salesman, in order to prove to his nephew that the play is still relevant in 2026. Too bad his nephew, Braedyn, couldn't give a shit. (Presented by an alleged Theatre Company.)

A girl and her unicorn sidekick journey through a fantastical world to find her lost story. A powerful show about healing and moving forward. Puppets, humor, heart. Part of the Social Butterfly Project. 120 min (Presented by Angela Fox Productions.)

Elvis Presley stirs up trouble at an unscrupulous real-estate agency. Jumpsuits jitter and F-bombs fly as a post-Vegas career suddenly involves the temptations of grand theft and a fever for the rock 'n' roll. (Presented by Michael Shaeffer.)

June 28, 1966. A Beach Boys Circus... in the earthquake capital of the world. What could go wrong with this American Dream? Come for the music, stay for the drag, puppets, and camp-ified antics! (Presented by Dame Right!.)

A fast-moving show about the mysteries of language. Why are words the way the are? How do languages change? Why is grammar hard? And what IS the plural of "octopus," anyway? Every show will be different! (Presented by Ari Hoptman.)

An improvised musical comedy sermon about purity culture, power, and evangelical America. Featuring original songs, audience participation, and a charismatic pastor who may not be as holy as she seems. (Presented by Hannah Wydeven.)

A serial killer terrorizes Berlin while police come up empty. As fear grips the city, the criminal underworld launches its own manhunt to catch the murderer in this adaptation of the Fritz Lang noir classic. (Presented by The World Crime League.)

A chaotic board game comes to life! Pick your champion, cheer from the stands, and watch the madness unfold. Every show is different—and one lucky audience member wins a copy of the game! (Presented by Sugar Throw Theatre.)

A solo clown show loosely inspired by history's most intelligent serial killer — blending masks, movement, lo-fi origami, and absurd logic into a lunatic tribunal of comedy, tenderness, and chaos. (Presented by Todd Sullivan.)

What do Candyland, Soccer, Therapy, and Tomb Raider have in common? Lily has won them all. So why does she feel like such a loser? (Presented by Rainsview Creative.)

Too expensive to go on a road trip? Then join two improv comedians as they take a ROAD TRIP without ever leaving the theater! You don’t need to pitch in for gas, just pitch in suggestions for destinations! (Presented by CHRISDAVISDOESSTUFF.)

One woman performs scenes from Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies exploring his deep understanding of the closest, longest and most frustrating relationship of your life: your relationship with your siblings. (Presented by Deanne Mc Donald / The Traveling Players.)

An improvised soap opera inspired by audience suggestions. Our cast will create a show filled with your favorite soap opera tropes: steamy affairs, family betrayals, love triangles, seduction, and so much more! (Presented by Jex Arzayus.)

Samuel and Louise really know how to live; no morals, no regrets, no limits, no future. It's the night before their reckoning day and they've come to crack a bottle of wine, swap tales, and have a little fun. (Presented by Mermaid Productions.)

Improv inspired by local music. Local musicians perform original songs live. Between songs the Local Music Scene cast improvise scenes inspired by the lyrics. LOCAL MUSIC; improvised SCENEs (Presented by Jim Jam Media.)

A new absurdest comedy by the people that brought you Breakfast in Bed and Another Cold One. Two characters find themselves lost on a journey. Delving into questions that rule our everyday decisions. (Presented by C. J. Heehaw.)

The title describes exactly what happens (obviously other things happen too). (Presented by SUPERMOON.)

Therapist Zero is a darkly funny solo show about a father trying to help his brilliant but struggling daughter, only to run headfirst into a maze of psychiatrists, broken systems, and his own past. (Presented by be-Creative.)

TBD (Presented by Fat Theatre Project.)

A televised debate between two incarcerated serial killers, moderated by a true-crime TV reporter, leads to revelations about their pathologies. (Presented by John Ervin.)

Wake the Improv is a new, exciting show where 3 Improv groups interpret the audience dreams and nightmares into hilarious scenes. The audience participates with lighted wands and Ellie the Dream Wizard. (Presented by Peter Semington/Eaten by Locusts.)

One man's journey to discover identity after trauma, as told by brain injury survivor and master storyteller Lethan Candlish. Sharing a common journey of recovery from multiple perspectives. (Presented by Lethan Candlish.)

Operation Metro Surge pitted armed ICE agents against the residents of Minnesota. Kyle B. Dekker recreates a live rapid response call on stage based on his own experiences as a constitutional observer. (Presented by Kind Fool Theater.)

Happy Valley Regional needs your help planning their annual dance! Put on your thinking caps and your dancing shoes, and come ready to learn some new moves as you help us build a playlist everyone can dance to. (Presented by Cleo Torres.)

The improvised version of the hit Netflix dating show, Love Is Blind. All of the fun. None of the toxicity. (Presented by Dalla Danna Productions.)

Dive headfirst into the wild chaos of growing up, growing older, and finding your place in the herd. Uproarious, poignant, nostalgic, and bursting with heart. The Schommer family puts the fun in dysFUNctional! (Presented by Jason Schommer.)

The feckin' story and singy-song of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. There be the famous supper club for some bored c*nts and dilettantes, and this be that time W. B. Yeats kicked Aleister Crowley's arse. (Presented by The Winding Sheet Outfit.)

When a bumbling community theater group rehearses for their production of Hamlet, one actor tries to help them get their act together. This ensemble comedy is a love letter to community theater. (Presented by Moral of the Story.)

Adapting for the first time 18th-century combat medic, historian, and POW David Ramsay, this fully AI-illustrated show features a different collection of readings each night. (Presented by Maximum Verbosity.)

An interactive activist comedy following Minnesota's first four female legislators as they journey to today, joining the ongoing fight for equal rights - with various special guest speakers at each performance. (Presented by David Alan Berger.)

Tiffany is cursed to become versions of herself projected upon her and must learn who she is before time runs out. (Presented by Tiffany Michelle Foster.)

2012. A struggling farm in a northwestern ND town transformed by the oil boom is given a warning: A savior is coming. Portion of proceeds donated. (Presented by Third Space Theater.)

A comedy self-improvement seminar. NOT a pyramid scheme. And DEFINITELY NOT a cult recruitment scheme! Award-winning 2-man show that garnered 5-star reviews at Edinburgh Fringe. (Presented by Jeffries & Brown.)

Meet Clyde & Faye, two character actors navigating an industry of auditions, rejections, bit parts and false starts. Sometimes funny, sometimes melancholy, it's improv so grounded, it seems scripted. (Presented by Special When Lit.)

A good friend never forgets. Too bad, Dolly did. But no worries, it's her day off! No agenda, no script, no work...and all the time in the world for a little sweet, sweet revenge. (Presented by DOLLY WHO?.)

Empty Nest dives into life’s big transitions — aging, shifting identities, long-term partnership — and finds the humor in the awkward, poignant, and downright ridiculous moments along the way. (Presented by Zabel Weinhagen.)

A hilarious journey of a naïve immigrant professor navigating the foreign world of dating and romance in the New World, described by NPR as “a show about romance, culture, and one immigrant’s story" (Presented by Sufian Zhemukhov.)

This dramedy, with resurrection myth roots, explores the hells we create by trying to conform to gendered expectations in romantic relationships. It features Dramaturgy-on-Demand, a unique immersive experience. (Presented by Physical Lies.)

A storytelling show about my love for MN + Tolkien’s Legendarium; exploring his concepts of Estel & Eucatastrophe, similarities btw Minnesota & the Shire, & how we kinda just lived through the Scouring of it…. (Presented by Seán Mc Ardle / Hero Props.)

It's Fishing Opener on Lake Mille Lacs, but some of the locals have started disappearing. Could it be the work of the terrifying, mythical Muskie? Find out in this Minnesota-based parody of "Jaws." (Presented by New Endeavors.)

A local musician's overambition cost him the band and a shot at happiness. Years later, at his drummer's wedding, he has a chance to make things right with his former bassist, who has secrets of her own. (Presented by Deft Pictures.)

A man unwittingly crosses a picket-line, befriends an opossum, and is forced to choose between his job and his friend. The aftermath of his actions are discussed nearly a century later by two podcasters. (Presented by Budding Heads.)

This year's Fringe show opens tomorrow. The props are assembled. The actors have memorized (most of) their lines. The director has blocked the show. There’s only one thing left to do…TECH THE SHOW. (Presented by Mike Fotis Productions.)

Connie thinks Shakespeare belongs in the past. Her uncle Ford knows better. A whirlwind tour through comedy, tragedy, and romance reveals the Bard's words may be closer to home than she thinks. (Presented by The Redmond Players.)

A one-person puppet show with call and response/audience participation. The bashful but rowdy Turtle Boy leads you through an action movie of your own making. John Wick meets TMNT. Karate Kid meets Mr. Rogers. (Presented by Tiger Love Studios LLC.)

A vampire take on The Importance of Being Earnest, that swaps cucumber sandwiches for a 1750 vintage Bellini Rosso Tavola Torciglioni. There’s blood; everyone’s horny. An Immortal Comedy for Lifeless People. (Presented by Little Apple Theatre Company.)

What’s the difference between BPD and BD? Is the expert always right? From anxiety to PTSD, storyteller Jena Young shares her experience with an undiagnosed parent, being misdiagnosed, and the power of labels. (Presented by Jena Young Productions.)

Minnesota Fringe Executive Director and theatre virgin Dawn Bentley makes her first (and only?) fringe show. A personal, political, and playful storytelling experience fantasizing about how IT finally happens. (Presented by Dawn Bentley.)

Minnesota Tamil Sangam proudly presents The Resonance of Roots, a captivating theatrical celebration that brings to life the enduring spirit of Tamil classical performing arts. This production beautifully illustrates how the deep-rooted traditions of Tamil culture continue to echo through generations, preserving their richness, elegance, and emotional depth even in a modern world. Through a seamless blend of expressive dance, soul-stirring music, and vibrant folk elements, The Resonance of Roots pays tribute to the timeless legacy of Tamil art forms. Presented by talented local artists, this drama highlights the unbroken connection between heritage and contemporary expression, reminding us that while times may change, the resonance of our roots continues to inspire and thrive. (Presented by Minnesota Tamil Sangam.)

An intimate solo performance blending Indian Classical and Folk dance and storytelling to explore migration, memory, and belonging. Can home be a place... or is it something we carry within us? (Presented by Rituparna Rana.)

Everyone comes to Rick's. Even in the middle of a hostile occupation. Even in a world where lovers who have been torn apart by circumstance can bond over some well chosen Prince music. (Presented by Snikt! Bamf! Thwip!.)

As of 1929 Wilbur Foshay was one of the richest men in the US, but the Great Depression had other plans for him. A well-loved 2023 musical that's the true story of a man who lost everything, but found himself. (Presented by TROMPE L'OEIL.)

After a deadly stage collapse at a flamboyant bake-off, the show’s image-obsessed host is the prime suspect. Detectives navigate wildly contradictory accounts as paranoia and performance spiral into mystery. (Presented by Lady Z Productions.)

When the host of the children’s show Pistachio’s Playhouse experiences a sudden tragedy, she has to try and keep the Playhouse from closing while maintaining her sanity in front of an impressionable audience. (Presented by Samuel Karie.)