San Diego's Fringe Festival roaring back with 300 performances at 11 venues around San Diego

What a difference a year makes.

The 2023 San Diego International Fringe Festival? Three venues, 19 shows. This year, the 12th edition of the festival will have 11 venues, 70 acts and a combined 300 performances.

“There wasn’t really a plan to go bigger,” said Shaun Davis, Fringe producing director who’s been with the festival for 10 years, “but I decided I wanted us to regain that ‘largest performing arts festival in San Diego County’ title.”

This was true of the Fringe fest prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. When operating downtown as recently as 2018, Davis said, the programming included 100 performers doing 500 shows.

The 2024 Fringe, which begins Thursday, is a step toward reclaiming that “largest festival” distinction.

"MeSSeS: Solo CircuS," at the 2024 San Diego Fringe Festival.

Fringe performances this year are spread out at venues across the city. In addition to three locations in Balboa Park — the Grassy Knoll, Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre and the Centro Cultural de la Raza — shows will also be held at Mockingbird Improv and the Light Box Theater at Liberty Station; New Destiny Church and No Limits Church in Lincoln Park; Wildsong Theatre and Arts Collective (formerly OB Playhouse) in Ocean Beach; Finest City Improv in Bankers Hill; Tap Fever Studios in Pacific Beach; and Les Girls Theater in the Midway District.

“This is our first year with Mockingbird, Light Box, Wildsong,” said Davis, citing several of the new venues. “They’re all so excited about the Fringe.”

Besides a suggested cashless pay system for 2024, the Fringe has also raised individual ticket prices to $13. As always, all proceeds from ticket sales go to the performers.

“With all the inflation and everything else, it’s just not feasible for the artists to come in and perform,” said Davis of the price hike. “Every little bit they get counts. We don’t take any money out of that.”

A wide variety of acts and performers from across the country and around the world, including from as far away as Japan and New Zealand, will entertain at this year’s festival.

“This is an opportunity for people to see things they would never see anywhere else,” said Davis, “an opportunity to expand your theatrical horizons and see stuff that’s completely out of the box, completely out of your realm. As much as it is entertaining it can be a very enlightening and educational experience.”

San Diego International Fringe Festival

When: Opens Thursday and runs through May 26

Where: Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, Balboa Park; Centro de Cultural de la Raza , Balboa Park; Grassy Knoll, Balboa Park; Mockingbird Improv, Liberty Station; LightBox Theater, Liberty Station; New Destiny Church and No Limits Church, 4931 Logan Ave., Logan Heights; Finest City Improv, 3746 Sixth Ave. San Diego; Wildsong (formerly OB Playhouse), 4944 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach; Les Girls, 3790 Riley St., Midway area; Tap Fever Studios, 2146 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach.

Tickets: $13, plus a one-time purchase of a $7 Fringe tag; multi-passes available ($35 for a three-show pass, $55 for a five-show pass, $104 for a 10-show pass)

Online: sdfringe.org

APPEARING AT THIS YEAR’S FRINGE

Organized by venue. For showtimes, visit sdfringe.org

Centro Cultural de la Raza

‘Forest of Truth’

The Japanese theater troupe GUMBO presents a surreal, satirical take on love, set in a forest. A collaboration with Ira Cooper of Vancouver-based Spec Theatre.

‘Becoming An Ethical Slut’

Directed by Vanessa Duron, associate artistic director at Moxie Theatre, B Anthony stars in a solo play with music about a queer man searching for true love.

‘We Don’t Say Kill’

San Diegan Ron Logan created this “theater noir” piece about a hitman named Tony navigating the complexities of his chosen career.

‘Upline: It’s Not a Show, It’s an Opportunity’

Megan Stern stars in a solo comedy satire that resides in the fictional marketing beauty empire of Varmon. Directed and co-created by Shannan Calcutt of Cirque du Soleil.

‘Rhythm Delivered’

This interactive show from choreographer Noa Barankin, director of the rhythm and dance company DrumatiX, employs improv, a capella and found-object instruments that reflect her immigrant experiences.

‘To All the Girls’

Music and standup comedy come together in queer comedian/actor Belinda Carroll’s world premiere solo show. Carroll is founder of the first-ever Queer Comedy Festival, launched in 2017.

‘The Kids Might Die’

L.A.-based Jill Young brings a comedic solo performance to the Fringe that recounts the predicament of a theater director confronting the end of the world.

‘Booger Red’

Booger Red is solo artist Jim Loucks’ father, one of many characters he portrays in a piece that finds him singing hymns and even a tune from “Oklahoma!”

‘Rince Panic’

Making its San Diego Fringe debut, the Irish dance troup Na Scealaithe Irish Dance Collective performs a series of vignettes connected to the life of their director, Michael Prine. Dancers from San Diego Irish dance school Malone Academy are featured as well.

‘Journey of the Two Spirit’

Led by their ancestor Catori Bearskin, Oren Shepherd discovers their purpose in life through visions.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater

‘Best Man Show’

A popular performer at last year’s Fringe, comedian/actor Mark Vigeant returns to deliver a dark and interactive best man speech that in his words “devolves into an existential crisis.”

‘Bad Behavior’

This world-premiere comedy play from Adrian Babatunde Thomascq follows two brothers on a quest to find adulthood through a family crisis.

‘Shunga Alert’

If you enjoyed the explicit puppet play “Hand to God,” recently seen locally, courtesy of Roustabouts Theatre Company, this “X-rated” multimedia puppet show set in Japan may be right up your alley.

‘Why R U Laughing’

Mind readers are frequent Fringe favorites, so no wonder comedy mentalist Anthony Prezutti is among this year’s lineup. Perhaps he’ll tell us why we are laughing.

‘Shadow Necropolis’

You want more puppets? You got ‘em with this fantasy adventure from Japan in which shadow puppets are projected on a giant screen.

‘Puppet Bash’

Beloved entertainment institutions get bashed in this show that warns of adult language and situations. That should be enough to draw crowds.

‘Vamp’

This is a storytelling showcase from So Say We All, the San Diego arts organization now in its 15th year of giving individuals a forum to tell their most urgent tales.

‘Party of Two’

A world-premiere, 60-minute play from comedian and financial advisor (there’s a combo) Skyler McCurine set in San Diego about a grandmother, a granddaughter and Alzheimer’s disease.

‘Mind Reader’

More mentalism magic, this time from Steven Nicholas. Audience participation is guaranteed, so be careful what you’re thinking about.

Natacha Ruck stars in "You’re Good for Nothing."

‘You’re Good for Nothing, I’ll Milk the Cow Myself’

Solo performer Natacha Ruck described her show to the online magazine Kings River Life this way: “I go on stage and I complain about my family. Or it’s about three generations of women who face three world wars and a crippling addiction to chocolate.”

Grassy Knoll at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater

‘420 Highku (Under the Umbrella)’

On a mobile stage Steven P. Sanders, who’s appeared multiple times at the San Diego Fringe, Performs poetry and music.

Mockingbird Improv

‘No F**** Given. None Taken. All Done.’

Audience members find themselves being students. A-ha moments of learning are promised in this one-person show written and performed by Pamela L. Paek.

‘The Next Act’

An hour of standup comedy from influencer Lisa Pedace, who claims to have enjoyed more than 200 million views on TikTok and Instagram. Pedace has a degree from SDSU, by the way.

‘No One Special’

Toronto-born standup comedian Julie Kim revisits her childhood growing up above a convenience store. She’s a veteran of comedy festivals on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.

‘No Worries If Not’

A reflection on “laundry, love and lying” from comedian Katie-Ellen Humphries. Trivia about Katie-Ellen from her website: She’s a three-time Canadian national swimming champion.

‘Things Are Fine Actually’

A veteran Fringe performer, Neil McArthur combines storytelling and philosophizing in this comedic hour touching on dating, capitalism and more.

‘PSA: Pelvic Service Announcement’

Does this show really need a plug beyond its title? It stems from comedian/storyteller Amy Veltman’s odyssey with her pelvic floor issues. Google it.

Indian-American comic Arzoo Malhotra holds a bunch of herbs.

‘Masala’

Another Fringe veteran, Indian-American comic Arzoo Malhotra, brings what undoubtedly will be a tasty hourlong show to this year’s festival.

‘Intolerant’

Allergies can be funny! If you don’t think so, let Uma Dobia enlighten you in this comic cabaret that includes original songs and musical parodies.

‘Lyrics & Laughs’

Teams of improvisers create scenes based on the performances of guest vocalists.

‘Telenovela Improv’

The improv team LIRRER spontaneously captures the drama of those addictive telenovelas.

‘Friday Night Flix’

Two “movies” are produced by improvisers as if the movies were being performed live.

‘All Hands On Deck!’

Audience suggestions power this improv show similar to the well-known “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” series.

‘Adrift’

Strangers on a desert island. That’s the premise of this improv presentation.

‘Improv vs. Standup’

Improvers create scenes based on the performances of standup comedians.

‘Rat City’

Experimental vibes from edgy young improvisers.

‘Death By Improv’

An improvised whodunit mystery with audience participation.

Light Box Theater at Liberty Station

‘Reunion’

Rhythm and form come together in this Raga-driven musical dance piece about transformation. Choreographer Teresa Chapman from Houston commissioned composer/educator George Heathco to create the original score.

‘Falling On Track’

Local performing artist Jennifer Savion shares music and stories about forks in the road, the butterfly effect and that old standby, the fickleness of fate.

‘Water of Life’

A former cultural ambassador with the U.S. Embassy, choreographer Anandha Ray presents Quimera Ritual Dance, a group expressing dance as an expression of our humanity.

‘Paraashakti’

Traditional dance from southern India is presented by Sannidhi Performing Arts of San Diego under the artistic direction of Divya Devaguptapu.

Bharantanatyam and Beyond Indian dancers in the ocean.

‘Bharatanatyam’

Two immigrant teaching artists from India call on their roots to explore a wide range of movement repertories.

‘Two Wolves’

Featuring the music of rapper/singer Dessa, an interactive, “musical choose-your-own misadventure” about two women who meet by chance.

New Destiny Church

‘Genesis 2.0’

Third-year theater major Lucy Huckle plays seven roles in this world-premiere, one-person satire that deconstructs the Garden of Eden scenario.

‘Asian Scary Theater’

San Diego’s Asian Story Theater presents this storytelling experience that calls on tales from Asia and the Pacific Islands and at the same time recalls old-time radio theater.

‘Women Gone Rogue’

The spirits of women from history who were mad as hell and wouldn’t take it any more are portrayed by local writer/actor Annette Hubbell.

‘Turing Test’

You don’t have to know what the Turing test from 1950 is (though you can research it) to enjoy this story about a scientist and the deal he makes with a company called Intelligent Machines.

‘Connie Converse’

If you’ve never heard of Connie Converse, regarded in some quarters as the first modern folk singer-songwriter in America, here’s your chance to find out more.

‘Black Market Mentalism’

Mentalism, or as his website calls it “psychic entertainment” from local Ralph Hamrick, who incorporates psychology and hypnosis into his act.

No Limits Church

Los Angeles actor Andrea Barello sits in a chair wearing a bathrobe.

“2024 San Diego International Fringe Festival”

‘Tonight! A Clown Who Wanted to be Loved’

An Italian clown who doesn’t speak English, slow-motion boxing and pizza dancing. Talk about theater of the absurd.

‘Pirates of Hamlet’

If you don’t remember a reference to pirates in “Hamlet,” you’re not alone. In this comedy spinoff, though, they take center stage.

‘We Lovers’

If you’re looking for a romantic Fringe experience, this one, in which four neighbors in a small town recount their love stories — and not just any love stories — is made for you. Written by local playwright Christian La Croix, whose “Normal Heights” was a highlight of last year’s festival.

‘Imagination Alchemy’

A fairy tale is created on the spot via audience suggestions for characters, settings and more. Emily Stamets makes it happen.

‘Wrong Impressions’

A farce featuring a painter, his wife and an over-sexed police inspector. A world premiere at this year’s Fringe.

‘Benjamin’s Passion’

Elizabeth Du Val created this solo tragicomedy that finds a Ukrainian ballet director isolated in Idaho and an aging dancer in existential crisis.

‘MeSSes Solo Circus’

Juggling while you watch. Janoah Bailin teaches and performs at the same time in this whimsical exploration of metaphor.

‘Orange You Glad to Be in Miami?’

Name confusion at a psych word. That’s what happens to Bennet Caffee, who stars in this solo performance piece.

Wildsong Theatre and Arts Collective

‘Anatomica’

Part standup/part storyteller Amica Hunter promises sometimes-unsettling comedy about skeletal systems and the horrors of living in a body. She calls it “a comedy about meat, bones and the skin you’re in.”

‘On Earth As It Is in Hell’

For the hell of it, comedian/storyteller Andrew Spink has created this narrative about discovering his daughter’s fear of hell and what caused it. This leads to (mostly) funny revelations.

‘Audition Sides’

Two actors who happen to be ex-lovers end up in a callback room in this offering set against the backdrop of a woman’s experience in the male-centric world of American theater. From Sarah Le Clair’s feminist-minded company Riot Productions.

‘Puppy Love’

A shy stagehand in love with an acrobat in a Vegas circus show is magically turned into a werepuppy. Will he/it find true love?

‘Dad, Playboy, and Me’

First of all, this is Not Your Average Slideshow of glossy Playboy photos. A.G. Norton’s documentary photograph and research take you inside the Playboy Club — not in the way you’d expect.

‘I Need a Beer’

How perfect is a show with this title in O.B.? It’s a play about a family and how it develops over generations amid the rigors of living.

‘Only Bones’

A physical theater and performance piece from Daniel Nodder in which the ordinary quickly becomes the extraordinary.

‘Princess Strikes Back’

Victoria Montalbano has Shakespeare on her acting resume, but in this solo performance her inspiration is Han Solo. The play’s subtitle says it all: “One Woman’s Search for the Space Cowboy of Her Dreams.”

‘Tales from the Crib’

A couple whose marriage is on the rocks finds out — bad timing —that they’re pregnant. Can the two survive life as friendly roommates? Based on the hit novel by Jennifer Coburn.

‘Junk Mail’

This is a comedy variety show that includes everything from burlesque to clown performances, standup to improv and more.

Finest City Improv

‘Kid Goblin’

Long-form group improv from some performers with vast experience.

‘Belle Reve’

An hourlong one-act Tennessee Williams play is created on the spot — different for each performance. Recognize the Williams reference in title? It’s from Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

‘Omega Man’

This is a satire on men’s self-help grifters, the type who take advantage of lonely and socially awkward men. Lots of advice for how men should really act in a modern society.

‘Best Hammer’

Comedy duo Dad Skeleton (Paige Oberholtzer and Jacob Rozansky) host an hour of eccentric and absurd sketches.

‘Seeing Stars’

The Audience Choice Award winner at last year’s San Francisco Fringe Festival, this is a comic take on family dysfunction, mental health and a son’s yearning to connect with his father.

‘OKAY Sketch’

How did you handle the height of the pandemic in 2020? OKAY Sketch founder Julius Ravelo did by writing, producing and posting sketches online during that strange and uncertain time. Here, they’re acted out by a team that includes Ravelo himself.

Les Girls

‘No Regrets’

Revisit if you dare the 1960s, when corrupt cops falsified evidence and raided strippers at the Left Bank nightclub, the precursor to the longtime Les Girls theater. Costumes, props, modern dance, burlesque and more.

Tap Fever Studios

‘Spiked Punch’

An improvised comedy experience driven by audience interaction.

‘Taptastic’

What would Tap Fever Studios be without a tap dance variety show, one in which cocktails, comedy and choreography unite?

Coddon is a freelance writer.

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