Fringe Festival’s local previews
WHAT: You never know who will pop into the Orlando Fringe Festival’s local preview shows. Last year, Cupid (Brandon Roberts, pictured) was humorously shooting his arrows at the performers. But besides the entertainment factor, the previews serve another function: They help theatergoers determine which shows make their must-see list for the festival.
A variety of acts, all of whom will perform at the Fringe, will provide 2-minute snippets of their shows. Audience members are provided a simple scorecard to make notes or simply mark “yes” or “no.” That becomes a guide to planning their schedule when the festival opens in May.
There are two previews on the same night: The first is suitable for children, the second features the Fringe’s adults-only material. All the performers are local; a similar preview show for national and international acts takes place at the festival’s start.
Another bonus to attending one or both of the previews: You can buy a Fringe button, required to see shows during the festival, at a one-night-only discounted price of $5 (regularly $9).
WHERE: Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando
WHEN: Monday. All-ages show, 7-8:30 p.m., adults-only show, 9-10:30 p.m.
COST: $8 for all-ages show; $8 for adult show
CALL: 407-648-0077
ONLINE: orlandofringe.org