Submissions now being considered for sixth annual Cincy Fringe Festival

The submission deadline for the 2009 Cincinnati Fringe Festival (which will take place May 26 through June 6) is fast approaching. Performance Fringe applications will be due on Dec. 15 with publicity shots and finalized materials due in February.

The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is a 12-Day performing arts festival featuring works of theatre, dance, performance art, film, visual art and everything in between. The festival takes place at venues throughout Over-the-Rhine with Know Theatre of Cincinnati serving as Fringe Headquarters. Now in its sixth year, the festival has grown tremendously since it began in 2004 with the number of works and performances growing each year.

The Visual Fringe and Film Fringe applications are also now available, though deadlines for those are both March 27, 2009.

Matt Steffen returns for his second year as the Chair of the Selection Committee for the Visual Fringe. Matt is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University. He currently lives in Newport, and is a freelance photographer and graphic designer.

Chris Strobel, also returning for his second year as the Chair of the Selection Committee for the Film Fringe, is a professor at NKU’s Department of Informatics. He has worked on or with numerous local film festivals including Underneath Cincinnati, The 48 Hour Film Project, and he serves on the board of the Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association.

The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is looking for new works that would typically not be seen on other stages. This is an opportunity for local, regional, national and International artists to perform works that may not otherwise be seen on regional stages. “It provides an outlet for artists to self-produce in a low risk environment that provides basic technical and marketing support at no cost to the artist”, says managing director, Eric Vosmeier.

Know Theatre will also be seeking bands and other unique musical acts to perform on the Jackson St. Underground Stage as part of the Fringe Festival Underground Bar Series.

Know Theatre anticipates approximately 175 performances of 35 productions to be performed in about 12 venues in Over-the-Rhine. “We’re expecting about 100 applicants this year, which would be a record breaking year again. As the competition for slots increases, so does the overall quality of submissions. In the end, this is good for everyone”, says Vosmeier.

For more information, people can visit Cincyfringe.com or call 513.300.KNOW (5669). Applications can be found at that website.

All submissions should be sent to Know Theatre, attn: Cincinnati Fringe Festival, 1120 Jackson St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Questions regarding submissions can be submitted to fringesubmissions@knowtheatre.com.