The KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival will be back for the sixth time starting in mid-September, with a new stage and more than 500 performances and events in and around downtown Rochester. It will also bring a first-time partnership with Artpark in bringing France’s sensation “Plasticiens Volants” to America.
Plasticiens Volants performs stories with giant, inflatable figures outdoors, maniuplated by actors from the ground with mind-blowing lighting and special effects. Both the Fringe and Artpark found they were each trying to get the group, so they teamed up and will host performances both in Rochester and at Artpark in Lewiston.
Fringe Producer Erica Fee says the Rochester Fringe is once again sponsored by Key Bank. More than 100 of its shows will be free. This year’s Fringe will feature a new 40-foot high inflatable glowing igloo housing an electronic soundscape. The Spiegeltent will be back with the Cirque du Fringe, and comedian John Mulaney will perform at the Eastman Theater.