The KC Fringe Festival, the largest celebration of arts and culture in the Kansas City area has returned for its 20th season now through July 28. The two-week event showcases an array of performances, films, and visual arts exhibitions with several area Black artists in the lineup.
This year’s lineup includes eight film programs, six special events, 34 visual artists, and 53 one-hour productions. The festival offers a wide range of performances, from family-friendly shows to those intended for mature audiences. Genres span comedy, circus, theater, musicals, storytelling, and stand-up.
KC Fringe Festival comes from the spirit of the overwhelmingly popular Edinburgh Fringe Festival where artists line the streets with uncurated and often unusual but highly entertaining shows. KC Fringe Festival Executive Director Audrey Crabtree emphasizes the event’s commitment to originality and daring artistry.
“The festival features local, regional, and national talents who can bring uncurated dynamic and daring works of theater, film, and visual art,” Crabtree told Missouri Living. “It showcases the most original artistry in the Kansas City area.”
KC Fringe also actively seeks diversity through the festival’s Amplified Voices Program, introduced in 2022, supports BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and differently abled artists through scholarships and targeted marketing. Several productions by Black artists are featured prominently in this year’s lineup.
Notable Black Productions:
Click the links in the stories for event dates and locations.
- “Black Man MO” by Terrace Wyatt Jr.: This play explores the aftermath of a police shooting, focusing on a confrontation between the victim’s mother and the responsible officer. Wyatt, a William Jewell College theater alumnus, wrote the play in response to the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death.
- “The Genuine Woman” by Suzzette Woods: A tribute to Aretha Franklin, featuring classic songs and stories from the iconic singer’s life.
- “It’s Not Over Till the Legends Sing” by Br. John: A personal journey through music, channeling the voices of icons like Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, and Frank Sinatra.
- “Ida’s Journey in America” by Jazzy K Productions: A one-woman show depicting the life of Ida B. Wells, exploring themes of racism and sexism in America.
- “The Son of a Man” by Cooper Bates: An award-winning storyteller unravels family secrets and explores identity in this one-man show.
Other notable features include the “Sound Mandala,” which is an innovative audio system utilizing 80 loudspeakers strategically placed and chroregraphed to create an immersive and novel sound experience. For those looking for a laugh there’s also a show aptly titled, “A One Woman Titanic Parody in 59 Minutes or Less.”
Even More Fringe
The festival also provides educational opportunities through three workshops: Producing Theatre 101, Reaching the Write Minds for teenage playwrights, and Practical Mime for All Performers.
There are also two visual art galleries. The Grand Hall at Union Station hosts an art gallery open to the public and there is a “Blue Gallery,” meaning not for children of the faint of heart, at Gael’s Public House on 5454 Troost through the end of the month.
Tickets to individual shows are available on the hyperlinks above and range from $15 to $20. More details and tickets are available at kcfringe.org or visit Fringe 411 for tickets, buttons, programs, merchandise, show information, or any general questions about the festival. Fringe 411 is housed inside the The Bird Comedy Theater at 103 W 19th St, info also available by phone at 816-819-0639.
