Last Updated on October 8, 2023, 9:09 PM | Published: October 8, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY — It’s time for Fringe! The Theatre Crude Fringe Festival has become a much-anticipated annual event for the performing arts in OKC. This year’s festival runs at the Paseo District, inside Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.
The festival, which was started in 2019 by cofounders Jenny and Adam Brand, is a yearly event that features an eclectic lineup of live performances. New works from theatre, comedy, improv, opera, and film screenings can be seen during the ten-day event.
Theatre Crude Fringe Festival 2023 began on October 5th and runs through October 14th. A one-day experience on opening Sunday features a burlesque workshop, opera, comedy routines, and performances of several new plays.
Tickets are available to purchase by show for those who wish to see individual productions. Patrons can also buy flex passes to enjoy the full lineup in a true festival-style experience.
The 2023 schedule includes compelling new works in a wide range of categories. Patrons can look forward to intriguing performances of “Pricks: The Vaccine Musical”, and one-act plays like “The Curious Case of the Blood-Sucking Remote”, and “My Mind is a Smile with Blood-Slicked Teeth”. Stand-up comedy, puppet shows, and even a mind-reader are on deck this year.
Fringe features creatives from Oklahoma, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and New York. “It’s a huge milestone for us to be celebrating our fifth year in Oklahoma City,” said executive producer Jenny Brand. “Each year, more and more audience members find us… and they are delighted and surprised by the productions they see,” she said.
“My experience with Theatre Crude this year has been absolutely amazing,” said performer Dakota Bryant, who stars in the new play “The Man from Midnight Station”. “From the abstract and weird show that I have the pleasure of being in, to our rehearsals, and even the kick-off party, it’s been a great experience.” He continued, “I have to commend the producers of Theatre Crude for their immense professionalism and wonderful atmosphere during what is normally a stressful experience.”
“I’m excited to see what the future holds for Theatre Crude. I’m also excited to participate as a volunteer and potential artist outside of acting. I highly recommend getting out and seeing your local Fringe Festival.”
“A lot of these artists are professionals from the Oklahoma City theatre community, and we’ve got a wide array of offerings. We’ve got something for everyone.” Bryant said.
In “Man from Midnight Station”, Bryant and four castmates take the audience on a comical journey to the wild, wild west. In “Blood Sucking Remote”, Holly McNatt and Crystal Barby portray two friends who are just trying to support their livelihood and maintain their robust television habit.
The relaxed atmosphere at Theatre Crude allows for a come-and-go experience for patrons.
Attendees check in at the front desk prior to each show and are free to stroll about the Paseo district in between performances. The festival-style presentation provides a unique opportunity for theatergoers and art enthusiasts to experience new works without the time commitment of watching a full-length show. The festival also gives artists the chance to workshop new ideas, develop new productions, and see their creativity come to life without the constraints of budgets or venues.
After each performance ends, the audience clears out and the next stage is set up. This “theatre in a box” style of performance art is rarely seen around town and is always a welcome sight for those who enjoy the arts in OKC.
There truly is something for everyone, from the funny and wild of comedy and improv, to the movement of dance and workshops that inspire and teach the next round of artists.
All this and more are in store for patrons at this year’s Theatre Crude Fringe Festival. The festival runs for one more weekend and is proving itself to be a staple in Oklahoma City’s robust lineup of enjoyable performance art events.
Visit theatrecrude.org for this year’s festival lineup, schedule, and to purchase tickets.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.
