Planning underway for this year's fall Kelowna Fringe Festival

Photo: Contributed

New Vintage Theatre has announced that planning is underway for the fall Kelowna Fringe Festival 2021.

Ahead of the festival, interested community members can learn more through an online information session being held Thursday.

New Vintage Theatre took over organization of the festival from ARTSCO in November and they are eager to bring another successful event to the community.

Fringe 2021 kicks off Sept. 16-19 and will continue to feature edgy and exciting live performances.

Kelowna’s cultural district will be the central location for the event along with new locations at Lake Country’s Creekside Theatre and some West Kelowna wineries, making this year’s event more regional.

The event welcomes all theatrical offerings including plays, cabaret, musical theatre, storytelling, improv, drag, burlesque, stand up and more.

“We know people are really enthusiastic to be part of something interactive and fun for our community, but may have questions about how they can get involved. We are holding an information session to share our plan and the specific details of our artists’ lottery. From contests to name this year’s festival, to how to be an artist, sponsor or volunteer, this info session will give all the cool details.”, says artistic director Bonnie Gratz.

Based out of the Rotary Centre for the Arts, New Vintage Theatre is a professional company that has been hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. It is one of many struggling with reduced house sizes and ticket sales, but remains active thanks to the number of people engaged with their online programs.

New Vintage Theatre hopes this inclusive event will give a much-needed boost to the local economy.

“We know that many in the Okanagan arts community are looking forward to the return of events like the Fringe to bring us together again. Should pandemic restrictions still be in place, we are ready with great alternatives in order to still make this a thrilling showcase of performance for the Okanagan.”