Multi-ticket passes on sale now. Individual show tickets go on sale January 2, 2024. All tickets and passes include the fringe button in the price. Visit our YouTube Channel and subscribe. Please visit our Contact Page if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. All showtimes are in local Tucson, AZ PST. The State of Arizona does not participate in Daylight Savings Time.
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Live In-Person Performances
What do you know about death? Not ‘what do you think,’ but what do you know? For that matter, what do you know about life? They are both fairly legitimate, certainly provable. One is definitely longer than the other. What do you know about truth? About possibility? Perhaps you were to have a conversation with someone who may have a little insight on both. Would you listen? Would you believe her? Does it matter? Elizabeth, the Madame, and Amber all ask you again–does. it. matter?
Content Warning: 18+
Roadtrips are inherently liminal. Have you read that Tumblr thread about how you don’t drive in Arizona after sundown without an item on each unused seat, so you don’t pick up hitchhiking spirits? What about the cryptid ones that are slightly too weird to be fake? Inside every creepypasta is a nugget of truth, even if it’s just a wonky self-portrait of human nature. Leigh’s stories are inspired by truly inexplicable road trips they and loved ones have taken through the seedy underbelly of the backroads, and been fortunate enough to come home. Featuring a story premiering at Tucson Fringe.
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language, Depictions or Discussion of Violence, Strong Political Content.
A history of the monsters of Arizona! From the prehistoric beasts that roamed the Grand Canyon state, to the monsters of indigenous legend, to modern cryptozoology, learn the extensive and bizarre history of Arizona’s weird creatures! A one-man presentation, with jokes! And PowerPoint! Part of the “Reverend Matt’s Monster Science” series, which won “Best Solo Show” at the 2020 and 2021 Tucson Fringe Festivals.
Content Warning: 13+, Depictions or Discussions of Violence, Strong Political Content.
Ignatius Donnelly was the 2nd Lt. Governor of Minnesota and a staple in late 19th Century American politics. This show is a tale of how Donnelly’s penchant for conspiracy theories and pseudoscience has maligned him from the history books while his influence still remains in the fringes of society. Tales of political fights, the Lost City of Atlantis, and Sir Francis Bacon await, as historian and storyteller Kyle B. Dekker gives you a personal tour.
Political content discussing 19th political events.
Content Warning: 13+
Do you love camping? Have you been taken to the woods under the guise of “fun?” This comedy is about what the beauty of nature brings out in us and in our relationships. From quiet moments with our loved ones, to the fights that shifted the family forever. Two actors play multiple roles in this late-night comedy.
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language, Sexual Content.
In the early 20th Century, beloved Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova created her most well known solo piece: The Dying Swan, danced to Camille Saint-Saens’ La Cygne. The dance tells the story of a swan at the end of it’s life, fighting to escape Death’s grip before succumbing to the inevitable. Although the Swan breathes its last at the end of the dance, its beauty lingers on, as does the impact of Anna Pavlova’s legendary career. This was the inspiration for Death of the Swan, a 45-minute, two-person show featuring live music, detailing Pavlova’s life, death, and lasting legacy.
Content Warning: 13+, Loud Noises, Depictions or Discussion of Violence.
Dramatic comedy about “coming of age” in the 1980s, mashing references to hundreds of iconic 80s songs and movies (a la Moulin Rouge). Clever witty writing. Sassy theatric performance. Solo show crafted by award-winning artist Torrey Shine. Explores themes of independence, love, and having faith in yourself. Jam-packed with nostalgic 1980s Easter Eggs!
Reviews: “Brilliant comedic musical storytelling” – “A real trip down Memory Lane” – “Innovative, clever and highly entertaining” – “[Audience] laughed with glee at the lyrics and delighted in anticipating what song was about to be referenced” – “Represents the spirit of the Fringe” – “An absolute joy of a show” (-EdFringe.com)
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language, Depictions or Discussions of Violence, Sexual Content.
Why Don’t Jews Play Football?
Created by David Youngerman; Tucson, AZ
With a nostalgic look at a family tradition, this ‘duologue’ examines the relationship between a young boy, his mother, and his grandmother.
Content Warning: 13+
The Second Time Through the Sixties
Created by Tom Potter; Tucson, AZ
A venerable bluesman lampoons his journey through “The Golden Years” with this cantankerous and light-hearted musical commentary on growing old.
Content Warning: 13+
Community Carousel
Created by Julia Saunders; Elk Grove, CA
Julia Saunders will be reading “Community Carousel,” a work of semi-surrealist short fiction exploring the violence perpetrated against queer people and the justification communities find.
Content Warning: 18+, Depictions or Discussion of Violence, Strong Political Content, Sexual Content.
A woman battles the curse she has inherited from her ancestors – the Futakuchi Onna. This Japanese monster, also known as a yokai, manifests as a heckling mouth on the back of her head. The Futakuchi Onna impedes the woman’s pursuit of music, destroys her relationships and leads her to despair. And yet, the Futukuchi Onna also has some lessons to teach. With acceptance, one can find balance, understanding and the courage it takes to be yourself.
Featuring original music and a short film, the raw vulnerability of this solo show will haunt and inspire you.
Content Warning: 18+, Strong Language, Sexual Content, Partial Nudity.
¿Quieres agua? Iluminancia is an original performance art production that connects the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico, the beauty of the Spanish language, and the dynamic talents of Latine artists while raising awareness of important discussions happening right now. We invite you to insert yourself in our artistic installation and be moved to make a difference.
This production is in both English and Spanish.
Content Warning: 13+, Bright or Flashing Lights.
On a moonless night in the magical Tucson valley, an odd little game was born, which has since been played by thousands of people in dozens of countries. This storytelling show chronicles a life-long bumbling adventure of both playing and sharing a free, life-sized game that invites people to follow their joy like it is a compass. Full of ridiculous surprises, uncanny beauty, occasionally painful reckonings, and absurdly funny moments, this evening aims to leave you laughing, lifted up, and with simple rules to play by should you ever wish to.
Content Warning: 13+
Podcast hosts Heather and Danna create improvised podcasts based on genre suggestions – they cover everything from true crime to conspiracy theories, or whatever else the audience throws at them. Producer Raffi keeps them on track … most of the time. And it wouldn’t be a podcast without “real” ads – something’s gotta pay the bills at the Imaginary Podcast Network! These Minneapolis-based performers won the “Spirit of the Fringe” Award at the 2023 Tucson Fringe Festival.
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language, Sexual Content.
Your thoughts and decisions guide this interactive mind reading experience, making every performance a unique event. The Orlando Weekly called Mind Reader “Consistently astounding” and “A thrilling hour of mystifying mentalism.” We will go beyond the walls of the theater interacting with people who haven’t even come to the show. Along the way, minds will be read, questions will be answered, and your reality will be turned upside down. We can’t tell you exactly what will happen on any given night, but we can promise that you’ll see something you’ve never seen before.
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language.
Technology is a tool that should aid and abet human creativity, not a shortcut to replace or cheapen it. In this show, Tucson-based musician Elizabeth Soflin performs music for solo percussion with electronics, exploring how prerecorded or interactive technology can enhance (not overtake) performance on live acoustic instruments. The show will feature the Arizona premiere of composer Von Hansen’s Breath for marimba and track, as well as electroacoustic works by Ivan Trevino, Cassie Wieland, Emma O’Halloran, Adam Hopper, and Mark Applebaum.
Content Warning: All Ages
At Medusa’s comedy club, the host is no longer the Medusa of myth. She’s a lipstick lesbian battling patriarchy – with stand-up comedy! In an unusual review of history, starting with her salad days with Sappho, Medusa’s “tight ten” runs a bit long!
This solo play by Karen Anne Light reveals various characters who derail Medusa’s show, provoking her to deeper truths. Butter Sandwich strains to share her favorite dish, but she’s too exhausted to get off the floor. Tremble Lip, a breathy femme, wants to drink milkshakes with the butch of her dreams. Together, they mend forgotten Femme mythologies.
With an opening electroclash music set by Caila Elle.
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language, Strong Political Content.
PSA: PELVIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT is an autobiographical, comedic, musical romp through the pelvic floor to a place beyond shame. When a “know-it-all” comedian tried to address her pelvic floor issues, she learned how much she didn’t know about life’s most basic functions—in spite of growing up with an OB/GYN dad! In this one-woman show, Veltman introduces us to characters that educate her and challenge her to figure out what’s T.M.I. (Too Much Information), and what’s the right amount. The themes, jokes, and conditions addressed in the show have relevance for men and women of most ages.
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language.
You know what’s super fun? Having a midlife crisis that begins with a baby and an undercut, moves onto a divorce and a job at a cooperative punk restaurant, and really cements itself in covid lockdown. Might as well go all out and get a full back tattoo along with it on the government’s dime, right?
Content Warning: 18+, Strong Language, Depictions or Discussion of Violence, Sexual Content.
A two-person variety show with branching storylines that speaks directly to the audience as the characters seek advice on how to handle the challenges of a new relationship. The performers will use every skill they’ve got to take that advice and integrate it with the pool of 32 possible written acts and conclude the story with one of its multiple endings. It’s a unique story with every performance crafted dynamically with the audience. The acts cover a diverse range of performing arts including dance, clowning, singing, piano, guitar, acrobatics, and drag.
Audience Participation Encouraged.
Content Warning: 13+
This show and all performances were cancelled by the artist.
STORM WARNINGS is a series of three one act stage plays. Featuring original music by the brilliant Jen Hanuschak.
THE SWAN SONG by Anton Chekhov, translated by Marian Fell, reimagined by an anonymous group of Veterans in a Veterans Affairs Hospital is the story of an aged performer expressing one final performance before the stage curtain falls to a close forever.
SALOME by Oscar Wilde is a dark and devastating reimagining of his classic play.
PROFESSOR WHY is a tale of love across time and space.
An unforgettable event of classic plays remixed for today!
Content Warning: 13+, Depictions or Discussion of Violence.
War. Famine. Pestilence. Bananas. One man takes you on a whirlwind tour of America’s “small wars” that gave you bananas for pennies a pound. Meet the Marine Corps general who saved the country from a fascist coup; discover the forgotten King of Calypso; untangle the insidious web of El Pulpo; and find out how a century of death and destruction brought you the world’s most popular fruit.
“Unfailingly engaging” – Pioneer Press
“Miller never fails to impress me” – Single White Fringe Geek
“What Derek Lee Miller has done here is, simply put, brilliant.” – Cherry and Spoon
Content Warning: 18+, Strong Language, Depictions or Discussion of Violence.
Come along with The Tortellini Brothers (and Fredo!) as they try their hand at their very first cable cooking show! But the situation quickly turns soggy, as dark family secrets become revealed. Join us for musical numbers, interactive mysteries, sword fighting, pasta, and more!
Audience participation encouraged.
Content Warning: All Ages
A dynamic duo performs this montage of aural frolic exploring the range of human sound with joy, playfulness, and passion. It’s a mashup of original compositions by the performers with poetry by Dadaist-inspired artists such as Jaap Blonk (1953 -) and Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948), resulting in a curiously primitive, engaging work of theatre. Previous audience responses include the words vivid, unique, refreshing, profound, funny, and statements such as, “I was reminded to listen in a different way.” and, “I am grateful to have been introduced to this art form as an audience member in this particular production. Brava!”
Content Warning: 13+, Strong Language.
Live Zoom Performances
This show is a coming of age story about a teenager whose uncle’s death leads her to leave her family’s religion. She endures a shooting, a house party gone wrong, an accidental fire, and running away before going Goth. Narrowly avoiding a career in the sex industry, she crowdfunds a piercing her mom never knew about, and lives in Germany before she realizes what home and family mean to her.
Content Warning: 18+, Strong Language, Sexual Content.
Mary’s late husband, film director John Guillermin, saw death as the end, but Mary didn’t. Listen to the love story of two people with nearly 30 years between them, who expected John would die first. Mary explores her acceptance of, and grief about, his death, and shares stories of how her husband showed up in her life after death. Hear the story of his post-death change of attitude and how Mary truly feels a two-way love on the other side of death. Written and performed by Mary Guillermin. Directed and developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson.
Content Warning: 13+
The Jawbone Paper Mill, A Temp Jawbone Dot Com(e) On Productions Production [sic], is live Zoom performance art on the history of animals and taxonomy of artillery pieces in Warfare. Did Cain kill? Did Samson slay? Did the stirrup matter? What species are War elephants? The Anatomy of a dragoon will be compared to that of a grenadier. A Taxonomy of artillery carriage requirements will be keyed. All these things and modern ones will be lightly explored, unpacked, and then repacked into artwork. Expectations are high that we will end in a Paper Mill. Audience participation Zoom chat is encouraged.
Content Warning: 18+, Loud Noises, Bright or Flashing Lights, Strong Language, Depictions or Discussion of Violence, Clowns.