After two shuttered years, the Capital Fringe Festival returns in July to one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods, Georgetown Park, a dynamic retail environment in the heart of Georgetown.
Over 250 theater artists will perform in 30 theater productions over eight days, July 14 to 17 and 21 to 24, 2022. There will be sketch comedy, standup, documentary theater, musical theater, and cabaret with themes reflecting on what is happening in our world today — such as the climate crisis, our relationship with our bodies, substance abuse, motherhood, the afterlife, marijuana in gentrifying DC, Palestine, cloning, identity, the pandemic, and much more.
“There has been so much change over the past two years, so the Fringe Festival returning is nothing short of a miracle,” said Julianne Brienza, founding director of Capital Fringe. “This year’s artists are bringing stories to Georgetown that reflect what we are experiencing on the planet right now, and just silly stuff that will hopefully make the audiences feel good.”
To reflect the current times, all productions will be 60 to 75 minutes, ticket prices have been lowered to $15, and each production will receive 70 percent of the ticket revenue.
“We are always seeking new opportunities to bring more arts, culture, and entertainment to Georgetown, and we’re so pleased that the Capital Fringe Festival will be located in Georgetown for the first time in its 17-year history,” said Joe Sternlieb, CEO and president of the Georgetown Business Improvement District. “We’re all craving a return to live performances and are eager to welcome artists and attendees to our historic and unique spaces.”
(Georgetown Park underwent an $80-million redevelopment from an inward-facing enclosed mall into an outward-facing collection of premier retailers and home to the largest parking garage in Georgetown with 668 spaces.)
Key Capital Fringe Festival Dates
June 21: Capital Fringe Festival full schedule goes live and tickets ($15) go on sale.
July 14–17 and July 21–24: Performances Thursday to Friday, 6 pm to midnight; Saturday and Sunday, noon to midnight.
Festival Venues
Each theater is built and designed by local DMV theater technical staff and is set at 51 seats and named after DC’s path to statehood. We are kicking off the 50th Anniversary of Home Rule in 2023, ’cause why not!
Second Floor Retail, 3270 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Formerly Washington Sports Club
23rd Amendment Stage, formerly the cycling classroom
Home Rule Stage, formerly the weightlifting classroom
Representation Stage, formerly the mind and body room
Georgetown Park Main Entrance, 3222 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Formerly Forever 21
Washington Stage, formerly in the corner where accessories used to be. This venue, which features a beautiful skylight, will be the location of the Festival Preview in late June, details coming soon.
Lower Level Retail, 3270 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Formerly DSW
Stars & Bars Stage, formerly the storage room of the shoe store. July 14 and 21: live music with acts curated by Jim Thomson, Julianne Brienza, Luke Stewart, and more.
Former CrossFit Georgetown
“Whatsoever” Stage — this venue will host one site-specific theater performance. The entrance will be from the towpath side of the building, not Water Street. More info coming in June.
