The time is near for this year’s Capital Fringe Festival, DC’s annual celebration of theater and freedom of expression. In 2023, the Capital Fringe Festival will feature almost entirely original theater, dance, and unclassifiable productions with a total of 275 cast and crew members, 75% of whom are from the DMV area and 25% from other states across the country.
This year’s productions open up an exploration into an array of human experiences, ranging from the tragic Knickerbocker Theatre collapse to lighthearted brunch humor, from grappling with dementia and skin cancer to the comedic relief of stand-up performances.
There is a new two-person Romeo & Juliet, stories influenced by Indigenous, Black, Queer, and Femme perspectives, and a musical deep dive into legends of bluegrass music. All shows run for 50–75 minutes. The 2023 Festival Guide is online here.
The festival will take place in two unoccupied office properties in Georgetown, equipped with four stages, as well as two additional stages at the Edlavitch DCJCC and Theater J. Performances will run July 12–23. Event venue Powerhouse in Georgetown will serve
as the community bar space with free live music and community space for festival-goers and participants. Mark your calendars for June 21, when the full festival schedule will be released, and tickets will go on sale.
The theme of this year’s Festival is centered around the adage “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” The visual branding for this year, as in past years, has been created by Julianne Brienza, Founding Director. Lemonade will be available for purchase at all theater venues throughout the Festival.
Key Capital Fringe Festival Dates
June 21: Capital Fringe Festival full schedule live and tickets on sale. Tickets are $15 + $2.50 handling fee. All seats are general admission.
June 23: Festival Preview 7 pm–11 pm, Preview starts at 7:30 pm
July 12–23: *Wed–Fri 6 pm–11 pm; Sat–Sun 11 am–11 pm
July 23: Fringe Audience Awards & Closing Night Party 7 pm–11 pm
*Wednesday performances occur only at the Edlavitch DCJCC.
Festival Venues
All Fringe theater venue box offices are open during designated times, with staff members available to assist patrons. All shows run for 50–75 minutes. Box offices are open 30 minutes before the first show of the day and close 15 minutes after the final show.
Georgetown
All unoccupied Georgetown properties are transformed into Fringe theatrical
venues using platforms, flats, black duvetyne, and stage curtains for masking and built and designed by an all-local DMV crew of theater technicians. These venues will host 28 productions doing 131 shows.
Rind – 1025 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007
This venue is located across the street from 1050 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, which features three additional Fringe theater venues. The entrance will be from the East entrance, which is on 30th Street.
1050 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Squirt – Floor 1, Sour – Floor 2, and Sweet – Floor 3
PowerhouÂÂÂÂÂse – 3255 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007
A five- to seven-minute walk along the C&O Canal from the venues on Thomas Jefferson Street, this will be Fringe’s community bar space, open only on Fridays and Saturdays 7 pm–11 pm, as well as for the Festival Preview on June 23 and Audience Awards/Closing Night on July 23.
Dupont Circle
Edlavitch DCJCC – 1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
The newly renovated DCJCC and Theater J have accessibly opened their doors to the Fringe theater community. The Cafritz Hall and Theater J will host 15 productions doing 63 shows.
About Capital Fringe
Capital Fringe strives to celebrate cultural democracy and art for everyone. By embracing diversity and a spirit of independence, Fringe creates earning opportunities for individual artists. Capital Fringe’s aim is to challenge perceptions, shake up the institutionalized hierarchy, be brave and unafraid, and serve as a launching pad for unseasoned and established artists. For more information, visit capitalfringe.org.
