2021 Press Release

For Immediate Release. Please contact Daisy Blake for interviews or questions, on 801.604.7845, or daisyvalentineblake@hotmail.com. Photographs are available on request. 

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 2, 2021 -- The Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival is back -- and it's bigger than ever. This year's festival, from July 29 to Aug. 8, will move to a hybrid model of both in-person and online shows, and will present 52 pieces in total. 

Festival co-director Jay Perry explained: "This year we've moved to a hybrid model for Fringe. The traditional, in-person performances will take place at The Gateway as they have in the past, but we're also including virtual shows that people can watch online." 

Co-director Shianne Gray added: "We were amazed by the creativity and passion behind last year's 40 virtual shows, so we wanted to keep a virtual option for the Fringe, even as we go back to in-person shows. We're all about giving artists more options, from experimenting with new virtual artistic forms to participating from the other side of the country or the world. We also wanted to give audiences the option to participate from anywhere -- not everyone is ready or able to gather for in-person performances yet, and they deserve a Fringe experience, too."

Perry and Gray also spoke about what they are most excited about for the return of in-person shows this year.

Perry said: "Most performers will tell you that the audience is the other character, the energizing force that makes the experience of theatre complete. I've had a few opportunities to see live theatre since the lockdowns and it made me realize just how precious and necessary it is for people to be together when sharing these art forms. It's so easy to take for granted, and something we're all feeling acutely right now; that return to being together. We are at our core social creatures and need to experience each other's presence, energy, love and support, and to be witnesses for each other's creations." 

Gray added: "I've missed the energy of Fringe, the excitement that fills The Gateway when the festival is running, and the incredible moment when six shows start simultaneously and hundreds of audience members are transported into the stories they came to see."

She added that this year has seen the highest number of entries ever. 

"This year, we have the most Fringe artists ever in one festival, with 52 in-person and virtual shows!" Gray said. "I think having a year away from live performances has made artists eager to share their work, as well as getting more creative than ever with virtual options."

Perry also explained there was plenty to learn from last year's all-online event. 

"Last year's shift to a fully virtual Fringe taught us a lot, and we got great feedback from artists and audiences who appreciated the safety and accessibility that came with a virtual format," he said. "Of course, we know a lot of people are excited about getting back to in-person shows, and we're excited too, but I think the virtual contingent will stay with us going forward. It's just another wonderful way for artists to share and for artists and audiences to connect." 

The two also spoke about what they feel Fringe adds to the local theatre scene. 

"We're very proud of the fact that many artists have used the Fringe to kick start their artistic endeavors and in some cases, their careers," Perry said. As 'Utah's forge for independent theatre,' we encourage the development of original work, provide affordable performance space, and foster an environment of networking and support. It's so important for artists to experience what others in their community and beyond are creating, and we're a place where artists can do that." 

Gray added: "The Fringe is one of the best ways to produce new and experimental work. We keep our costs for artists affordable, and take care of a lot of the administrative details like venue rental and ticketing, so they can focus on creating. The community that comes with being a Fringe artist can't be beat. With hundreds of artists participating each year, it's the perfect place to network, make artistic connections, and be inspired by what others are doing."

And both recommend getting tickets in advance, as the festival gets more and more popular. 

Gray said: "We highly recommend buying tickets in advance, since many shows sell out! With so many options for shows, our audience members will build their Fringe calendar weeks in advance to make sure they can fit in everything they want to see. Tickets go on sale July 8 at greatsaltlakefringe.org/tickets. But we also love seeing new faces discovering the Fringe on a walk around The Gateway, stopping by the box office, and spontaneously buying tickets to the show next door, starting in five minutes."

Perry added: "There are so many great options and wonderful things to see that even if you walk into the box office and pick the next show on the calendar, you're in for a treat. The fun of Fringe is exploring the new and the untried, never knowing what you may discover!" 

Fringe attendees should also look for discounts and special offers within The Gateway that will be presented in conjuction with the festival. 

For the safety of our audiences and artists, the Fringe will comply with all local public health recommendations, and we ask that all patrons who attend our in-person shows either be masked or vaccinated against COVID-19. We are doing this on the honor system, and ask that patrons please not attend any show if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are feeling unwell. We will refund tickets for any patrons who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.