ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Acrobatics, live theatre and how about a trapeze show and even an immersive inflatable art — you'll find them and lots more at the Rochester Fringe Festival. This not-for-profit festival has become one of the largest and most successful fringe festivals in the nation.
The 12-day event has live theater, comedy, music and more. The Rochester Fringe Festival is everything you probably have never seen in person. It's quirky and sometimes unexplainable performances and all of it is live in Rochester through Saturday, Sept. 21.
There are 600 performances happening at 30 venues in and around the city. There are ticketed events and free outdoor and indoor shows.
Rochester comedy mentalist Anthony Prezutti will perform two shows at the JCC in Brighton.
"It is great being in my hometown performing, especially after traveling for so long. Rochester Fringe is the best. I love it. There is so much energy here. Making people laugh and asking me how do you do that is a crazy combo, that you just can't find much other places," said Prezutti. "The energy is going to fantastic and it is going to a family show."
Festival founder and president Erica Fee is so proud of how eclectic the experience is.
"We have about 1,600 artists. Some are local, some are national and international. They are able to provide incredible artist access and incredible art experiences to the community," said Fee. "We have four plays in four parked cars. There is a huge range of shows for people to sample. We have a break-dancing competition at MLK Jr. Park and that is entirely free."
Cirque du Fringe at the Spiegeltent is where talented and silly husband and wife duo from Las Vegas, Matt and Heidi Morgan, have put together an international cast of physical comedians, aerial hair artists and a juggling unicyclist.
"We are thrilled to be back. The Rochester Fringe Festival is truly one of the greatest arts festivals in America. I am not exaggerating when I say that. What you have built here in Rochester is truly transformative,' said Matt Morgan.
Look up outside, because Craig Walsh: Monuments is returning to Rochester Fringe. This Australian artist projects the living, moving faces of three Rochestarians on tall trees. It's breathtaking and free to see. Fee says 25% of the shows are free to attend.
Performances are every day and just about all day. To check out the schedule and list of the 600 performances and to purchase tickets, head to RochesterFringe.com.