second Seacoast Fringe Festival aims for bigger audience and smaller acts

Fringe festivals around the world strive to bring lesser-known, smaller acts to audiences. Of them, the Seacoast Fringe Festival is probably the smallest, said director Linda Palmer.
You could call it the fringe festival of fringe festivals.

Organizers of the festival want to keep the event small, but they also want to fill seats. They cover the cost of venues, and give entrance fees back to the acts.

“I don’t think it needs to get bigger, just better known,” Palmer said. She is confident attendance will increase as the event improves with each annual appearance.

This year, the Seacoast Fringe Festival comes to Portsmouth on Columbus Day Weekend, from Saturday to Monday, Oct. 8 to 10. Produced by the non-profit Manchineel Chutney Theatre, it features original acts in a variety of genres, including dance, theater, music, comedy, magic and combinations thereof. The lineup includes AudioBody, The Mask Theatre, Sharp Dance Company, The Maple Leaf Seven, the Black Mountain Symphony, Sandglass Puppet Theatre, comedian Jeff Onore, magician Phil Smith, and clown Michael Trautman.

Palmer says the term “fringe” simply refers to small, off-Broadway performances. Many of the acts involved this year are innovative and willing to take risks.

“We support lesser-known acts, but just as good. The talent around here is just amazing,” she said. “We make it possible for these people to perform.”

About 25 performances are scheduled on afternoons and evenings between 4 and 10 p.m. at six different venues around Portsmouth. Shows take place at South Church, the Great Bay Academy of Dance, the Temple Israel, the Moffat-Ladd House, the Discover Portsmouth Center and the Blue Mermaid.

Performers were matched with the venue best suited to them, Palmer said. Some dance troupes bring stage effects for what she calls a “visual carnival,” and some bands encourage the audience to dance.

“We have bands that are so good, people should come and dance,” Palmer said. “There’s room for dancing and jumping around.”

Mask, movement, improvisation and puppet workshops will be held Sunday in addition to shows. A full schedule will be released at least a week before the event, at www.seacoastfringefestival.com.
Palmer said attendance was “medium to low” last year because the organizers didn’t advertise or spread the word far enough in advance.

“The first year, we made a lot of mistakes,” she said. “This year, we know what we’re doing. It’s a new experience.”

Deadlines were bumped up this year so that promotions could start sooner. And, this time, they’re breaking out the gorilla costumes. Six organizers plan to dress up and promote the festival in downtown Portsmouth next month.

“It’s getting to be popular,” Palmer said. “It’s getting bigger and bigger.”

The original Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, sprung up in 1947 as an alternative to the more traditional International Cultural Festival. It is now a month-long event with 35,000 acts performing in 265 venues. Palmer participates in the annual event in Scotland, doing stand-up comedy and puppet performances.

More volunteers are still needed for the Seacoast Fringe Festival. Those interested should contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 603-749-3405. The office is located at 39 Ceres St. in downtown Portsmouth and online at www.seacoastfringefestival.com.