FringeNYC Applications Due Feb.14

The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC), the largest multi-arts festival in North America, will present the 12th Anniversary Festival from August 8th - 24th, 2008. Each year the festival presents programming by nearly 200 of the world's best emerging theatre troupes and dance companies. General FringeNYC applications are being accepted for participants in all genres (theatre, dance, puppetry, performance art, multi-media, etc.), and separate FringeAL FRESCO (free outdoor events) and FringeJR (children's programming) applications are also available. Applications are available online at www.fringenyc.org and completed applications are due February 14, 2008.

In November, FringeNYC was honored by Mayor Michael Bloomberg with the 2007 Mayor's Award for Arts & Culture "for its phenomenal leadership in showcasing the best and boldest theater and performance by both established and emerging artists. The New York International Fringe Festival is renowned for presenting work that reflects the excitement and energy of the contemporary theater world - locally, nationally and abroad."  Previous recipients of the award include Woody Allen, Celia Cruz, Stephen Sondheim, Wynton Marsalis, The Tribeca Film Festival, Mark Morris, The Public Theater, Chita Rivera, and Edward Albee. Video of the award presentation (featuring co-host John Leguizamo) is available at www.fringenyc.org.

In 2008, many of New York City's most prominent downtown performance venues will

host productions from around the globe as part of FringeNYC. Past participant venues, ranging in size from 50 to 800 seats, include The Lucille Lortel, Soho Playhouse, Players Theater, The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU, Cherry Lane Theatre, and The Village Theater. FringeNYC is a production of The Present Company, under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Elena K. Holy.