2014 Charm City Fringe Festival Calls for Performing Artists, Bands and Comedians; Deadline 6/15

Charm City Fringe Fest, Baltimore's quickly growing theatre and performing arts festival, is calling for performing artist applications and band/comedian applications for its return engagement on November 2-9, 2014.

Performing artist applications and materials are available on the festival's website, charmcityfringe.com/2014-application/. Artists of all backgrounds, performance genres, and experience levels are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is June 15, 2014.

Expanded from one venue in 2012 to multiple locations in its current home across Baltimore City's Station North & Mt. Vernon neighborhoods in 2013, Charm City Fringe Fest continues to grow for 2014 with an increase in venues, ticketed programming, and free events. The annual festival celebrates Baltimore's budding performing arts industry. It is the largest and only of its kind in Maryland.

Co-founders Zachary Michel and Michael Brush are excited to once again begin the acceptance process. Michel and Brush believe the structure of the festival benefits artists of all levels.

"Anyone can do it. Young artists, recent grads, through the Fringe fest everyone has the opportunity to produce a full-scale show and reach bigger audiences than they would otherwise be able to, at a fraction of the cost that's often associated with producing your own show," says Brush.

"Established artists and companies can also really benefit though," adds Michel. " It gives them the ability to branch out and try new things: workshop a play, try something experimental, complete a side project, or, if you're not from Maryland, explore the theatre scene of another city."

In addition to expanding the Charm City Fringe Fest for theatre artists, the festival is responding to the increased interest from bands and comedians in 2013 with a free application process for entrance to Fringe's After Hours events and after parties. The application, available at charmcityfringe.com/band-comedian-app/, will be open through September or until all available slots are filled.

Also a non-profit arts education initiative, Charm City Fringe aims to kick-start a self- sustained cycle where Baltimore's youth and young artists can learn all aspects of theatre - from acting to producing - breeding a new generation of active and involved citizens within Baltimore: businesspeople, artists, entertainers, and arts supporters alike. Charm City Fringe began this process in 2013 by working with the Choice Program to offer volunteer opportunities for youth in the community.

About Charm City Fringe: Charm City Fringe, Inc. aims to connect and develop Baltimore's theatre community, engage existing audiences, attract non-traditional theatergoers, and reach out to communities not commonly represented. Through an annual theatre festival and regular educational community workshops, they look to cultivate Baltimore as a hub for theatre and the performing arts and expand, strengthen, and enhance creative learning opportunities for Baltimore's youth.

Visit www.charmcityfringe.com for more information.

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