{"id":5318,"date":"2026-06-25T09:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T09:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=5318"},"modified":"2026-06-25T09:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T09:34:09","slug":"orlando-fringe-leaves-shakespeare-center-as-festivals-future-discussed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=5318","title":{"rendered":"Orlando Fringe leaves Shakespeare Center as festival\u2019s future discussed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Leaders of Orlando Fringe and Orlando Shakes, including the presidents of the nonprofits\u2019 boards, are meeting today to discuss the future of the relationship between two of Central Florida\u2019s most significant cultural organizations.<\/p>\n

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Orlando Fringe, which has housed its administrative offices in the city-owned Lowndes Shakespeare Center since 2015, will depart that building in Loch Haven Park by the end of August, when its sublease ends. Citing an unacceptable rent increase and dissatisfaction with Orlando Shakes as a landlord, leaders of Orlando Fringe said they have found new office space nearby on Virginia Drive.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a long negotiation process, we did not feel that the terms of a new lease were good for us,\u201d said Fringe artistic director Tempestt Halstead. \u201cWe had to think long-term about what fits in our budget as a nonprofit.\u201d<\/p>\n

The move will have repercussions for both organizations: Unless it can find another tenant, Orlando Shakes will lose $50,000 in annual rent \u2014 a financial blow in an era when arts groups face reduced government funding. Orlando Fringe will face additional costs by no longer having an on-site office in the park, north of downtown, where it has presented its annual May festival for 20 years.<\/p>\n

Representatives of both organizations said they still hope to agree on terms for Orlando Fringe to use the theaters inside the Shakespeare Center during the annual Fringe Festival, which attracts upward of 60,000 patrons each May to Loch Haven Park for nearly two weeks of short plays, musicals, concerts and other shows. That arrangement will be on the agenda at today\u2019s meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Orlando Shakes has been a hub of sorts for the festival,\u201d said executive director Cheryl Collins. \u201cHopefully, we will be able to meet their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fringe leaders stressed they are committed to keeping the festival in Loch Haven Park. In recent years, the Fringe has used more venues at Orlando Family Stage, across the park from the Shakespeare Center. Other buildings at the park, including Orlando Museum of Art and the Junior Achievement building, have provided Fringe venues in the past. Orlando Science Center and the nearby Harriett\u2019s Orlando Ballet Centre also have theaters and auditoriums.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe always have a Plan B and a Plan C,\u201d said Orlando Fringe managing director Melissa Fritzinger.<\/p>\n

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Not reaching a deal with Orlando Shakes for the 2027 Fringe Festival would be another financial blow to that organization.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a hit,\u201d Collins said of losing the revenue from Orlando Fringe as a tenant. \u201cThat will put more pressure on short-term rentals to make it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orlando Shakes also won\u2019t get state funding this year, because of the programming restrictions put on state arts grants last year, the nonprofit did not apply.<\/p>\n

Collins said Orlando Shakes would be exploring how to adjust its budget to account for the loss of Orlando Fringe\u2019s office rent. One possibility, Collins said: More programming to bring in more revenue. A bright financial spot for the Shakes: Ticket sales for the theater\u2019s season-opening show, the musical \u201cCome From Away\u201d in August, have been strong.<\/p>\n

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Any new renter Orlando Shakes finds to take over the former Fringe space would require approval from the city of Orlando.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we know is there\u2019s not enough space for everybody,\u201d Collins said. \u201cIf we can keep something in play for the community beyond our own mission needs, we clearly want to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Orlando Fringe will relocate to 634 Virginia Drive, a slightly smaller space of 1,300 square feet, but with costs comparable to what the organization currently pays Orlando Shakes. The organization has a three-year lease there, Fritzinger said, with options to extend it.<\/p>\n

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