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Our
Story

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In 2009, a small group of theater enthusiasts decided Key West was ready for something new.  They envisioned a theater "of the people by the people," and so they called it The People's Theater of Key West.  The collective became a 501 (c)(3) under the leadership of Connie Hurst, Tammy Shanley, Chris Tittle, and Judy Hadley.  The group successfully staged plays, created improv, and grew within the community until they realized a more centralized structure was needed. In 2011, they approached local playwright and philanthropist Monnie King who rebranded the organization: Fringe Theater Key West. 

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"Expect the Unexpected" became Fringe's motto and plays were staged in churches, museums, art galleries, and more.  Original plays like Conch Republic, the Musical , captured Key West history, and educational programs like Shakespeare in Schools kept a focus on the future. In 2016, Monnie and (board president) Peter King decided to retire from Fringe.  Janet Bengel stepped forward as the new board president, and she had a plan!

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Rebecca Tomlinson was hired as the Managing Artistic Director. PhD in theater and (muffled) years of nonprofit management were a good match for Fringe.  Very quickly, Fringe expanded its season, its audience base, and its commitment to developing Key West talent and offering a way "in" to theater. Inclusive theater became a major theme for Fringe, and Fringe's reputation grew as Key West's community-focused theater.  And amidst all the development and growth, Fringe found a home at the Armory!

 

In 2023, our executive committee enjoyed a switcharoo as our board president and board secretary (cue music) traded places! Under the leadership of Jim Argoudelis we produced an exciting season of original plays, classics, and readings along with our outreach and education programs.  In 2024, we celebrated 15 years of theater.  In 2025, have even bigger plans! We're partnering with local nonprofits, and we're presenting a lot of award-winning plays. It's gonna be big. And we mean really big! Tickets on Sale Oct 1. More or Less. You don't want to miss this.

Fringe 2024-25 Board: Jim Argoudelis (president),

Sue Lynch (treasurer), Janet Bengel (secretary), Glenda Donovan, John White, and Wayne LaRue Smith with Rebecca Tomlinson  (managing artistic director)

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Production Team: Don Lynch, Charlie Bengel, Aramis Ikatu, Kendall Cameron, Jim Beyl, Samantha Laskey 

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Artwork by Andy Thurber

Fringe Theater Key West
PO Box 5737 . Key West FL 33045
305-295-7676 Keystix Box Office
305-731-0581 Admin Office
600 White Street . KW Armory
info@fringetheater.org

Fringe Theater is Key West's community-focused theater. We create unique opportunities for people to see and do theater through education, outreach, and entertainment.  

Fringe Theater is a 501c3 nonprofit. Your donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax lawyer. 

​Please remember to recycle, reuse, or appropriately dispose of all trash while visiting our island. 

© 2024-25 by Fringe Theater Key West created with Wix.com

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