Hollywood Fringe Announces Partnership with Open Fist Theatre Company

Organizers of the Hollywood Fringe Festival announced today that the Open Fist Theatre will serve as the 2012 Fringe Central Box Office & Mainstage. The third annual festival takes place June 14-24, with a week of previews taking place June 7-12. Registration for the festival opens today.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be partnering with the Open Fist Theatre Company,” said Fringe Festival Director Ben Hill, “They have been well-loved by the Hollywood theatre community for over twenty years and currently run an inspiring space that will serve us well as the festival continues to grow in 2012.”

Located on Theater Row in central Hollywood, the space now known as the Open Fist Theatre was used as the primary space for The Actors Gang until their relocation to Culver City. The Open Fist Theatre Company took over the space shortly thereafter and has continued to produce challenging, creative theatre that promotes social awareness. With over 20,000 seats filled throughout Hollywood in 2011, the Fringe organization will benefit from Open Fist’s large lobby and stage.

Fringe Central will provide a natural center of activity for the arts festival with the Box Office selling tickets for all performances festival-wide (over 200 productions participated at over 25 venues in 2011). Fringe Central was hosted at Theatre of Arts Arena Stage in 2010 and at ArtWorks Theatre & Studios in 2011 and has chosen to relocate each year to help provide a new experience for returning artists and audiences.

ABOUT THE OPEN FIST THEATRE COMPANY
The Open Fist Theatre Company was founded in 1990 by five graduates of Cal State Fullerton. Under the Artistic Directorship of Ziad Hamzeh, the Company immediately established its reputation as a cutting edge ensemble, willing to tackle difficult plays. Under the leadership of present Artistic Director Martha Demson, the company has evolved into a collective, self-producing artistic enterprise with all facets of its operation run by its artist members.

The name of the Open Fist Theatre Company comes from two principles. The first is the notion that an Open spirit, embracing all people and all ideas as essential. The second is that the Fist, a sign of determination and even force, is necessary for the theatre to remain a vital voice for social change and awareness. At all times the Open Fist Theatre Company has remained dedicated to the pursuit of these two ambitions.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD FRINGE
The Hollywood Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of the emerging arts.

Environments for the Fringe include both traditional and unorthodox venues; fully equipped theatres, street corners, clubs, bars, and places unexpected. Performances are self-produced by local, national, and international arts companies and independent performers. In the spirit of most Fringes, participation is open and uncensored.

In June 2011, over 200 groups participated and over 20,000 tickets were sold, making the festival one of the largest of its kind in the United States. 

The Hollywood Fringe's Mission Statement:
Host an environment for bold and experimental works
Champion underground art and artists
Vitalize the arts industry in Los Angeles
Promote and enrich the Hollywood neighborhood

KEY FESTIVAL DATES
Feb. 1st- Registration Open
April 1st- Registration Deadline for Guide Inclusion
June 7-12- Fringe Previews
June 13th- Fringe Opening Night Gala
June 14-24- Third Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival
June 24th- Fringe Award Ceremony & Closing Night Party

Participants seeking more information can contact the festival at support@hollywoodfringe.org or by visiting the website at www.HollywoodFringe.org.