The 2019 San Diego International Fringe Festival represented a significant chapter of evolution as the organization moved its primary operations to Balboa Park. This transition was necessitated by the closure of several downtown theater hubs, and the festival successfully adapted by activating multiple spaces within the park’s cultural complex. Featuring a concentrated lineup of 25 shows, the 2019 season maintained its commitment to high-quality independent art and professional development for artists, continuing to serve as the premier uncensored fringe event on the West Coast.

Despite the more intimate lineup of two dozen acts, the quality of performance remained exceptionally high, and continued the tradition of 100% of ticket sales continuing going directly to the artists. The year was defined by a diverse array of award-winning works that pushed the boundaries of musical theater, solo performance, and site-specific dance.

7th Annual San Diego International Fringe Festival

2019 FESTIVAL AWARDS:
(Theatre / Arts)

Award Recipients

• OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE: “Shelter” (Renée Westbrook)
• CRITIC’S PICK: “Your Best American Girl” (Maarte Theatre Collective)
• AUDIENCE FAVORITE: “Things That Go Bump In The Night” (Circus Collective Of San Diego)
• OUTSTANDING WORLD PREMIERE: “Your Best American Girl” (Maarte Theatre Collective)
• OUTSTANDING ACTOR: “Monsters of the American Cinema” (Devin Wade)
• ARTISTS’ PICK: “Monsters Of The American Cinema” (Boy And Monster)
• OUTSTANDING DANCE: “Bridging Spaces” (Sd City College Dance Collective)
• OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE: “Real[Ise]” (Tangata, New Zealand)
• SPIRIT OF THE FRINGE: “Heaven Or Hell 2” (Golden Corpse LLC)
• OUTSTANDING USA PREMIERE: “Box In The Desert” (Huldufugl, Iceland)
• BEST FAMILY FRINGE ARTISTS: “REAL[ISE]” (Tangata)
• OUTSTANDING MULTIDISCIPLINARY PRODUCTION: “Get Free” (BKSOUL)
• OUTSTANDING ARTS EVENT: “That 24 Hour Thing” (Logan Squared)
• BEST OF FEST: “Your Best American Girl” (Maarte Theatre Collective)
• CULTURAL EXCHANGE AWARDS (the following artists are being sent to international Fringe Festivals)
  • ICELAND: “Crapshoot! Or Why I Voted For Trump: A Love Story” (Todd Blakesley Presents)
  • SWEDEN: “Shelter” (Renée Westbrook)
  • AUSTRALIA & NZ: “Your Best American Girl” (Maarte Theatre Collective)
  • AUSTRALIA (or artist choice): “Monsters Of The American Cinema” (Boy And Monster)
• VOLUNTEER AWARDS
  • Golden Fringelo Award: Most Hours: Sydney Miller
  • Best Customer Assistance: Suzanne Courter
  • Last Minute Savior: Keith Mautner