Hundreds of actors, dancers, performers and other artists will be living life on the fringe next week when the BorderLight Festival takes over the city for four days of 100% “Fringe—Unfiltered” from Wednesday, July 16 through Saturday, July 19. This year’s BorderLight features more than 40 performances across 16 stages in Playhouse Square.

Going international

The festival is evolving in exciting new directions this year, says BorderLight founder and artistic director Dale Heinen, as it expands international programming while making theater more accessible to diverse audiences across Northeast Ohio.

"We're transitioning to our hoped-for goal of doing international work every year, which is one of the most important but hardest logistically to do," she says. "We're really pleased to be presenting two works with international ties this year."

The festival's international offerings include "Black is the Color of My Voice," a hit play that was inspired by the life of Civil Rights activist and jazz singer Nina Simone. The play, which has toured around the world successfully for years, was featured in 2023 at the Adelaide Fringe in Australia.

Additionally, Israeli playwright, Tomer Aldubi from Tel Aviv, has partnered with a New York-based Dirty Laundry Theatre production company to present a staged reading of Aldubi’s new play, "Sharif."

More notable attractions

Fringe Jr. programming is expanding this year, which now is targeted to attract teenage audiences as well as younger children. "We're trying to cultivate younger generations of theatergoers," explains Heinen. "We decided to call it Fringe Jr. and include shows that are for ages 14 to 18, along with our eight to 13 and all-ages shows."

Among the notable Fringe Jr. offerings is "You Go On," a musical addressing the serious subject of school shootings—telling the story of grief, resilience, and community and based on real experiences of surviving and healing after tragedy.

BorderLight will also feature 10K Movement, a local street dance company led by Cleveland-based dancer and choreographer Samuel McIntosh. The group will present a free 90-minute dance battle showcase on Saturday, July 19 at 2:30 p.m. on Playhouse Square Plaza.

While BorderLight organizers have always focused on making sure everyone can enjoy the performances and programs, Heinen says they are making significant strides in accessibility this year—making it a priority by working with a consultant supported by an Ohio Arts Council grant to expand ASL-interpreted shows and add relaxed performances for sensory-sensitive audiences.

"We're enhancing our accessibility offerings and improving our Accessibility Page on the website," Heinen notes.

Returning favorites and new friends

Returning favorites include Wizbang Theatre's signature tent on Playhouse Square Plaza, featuring two shows including "Magic Bubble Circus" and "Circus Bazaar."

The tent will also host Fringe Jr.’s "The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus," written by Eric Kobe and performed by Flapjack Theatrics.

Burlesque returns with a modern twist July 17 through 19 in “Unhinged: A Burlesque Play”— a show about contemporary dating presented by Issa Vybe Productions at the historic Hermit Club.

New partnerships are bringing fresh energy to the festival, as well. Micro Theater Cleveland, which hosts free pop-up festivals of short performances in small spaces. The group started in Madrid, moved to Miami and Buenos Aires, and began coming to Cleveland in 2024. At BorderLight, Micro Theater will present an interactive, site-specific piece called "Welcome to the Club" on July 17 through 19. The performance moves through different locations in the Hermit Club.

Cleveland State University's theater and dance department continues its partnership, offering two free shows including "Mother Nature's Tears," an environmentally focused dance piece.

The festival is also welcoming artists from across the country, including a student theater group from Hartnell College’s Theatre Arts and & Cinema in California that is presenting "Get with the Times Jane: A Sufragista Play," a bilingual play about suffrage, and notable puppet theater companies from Chicago.

Opening night

This year's opening celebration takes a new format with "Fringe Unleashed" on Wednesday, July 16 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at City Club of Cleveland. The evening will feature an affordable preview party with performances, artist meet-and-greets, and the festival box office.

"We're trying to open it up more by having it earlier in the evening," says Heinen. "People can come after work, have a drink and a bite, check out some of the art, and still have a pretty early night."

Ticket information:

• All ticket information is available at the BorderLight Box Office (physical box office is in the City Club).
• Various ticket packs available offering discounts (4-packs, 8-packs, 12-packs)
• Special Fringe Jr. pricing for family-friendly shows
• Fringe Unleashed Opening party tickets are $11+
• Free performances available throughout the festival
• BorderLight also accepts donations

Make sure to download the BorderLight Visitor’s Guide to keep track of everything you need to know.

The BorderLight Festival runs Wednesday, July 16 through Saturday, July 19 at various venues throughout downtown Cleveland, with primary locations at Playhouse Square, the Hermit Club, and Cleveland State University. Organizers expect to draw at least 6,000 attendees to this year's BorderLight.