About
We are thrilled to close our season with our third annual explosion of our students’ creativity, skills and (sometimes wild) imaginations. During Fringe Fest, we turn our spaces over to them to produce sparkling new plays, delightful takes on established work, and pieces that test the boundaries of theater.
This year’s festival features FIFTEEN (!) events ranging from modern hit musicals to brand-spanking-new plays, overnight page-to-stage creativity, art exhibits, and performance pieces. Some will be presented in theaters and classrooms, while others are finding their home in innovative spots around campus.
All are free, but keep an eye out for reservation info, as some shows may require reservations.
ALLEGORY OF A YOUNG MAN
A play and costume thesis presentation from Malory Rojas. May 3 at 5, 6, 7 p.m. in the Curtain Theater
20 HOURS 4 THEATRE
Produced by Meena Cunniffe
May 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 413
Bromery Center for the Arts
TRACKS
A play by Peter Tarsi, produced by Riley Gregoire and Olivia Darling. May 6 & 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Curtain Theater
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council
A SPACE FOR US
An installation of light and ceramic sculpture, featuring live performances by local guest artists. Presented by Sophie Schweik and Hyejung Kang in the Durfee Conservatory. Enjoy a night of togetherness and immersive art in the rainforest room of Umass's largest greenhouse, as we reflect on the role of brick and mortar spaces for community in the face of an ever increasingly digital world.
INFLORESCENCE
A staged reading of an original play written, directed and produced by Anna Kefalas.
May 6th and May 8th at 7:30 PM in New Africa House 03
A reading of a work in progress, Inflorescence tells the story of four characters whose lives collide in a small garden shop. Amongst the dirt, plants and packets of seeds, we watch as each of them navigate the complicated nature of relationships and come to terms with their lives turning out differently than they expected. As the story develops, all four are forced to confront the pains and secrets of their pasts and presents and ultimately grapple with the question: what does it mean to grow?
Content warning: this play contains mention of death, suicide, abortion, and implied sex addiction.
THIS IS HALF A PLAY
by Pedro Eiras (in collaboration with ChatGPT. Maybe.)
May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at New Africa House 03This is Half a Play,
A penniless playwright is struggling with writer’s block when he decides to do something he has never done before: ask Chat, an Artificial Intelligence, to assist him. What starts as basically just a new way to google something quickly transforms into a complex and confusing game of upmanship. But then, when the playwright decides to turn his conversations with the AI into an actual play, the very act of creativity is called into question, forcing him to decide whether or not this creation actually counts as art, and, therefore, as a full play.
ROLL ME A COIL
A staged reading written and directed by Elizabeth Laine.
May 7 & 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 413, Bromery Center for the Arts
As two best friends contemplate what to do with Nana’s large ceramic collection, they stumble across a long lost love story. Through heartbreak and loss, we are reminded of the foundations of hope that we must continue to carefully craft through our relationships… and clay.
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council
ART IN A VACUUM
A new play written and produced by Caleb Kovalchik. May 9 & 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 450, Bromery Center for the Arts
THE NEW ALBION RADIO HOUR: A DIESELPUNK OPERA
A musical by Paul Shapera that is the sequel to Dolls of New Albion, presented in last year’s Fringe. Produced by Elliott Ball. May 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 11 at 2 p.m. in Room 413, Bromery Center for the Arts
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council
SPRING AWAKENING
A musical with music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Directed and produced by Caroline Richardson. May 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 11 at 2 p.m. in the Curtain Theater
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council.
CRASH CABARET
A cabaret of music and other pieces. Produced by Steven Goubran. May 11 at 7:30 p.m. at New Africa House
GUTENBERG
A musical written and composed by Scott Brown and Anthony King.
Produced by Ben Kaplan and Aaron Mancaniello.
May 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Curtain Theater
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council
Tonight is the most important night of Bud and Doug's lives. Tonight they will put on the historical fiction they wrote, Gutenberg! The Musical! for the first time (but hopefully not the last time).
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council
AUDIENCE
A one-act comedy by Michael Frayn. Directed and produced by Darcy Kaufman. May 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Room 413, Bromery Center for the Arts.
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council.
COSTUME INSTALLATION
A costume art installation presented by Emily Peck
Made possible in part by the UMass Arts Council
Visit this page for event updates in spring 2024. All events will be free, reservation details, if any, will be made available in spring 2024 as well. Not part of our season subscription.

This event is part of the UMass Amherst 2024 Spring Arts Festival. Learn more about the festival on the website.
UMass Theater follows UMass Amherst cancellation policies; please visit our website for details regarding donation, refund, or ticket exchange in case of cancellation.