The annual Boston University Fringe Festival, now in its 29th season, is a collaboration between the College of Fine Arts School of Music: Opera Institute and School of Theatre. Fringe’s mission is to produce new or rarely performed significant works in the opera and theatre repertoire, bringing performances and audiences together in unique theatrical settings. For over two decades, Fringe Festival at BU has celebrated and amplified new work, shown in spare and minimal productions.
You’re invited to experience the innovation and artistry at this year’s performances!
The Eleanors
Presented by BU Opera Institute & School of Theatre
October 10 – 12, 2025
Studio ONE
Jodie Goble, composer and librettist
Michael Ching, co-librettist
Matthew Larson, music director
Edward Sturm (CFA’24), stage director
The Eleanors is a 90-minute chamber opera set in the final year of World War II. Newlywed nurse Maxie turns to her friends Lilian and Ramona for support when her husband Cal is captured during the Battle of the Bulge and imprisoned. Lyrical, funny, high energy, heartbreaking and heartwarming, The Eleanors is infused throughout with musical influences from swing and American Songbook.
Thumbprint
Presented by BU Opera Institute & School of Theatre
October 24 – 26, 2025
Studio ONE
Kamala Sankaram, composer
Susan Yankowitz, librettist (from a series of interviews with Mai)
Allison Voth, music director
Grant Sorenson(CFA’26), stage director
Thumbprint is inspired by the extraordinary transformation of Mukhtar Mai, a young woman whose world was shattered by an act of brutality that could have destroyed her. Instead, she discovers a weapon—her voice—and against all odds, to the astonishment of her country and herself, she seeks justice and finds it. “The worst thing in my life is also the best,” she says. “It has given my life meaning.” Her journey resonates beyond borders in its implicit belief that even in the darkest times, one person, one voice, through a single act of courage, can change life for thousands.
Fefu and Her Friends
Presented by BU School of Theatre
November 14 – 16, 2025
Studio ONE
Book by María Irene Fornés
Directed by Gregg Wiggans (CFA’25) and Liv King
Fefu and Her Friends is one of Off-Broadway’s best-loved plays, originally directed by the author. The audience follows the lives of eight women. For this play, María Irene Fornés received one of her nine Obie awards. (Broadway Play Publishing Inc.)
Calf Scramble
Presented by BU School of Theatre
December 4 – 7, 2025
Studio ONE
By Libby Carr
Directed by Shalee Cole Mauleón
In a barn outside Huntsville, Texas, five Future Farmers of America raise and ruin their prize-winning calves. CALF SCRAMBLE is a raucous rodeo of girls playing God, clambering for power over their animals, their bodies, and each other. (New Play Exchange)
Fringe in the News
Innovation Takes the Stage at 28th Annual CFA Fringe Festival
A BU Today article outlines the horror, heartbreak, and daring escape plans featured in this fall’s Fringe repertoire.
All the World’s a Stage at 27th Annual CFA Fringe Festival
A BU Today article features the 2023 Fringe Festival performance lineup, which included an expanded series of opera, theatre, and visual arts events celebrating new and unconventional works
Curtains Open on 2022 CFA Fringe Festival
Annual showcase of opera and theater pieces includes works-in-progress by BU students. Read more in BU Today!
25th Fringe Festival
A BU Today article features the 25th Fringe Festival performance lineup, which included two operas, Proving Up (music by Missy Mazzoli (BUTI’98, CFA’02), libretto by Royce Vavrek) and The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace (music by Kamala Sankaram, libretto by Rob Handel).
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