The annual Boston University Fringe Festival, now in its 30th 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 three 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 Seven Deadly Sins

October 9–11, 2026
Studio ONE

Music by Kurt Weill
Libretto by Bertolt Brecht
Matthew Larson, Music Director
Nathan Troup, Stage Director

Friday, October 9, 2026 • 7:30pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 • 2pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 • 7:30pm
Sunday, October 11 • 2pm

Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s provocative collaboration blends biting satire, cabaret, and unforgettable music in a theatrical journey through ambition, morality, and the price of success. This daring Fringe Festival production invites audiences into an intimate exploration of one of the twentieth century’s most compelling musical dramas.

Tickets available soon!

Vinkensport

October 23–25, 2026
Studio ONE

Music by David T. Little
Libretto by Royce Vavrek
Allison Voth, Music Director
Lauren Lenz, Stage Director
Ian Henscheid, conductor

Friday, October 23, 2026 • 7:30pm
Saturday, October 24, 2026 • 2pm
Saturday, October 24, 2026 • 7:30pm
Sunday, October 25, 2026 • 2pm

Beneath the quirky tradition of a Belgian finch-singing competition lies a poignant story of longing, deception, and human connection. David T. Little and Royce Vavrek’s inventive chamber opera transforms an unusual pastime into a witty, moving, and deeply theatrical exploration of the lives we create—and the truths we conceal.

Tickets available soon!

The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window

November 5-7, 2026
Studio ONE

By Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Jasmine Brooks (CFA’18)

Thursday, November 5   7:30pm
Friday, November 6  7:30pm
Saturday, November 7   2pm
Saturday, November 7   7:30pm

Set amidst a stormy political campaign in 1960s Greenwich Village, Lorraine Hansberry’s funny and poignant play examines morality, ethics, interracial relationships, drugs, rebellion, conformity, global responsibility and the fragility of love. (Concord Theatricals)

Tickets available soon!


Fringe in the News

29th Annual CFA Fringe Festival Puts Women in the Spotlight

This year, the Opera Institute is putting a spin on its tradition of bringing in guest stage directors to help guide student productions. While past guest directors have been members of the broader theatrical community, this year’s retinue consists of recent School of Theatre graduates—a Fringe Fest first. Grant Sorenson (CFA’25) directs Thumbprint, while The Eleanors is directed by Edward Sturm (CFA’24).

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Fringe Festival rehearsal

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.

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performance photo from Alice Tierney

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

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Opera students in La Hija de Rappaccini as part of Fringe Festival 2022

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!

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performance photo from Proving Up, 2021 Fringe Festival

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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