Between shows at the Orlando International Fringe Festival there is often time to relax under the tents on the Green Lawn of Fabulousness. I got a meal at one of the food trucks that surround the lawn. There was a maze of folding tables set up under the tents and there were usually large groups of actors who would gather as groups before their show would start. You could often tell they were all from the same show from the costuming and usually some advertising signage. Besides working the lines leading into shows to promote their shows they would also promote on the lawn.
I wish film festivals had the same level of promotional energy as the Fringe. Film makers don’t tend to promote their films using posters, cards and fun promotional items. The lawn has become more sophisticated over the years. Now there is a huge billboard like in an airport that shows the show schedules. I figure out the days schedule on my phone to get to each show on time.
There is a hacky sack game and kids were kicking around a ball. There were also nice shady spots under the trees where seats were set up. Strings of lights were hung from trees to make these areas more festive. This year the festival was blessed with absolutely no rain making the lawn a relaxing place to hang out.
No matter how many shows you see you always feel like you are just scratching the tip of the ice burg in terms of all the amazing talent to be found.