IndyFringe: the Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival

A Celebration of African American Playwrights

OnyxFest is Indianapolis' first and only theatre festival dedicated to the stories of African American playwrights. The OnyxFest, now in its second year, was developed in response to the lack of diversity on stage and in audiences of Indianapolis' theatres. IndyFringe has actively embraced diversity in the Indianapolis theatre scene and began working with African American playwrights to change the Indianapolis theatrical landscape.

OnyxFest is another step towards institutionalizing the IndyFringe Theatre's commitment to provide support and a performance venue that is inclusive of all playwrights who make up the Indianapolis community.

"Onyx Fest offers African American playwrights the opportunity to see their words come alive and connect with audiences while generating an income from their work.” - Nicole C. Kearney, OnyxFest Finalist, 2012

The importance of OnyxFest:

• Develop and present voices not often heard and showcase the work of established voices.
• Help new playwrights learn the processes of play production: write the play, pass jury for acceptance, work with production team, market and evaluate
• Engage new and established audiences in the art and craft of production
• Bring new excitement to theatre and grow OnyxFest as a center for African American playwrights.
• Attract regional and national media coverage Impact of Onyx Fest: Growth of new works, new audiences, new performing companies, new fringe festival shows. Imagine the new voices being heard – on stage in 2012 and beyond.

Past OnyxFest Finalists: