5 Orlando Fringe Life Hacks

These 5 Orlando Fringe Life Hacks will ensure you the best experience at next year's festival. Fringe gets expensive, and can be very stressful at times. With these tips and tricks, you will learn how to save money and become a real Fringe expert.

1. Eat at the Florida Hospital.

Via foursquare.com

Located conveniently a block or two down Rollins street, you will find a Panera, a Credo Coffee, a Wendy's, and many other unique dining experiences. However, my personal favorite is Welch Cafeteria located in the Florida Hospital. Why? BECAUSE I GOT CHICKEN TENDERS, FRIES, AND A 16 OUNCE DRINK FOR $5! It's totally open to the general public! Unlike the very delicious but very pricey eats on the Fringe lawn, Welch cafeteria is a VERY affordable, delicious option for starving artists such as myself.

2. Volunteer.

Via orlandofringe.org

Orlando Fringe is always in need of good volunteers. Every hour you work, you earn one "Fringe Buck," and 5 of those get you into one show ENTIRELY free. It might not seem like a lot, but if you balance your time wisely, you will be surprised at how many shows you will be able to see for free. Not only this, but you receive a cute Volunteer shirt and pass that you can keep for all eternity. The pass acts as a button, AND gives you $2 all beer and wine purchases. Did I mention there are usually free snacks in the sign-in room? Sounds like a great deal!

3. Be in a show.

Via aboutorlando.com

You can audition for certain shows performing at the festival through the annual Fringe Unified Audition. Besides being super fun, being in a show means you get an artist pass, which pretty much has the same benefits as a Volunteer pass. Fringe Bucks too! In addition, you will also be granted access into a VIP Artist's lounge. YASSSSSS.

4. Check Facebook.

Via crunchbase.com

Make sure to like the Facebook pages of the festival shows! Sometimes, the artists will post special competitions and challenges for publicity AND to give YOU the chance to win comps to their show. Sweet!

5. Be Nice

Via midducc.org

Be nice to the volunteers, artists, and staff, because you never know when opportunities for free things might come your way. Get to know the artists. Artists are given a certain amount of comps for their shows, and who knows, if they like you, maybe you could score a free ticket.