Under the direction of Marilyn Heberling (Cold Spring) and Melinda O'Brien (Yorktown), the HVFF is set to continue the tradition by breaking down traditional boundaries between audience and artists and bringing excitement with innovative performances in venues from Westchester to Dutchess and Putnam to Rockland counties.

The HVFF will provide opportunities for risk-taking artists/groups who blur the boundaries of the traditional disciplines; the stretching of established works as well as remarkable original works. Fringe Festivals are about connecting to audiences and the community and inspiring them with skill and freshness.

All groups/artists are offered the opportunity to be part of the project. The HVFF is looking for groups and individual artists in theatre, musical theatre, dance/movement, puppetry and poetry to present productions during the Festival. Presentations will be juried through a panel review process; with a preference for quality shows that are innovative in form and/or content.

The performances should run approximately 60-90 minutes. If running time is shorter, performances may be booked with other shows in the same production.

There is an application fee for participating artists/groups and, if chosen to perform for the HVFF, a participation fee. Artists/groups will receive one third of the ticket proceeds. The application fee is $25 if received by March 5 and $35 if received by March 26, the final deadline.

The organizers are also seeking performance venues, which will receive one third of ticket proceeds and are not required to pay any fees. Artists/groups may also offer performance venues.

For an application and information packet, contact M&M Productions' Hudson Valley Fringe Festival, PO Box 231, Amawalk, NY 10501 or HudsonValleyFringeFestival@hotmail.com.