2025 AWARD WINNERS!
- Michael Novelli
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
Announcing the 2025 Elgin Fringe Festival award winning artists!
CHRIS & KATHLEEN MAU SPIRIT OF FRINGE AWARD
Alisa Rosenthal
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Chris & Kathleen Mau Spirit of the Fringe Award is a heartfelt tribute to two beloved figures in the history of the Elgin Fringe Festival, Chris and Kathleen Mau, founders of Blue Box Café. Their energy, kindness, generosity, and community spirit helped shape the festival from its earliest days, and their influence continues to be felt in every performance, laugh, and shared moment.
This award honors their legacy by recognizing a festival participant who truly embodies the heart of the Fringe. It celebrates someone who brings laughter, openness, creativity, positivity, and a love for community. It’s a recognition of the people who help make the Fringe what it is—fun, welcoming, quirky, and full of heart. The Spirit of the Fringe Award may be given to any member of the Fringe community, whether artist, producer, staff, or volunteer.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Vintage Tunes, Modern Gal by Plucky Rosenthal
Cabaret performer Plucky Rosenthal has seen it all: lovers who’ve disappeared on bicycles, haunted closets, disappointing sandwiches. Join her on a musical journey through time for a performance called “daffy & sweetly outlandish” by the Chicago Tribune and “endlessly bubbly, charismatic and a darling throwback to vintage vaudeville” by Gapers Block.
AUDIENCE FAVORITE PERFORMANCE AWARD
Songs Without Words (or, The Mendelssohn Play)
by Jennifer Vosters
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Audience Favorite Performance Award celebrates the live show that resonated most with festival audiences. Chosen through open voting during the festival, this award highlights the connection and creativity that make live performance so special. It also reminds us that the audience plays a big part in shaping the Fringe experience!
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Songs Without Words (or, The Mendelssohn Play) by Jennifer Vosters
Featuring one actor’s tour-de-force performance as composers Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Songs Without Words is a stunning true story of gender, genius, family, fame, siblinghood, and the power of art. No classical music knowledge required! Critics’ Pick, Cincy Fringe; Pick of the Fringe, Green Bay Fringe; Best International Show, Saskatoon Fringe.
AUDIENCE FAVORITE VISUAL ART AWARD
Hinata
by Adam Grewenig
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Audience Favorite Visual Art Award celebrates the piece that captured the attention and imagination of Fringe festival attendees. Chosen through open voting during the festival, this award highlights the creativity and expression that make the visual arts such an important part of the Elgin Fringe Festival. It honors artists whose work takes shape in bold and unexpected ways, reflecting the spirit of the Fringe.
ABOUT ADAM
Hi, my name is Adam Grewenig. I’ve experimented in different mediums most of my life. Just recently I’ve been inspired by all the great local artists to get more involved. Follow Adam on Instagram @dam_beatnik
PERCOLATOR AWARD
How to Get Appointments By Telephone by Gay Innocent Heartless Theatre
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Percolator Award was introduced by the Fringe Committee in honor of a standout 2023 performance by Julie Leir-VanSickle. Named after her inventive piece that turned the sounds of a coffee percolator into art, the award pays tribute to creativity that bubbles over, blending dance, theater, audience interaction, and the delightfully unexpected in the lively setting of a bar.
This award celebrates artists who push the boundaries of traditional theater and bring fresh ideas to life. It honors those who think beyond the ordinary, challenge artistic conventions, and create immersive performances that surprise and engage their audiences. The Percolator Award shines a light on the fringiest of Fringe artists, recognizing their originality, curiosity, and boldness that keep the festival brewing with new possibilities.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
How to Get Appointments By Telephone by Gay Innocent Heartless Theatre
A devised one act based on a self-help cassette tape, and an allegory of how sales tactics don’t bring one closer to friends and family. A comedy.
PRODUCERS AWARD
Hannah Sage From
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Producers Award is a special recognition presented by the Elgin Fringe Festival Committee to an exceptional producer participating in the festival. A producer is the individual or team leading a live performance, directing, performing, or both.
This award celebrates a producer who goes above and beyond in collaboration, creativity, and community spirit. They bring positivity and professionalism to every interaction, treating fellow artists, staff, and volunteers with genuine respect. They meet deadlines, stay engaged, and help keep the festival running smoothly through their reliability and enthusiasm. Most of all, this award recognizes a producer whose contributions shine not only on stage but in the way they connect, support, and uplift the entire Fringe community
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Appalachian Songcatcher by Hannah Sage From
Appalachian Songcatcher is a one-woman show about growing up queer in the Appalachian Mountains. Hannah Sage From shares her story through banjo tunes, original songs, and personal stories. It’s a journey of finding love, community, and a sense of home.
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