Performers are Mike Dempsey, Myah Joy Elliott, Nameer El-Kadi, William Ferrer, Corrie Gant, Meara Bell Stadelman and David Wyatt, directed by Sandra Heinzmann.

Show time is 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 25.

Admission $11.50

This performance is part of the 2026 Bandon Fringe Festival. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a Fringe Festival Pass for all shows. Advance tickets are available online at Tix.com. Tickets are also available at the box office during the festival.

The Bandon Fringe Festival is presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Learn more about the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.

Three sisters from “Nunsense” are joined by additional Bandon Playhouse performers in a shameless plug for upcoming performances of “Nunsense,” “Frankenstein” and “Old Befana.” And, the Playhouse youth core say goodbye to the meme 6-7 in iambic pentameter!

Show time is 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25.

Admission $9.00

This performance is part of the 2026 Bandon Fringe Festival. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a Fringe Festival Pass for all shows. Advance tickets are available online at Tix.com. Tickets are also available at the box office during the festival.

The Bandon Fringe Festival is presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Learn more about the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a fringe festival pass for all shows. Tickets are available online and available at the box office during the festival. Seating is assigned for all shows, so advance ticket purchase is encouraged. Visit BandonEvents.org/Bandon-Fringe-Festival for show details and ticketing information.

The festival had a robust start in 2025 with professional and emerging artists showcasing work in a variety of genres, and the 2026 festival follows suit.

An eclectic show list is a hallmark of Fringe festivals around the world. So, audiences can share a range of emotions, from heartfelt introspection, to laugh-out-loud humor, to edge-of-your-seat suspense.

The 2026 Bandon Fringe line-up features several original one-act plays, including “Hick to Hamlet,” written and performed by Ty Boice; “Self Possessed,” written and performed by Tyler Eickhoff; and “Murder at Two Mile: A True Bandon Mystery,” written by Neal Davis and performed by Gaels Readers Theater. Author and storyteller Naomi Ulsted will share “Glamour Shots” from her collection of creative nonfiction.

Henrik Bothe will entertain audiences with his physical comedy act “The Henrik Maneuver.” Live music sessions include singer-songwriter Janessa Gabrielle, the Tidal Troubadors, and Danitza Galvan and guests. Bandon Open Stage will present a variety show of music, poetry and art. And, members of Bandon Playhouse will get the festival started with two sets: a preview of upcoming productions playfully titled “Goodbye to 6-7 in Iambic Pentameter” and “What Did Shakespeare Say?,” a selection of Shakespeare scenes directed by Sandra Heinzmann.

Between performances, audiences can grab a bite or a beverage. In-house refreshments will be available Thursday and Friday with a complimentary ice cream social for ticket holders on Sunday. Local food and beverage trucks serving on Saturday and Sunday are Angelina’s Mexican, B&B Burgers and Thirst Trap.

Behind the Scenes, Bringing Local History to the Stage

Bandon, Oregon, residents were shocked in 1923 by the sudden death of a healthy, young wife and mother named Ebba Covell. As details of the event unfolded, the murder at Ebba’s Two Mile Lane residence captivated newspaper editors and readers throughout the country.

The Gaels Readers Theater will present a newly revised rendition of “Murder at Two Mile: A True Bandon Mystery” in the closing act of the 2026 Bandon Fringe Festival. The one-act play is written and directed by playwright and Gaels member Neal Davis.

The Gaels Readers Theater group was formed in 2017 by local writers and performers looking to explore original stage pieces in affordably priced productions that would appeal to a broad audience base, explained Davis. The group’s first production, written by Davis, was “Bandon Burns!,” adapted from a collection of survivor accounts of the catastrophic 1936 Bandon fire. The Gaels planned three performances in the Sprague Room of the Bandon Public Library, then added an encore performance when all shows were sold out and many would-be attendees were turned away.

The popularity of the show convinced the Gaels and Davis that local history is a fascinating topic for local and visiting audiences, so Davis went looking for more inspiration at the Bandon History Museum, where he found enthusiastic support from museum staff and volunteers.

“Murder at Two Mile” debuted in 2018. The primary source material for the script was historic news coverage from multiple publications.

“Using the different slants from various sources helped with the characterization of the people involved in this particular crime,” said Davis.

Anticipating the 2026 Fringe Festival, Gaels member Corrie Gant invited the readers theater group to consider applying to perform in the festival. After some discussion, Davis agreed to direct a revised rendition of “Murder at Two Mile.”

The script revisions reflect source material discovered since the play’s debut. With the new information, Davis says that the pivotal characters of the detective and the perpetrator are presented with more nuanced dimension than the first draft. And, he was able to highlight details beyond the facts of the crime to also share a story of individual and family resilience.

The cast for the 2026 Bandon Fringe Festival includes actors with a range of professional and community theater experience, including original Gaels members Corrie Gant, Amy Moss Strong, and Mike Dempsey, joined by Nameer El-Kadi and Grant Goodwin.

“We love what the Fringe Festival is trying to do,” said Davis. “To provide options to stage a show at little expense in a great venue, the Sprague Theater, and provide audiences with a buffet of performances to choose from.”

Support for Performing Arts

The Bandon Fringe Festival is co-presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Along with event coordination by Sprague Community Theater manager Stephanie Jones, Bandon Playhouse members are providing much-needed support for the festival through promotional work, backstage and front of house staffing.

Support for the 2026 Bandon Playhouse season comes from Bain Insurance Agency, Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation, Robert Miller Attorney at Law, and Sharon and Wade Troxell, with a grant from the Coos County Cultural Coalition and state revenue sharing funds from the City of Bandon. Learn how to get involved and support the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.

The Sprague Community Theater is owned and managed by the City of Bandon with support from the Bandon Arts Council. All public spaces in the theater are ADA accessible and assistive listening devices are available at the box office. Find information about charitable support for the Sprague Community Theater at BandonEvents.org/Support.

Article and images courtesy of Bandon Playhouse and festival performers. “Murder at Two Mile” cast from left, Mike Dempsey, Corrie Gant, Nameer El-Kadi, Amy Moss Strong, Grant Goodwin.

Become an active supporter of the Sprague Community Theater by joining our Volunteer Usher program. Ushers are invited to watch performances the same days they are volunteering. Explore your interest in drama, music, dance and more, while supporting local performing arts!

Volunteers age 16 and older are welcome. Thanks to all who have served as a front of house volunteers in the past! We hope you will join us again.

Volunteers are asked to attend one orientation session before their next shift. Sessions are presented at the Sprague Community Theater and last about 30 minutes. For more information, visit our Theater Ushers page.

Advance sign-up is appreciated. Please email Theater Manager Stephanie Jones, events@bandon-or.gov, to RSVP.

Become an active supporter of the Sprague Community Theater by joining our Volunteer Usher program. Ushers are invited to watch performances the same days they are volunteering. Explore your interest in drama, music, dance and more, while supporting local performing arts!

Volunteers age 16 and older are welcome. Thanks to all who have served as a front of house volunteers in the past! We hope you will join us again.

Volunteers are asked to attend one orientation session before their next shift. Sessions are presented at the Sprague Community Theater and last about 30 minutes. For more information, visit our Theater Ushers page.

Advance sign-up is appreciated. Please email Theater Manager Stephanie Jones, events@bandon-or.gov, to RSVP.

Become an active supporter of the Sprague Community Theater by joining our Volunteer Usher program. Ushers are invited to watch performances the same days they are volunteering. Explore your interest in drama, music, dance and more, while supporting local performing arts!

Volunteers age 16 and older are welcome. Thanks to all who have served as a front of house volunteers in the past! We hope you will join us again.

Volunteers are asked to attend one orientation session before their next shift. Sessions are presented at the Sprague Community Theater and last about 30 minutes. For more information, visit our Theater Ushers page.

Advance sign-up is appreciated. Please email Theater Manager Stephanie Jones, events@bandon-or.gov, to RSVP.

“Tales from the Kitchen Table” is the final performance in the 2025 Bandon Fringe Festival. This one act play is performed and written by Corrie Gant, (with additional dialogue by Shakespeare and Molière), and directed by Annie McGregor.

Show time is 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

This play includes mature themes, and / or strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audience members.

Admission $10

This performance is part of the 2025 Bandon Fringe Festival. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a Fringe Festival Pass for all shows. Advance tickets are available online at Tix.com. Tickets are also available at the box office during the festival.

The Bandon Fringe Festival is presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Supporters of the Bandon Playhouse 2025 season include Bain Insurance Agency, Robert Miller Attorney at Law, Rogue Credit Union and Umpqua Bank, with a grant from the Coos County Cultural Coalition, and revenue sharing from the City of Bandon. Learn more about the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.

More . . .

Corrie Gant is a well-known local performer, playwright and producer who received advanced training at Dell’Arte School of Mask, Mime and Comedy. She went on to perform physical comedy across Texas and Ontario. Since returning to Bandon, she has contributed her work to many local events and fundraisers. Most recently, Corrie has been seen in Bandon Playhouse productions of “Radium Girls,” “Coquille River Anthology,” and “Crimes of the Heart.” She is also a member of the Bandon Playhouse board of directors.

Dr. Annie McGregor earned her PhD in Theatre from the University of Oregon. While teaching at Purdue she developed a new Masters program in dramaturgy. Later, at Penn State, she was in charge of the nationally recognized THEA 100 experience, in addition to acting and directing in regional theatres. She is excited to be working with her old pal Corrie Gant on “Tales From the Kitchen Table.”

Show time is 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

Admission $15

This performance is part of the 2025 Bandon Fringe Festival. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a Fringe Festival Pass for all shows. Advance tickets are available online at Tix.com. Tickets are also available at the box office during the festival.

The Bandon Fringe Festival is presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Supporters of the Bandon Playhouse 2025 season include Bain Insurance Agency, Robert Miller Attorney at Law, Rogue Credit Union and Umpqua Bank, with a grant from the Coos County Cultural Coalition, and revenue sharing from the City of Bandon. Learn more about the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.

“An Unauthorized Biography” is a one act play written and directed by Donna Snyder-Smith.

This play includes mature themes, and / or strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audience members.

Show time is 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

Admission $10

This performance is part of the 2025 Bandon Fringe Festival. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a Fringe Festival Pass for all shows. Advance tickets are available online at Tix.com. Tickets are also available at the box office during the festival.

The Bandon Fringe Festival is presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Supporters of the Bandon Playhouse 2025 season include Bain Insurance Agency, Robert Miller Attorney at Law, Rogue Credit Union and Umpqua Bank, with a grant from the Coos County Cultural Coalition, and revenue sharing from the City of Bandon. Learn more about the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.

The story follows the infamous Captain Blackwood as he tries to hide his most guarded secret: His real name is Shirley. In order to protect this secret, which would destroy his reputation, Captain Blackwood decides to try and kill his own mother, the only other person who knows his real name. Hijinks ensue as the rest of his crew get involved and eventually learn the truth . . . .

Show time is 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

Admission $10

This performance is part of the 2025 Bandon Fringe Festival. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a Fringe Festival Pass for all shows. Advance tickets are available online at Tix.com. Tickets are also available at the box office during the festival.

The Bandon Fringe Festival is presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Supporters of the Bandon Playhouse 2025 season include Bain Insurance Agency, Robert Miller Attorney at Law, Rogue Credit Union and Umpqua Bank, with a grant from the Coos County Cultural Coalition, and revenue sharing from the City of Bandon. Learn more about the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.