FIRE ISLAND THEATER FESTIVAL
A weeklong celebration of queer theater, history, and community across Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.
September 23–27, 2026
What is FIT Fest?
For decades, “theater people” — both as euphemism and in reality — have been at the heart of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines. Now, through new theatrical work and community-centered events, FIT Fest builds on that legacy, exploring Fire Island’s rich history while asking urgent questions about its future. Presented by CHANGE Arts, this platform for queer storytelling is committed to connecting artists, educators, and communities through meaningful cultural experiences.
When & Where?
September 23–27, 2026
Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines
Events will take place across both communities, activating beloved venues and gathering spaces throughout the week.
Festival Highlights
Marathon Theater Weekend: September 26–27, 2026
At the heart of FIT Fest is a weekend of new work staged across Cherry Grove and the Pines, and special tours of the West End of Cherry Grove and the Carrington House.
Pride House by Chris Weikel
Cherry Grove Community House and Theater (Oldest Operating LGBTQIA+ Theater in the Country)
Set against the brewing 1938 hurricane, Pride House traces Cherry Grove’s emergence as a queer cultural hub — and the forces that reshaped both the island and its community.Ocean Walk by Gianfranco Lentini
Reflections, Fire Island Pines
As a catastrophic storm breaches Fire Island’s last defenses, one longtime Pines resident refuses to evacuate — until a teenage ferry deckhand arrives to pull him from the rising water.Last Summer on Neptune
by Guggenheim Fellow Matthew Ricketts, and Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy Award-winning Lyricist Mark Campbell
Reflections, Fire Island Pines
This 25-minute solo song story explores the special camaraderie of five gay men in a summer share as they enjoy a final beach day at the close of the 1982 season in the Pines. Performed by baritone Oliver Worthington and pianist Johan Botes.
Casting Now!
We want YOU to be our star! Check out the plays and parts at the above link.
Beach Reads
Scenes by FI Playwrights. Performed by FI Actors.
September 23, Cherry Grove Community House and Theater
To celebrate Fire Island’s own theatrical community, FIT Fest will present a series of new play readings written and performed by FI locals. Selected works will be cast, rehearsed, and presented within a single day, spotlighting local talent.
National Queer Theater’s
“Cherry Picked”
Play Reading Residency
September 24, 2026, Ice Palace, Cherry Grove
In partnership with National Queer Theater, FIT Fest will host a night of 2 new queer plays.
5PM — Thursdays Come at Morning by Lee Cataluna, with original story and additional material by Les J.N. Mau
7PM — The 365 Party Girl and Saint Mary Francis by Chidube Egbo
Songs on the Sand Concert
Songs by Fire Island Composers. Sung by Fire Island Singers.
Hosted by Seth Rudetsky and Ben Rimalower
September 25, 2026, Ice Palace, Cherry Grove
For decades Fire Island has been a haven for queer musicians and composers, including the late Jerry Herman, who we have to thank for beloved shows such as Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles. To celebrate and continue this tradition, we will showcase a lineup of original songs written and performed by FI residents.
Get Involved!
FIT Fest is made possible through the generosity of individual and organizational sponsors, community partners, and supporters. And we envision this festival as an ongoing platform for queer theater on Fire Island, deepening its impact year after year.
If you’re interested in sponsoring FIT Fest or learning more about how to get involved:
Contact us:
📧 matt@changearts.org
📞 516-313-7446