This year's Fringe NYC will be presented Aug. 8-24 across lower Manhattan playhouses. The shows and events will take place over two weeks in late August and, as usual, will include artists from around the world. Fringe NYC is produced by The Present Company, headed up by producing artistic director Elena K. Holy.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg honored the festival (in Nov. 2007) with the Mayor's Award for Arts & Culture "for its phenomenal leadership in showcasing the best and boldest theatre and performance by both established and emerging artists," according to a release. "The New York International Fringe Festival is renowned for presenting work that reflects the excitement and energy of the contemporary theatre world - locally, nationally and abroad."

More than 800 applications are expected for the popular summer theatre staple, though less than 200 submissions will be invited to participate.

Establised in 1997, the Fringe NYC has a growing track record, having produced such shows as Off-Broadway's Debbie Does Dallas, Never Swim Alone, 21 Dog Years: Doing Time @ Amazon.com, Matt & Ben, The Joys of Sex and Dog Sees God. The most successful show to come from the downtown exhibitor is Urinetown — which graduated to Off-Broadway, then Broadway and has since toured across the country.

Fringe applications are available online at The Present Company's website at fringenyc.org. Those who are accepted will be notified by mail on or about April 26. Accepted productions will play daily from 3 PM-midnight weekdays and noon-midnight on weekends at venues to be named later. For more information call (212) 279-4455.