The non-profit announced in November 2003 that it had not earned enough money to pay off its debts (totalling $120,000) to participating artists and vendors.

The board of directors cited several factors which created the flailing financial situation, including the increase in insurance and payroll taxes, the addition of new programs, artistic partnerships that didn't prove as profitable as expected, a 46 percent decrease in funding by previous donors, and the decision to present the Festival in September.

Local artists and organizations are banding together in an effort to raise moneys for the artist who were not paid and attempt to present a scaled-down festival.

The FringeACT Festival — a co-production by Seattle Fringe Theater Productions with Seattle's ACT Theatre, which itself was in danger of closing its doors recently — will still be presented April 1-4 by the latter company.

For more information on the Seattle Fringe, visit www.seattlefringe.org/.