From left: Jose Eduardo Moreno (Damon) and Michael Dukakis (Nick) in "Punish Me" at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026 Written by Michael Dukakis based on true events, “Playback” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival and performing at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, is about narcissism and manipulation with high stakes for the protagonist. The set resembles a modest Los Angeles apartment, providing just enough detail to establish the world without distracting from the story. The

“Playback” by Jessica Fisher at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival is about a woman who shares negative information about her ex-boyfriend during a podcast and the controversy that ensues. Set design is lovely, simple and gives the production exactly what it needs to tell this story, with four mics, two blue solo couches, one long orange couch sitting on top of a rug and a minibar on the left-hand side from the audience’s point of view. The design feels clean and intention

Impro Theatre’s second annual tribute to Rod Serling’s “Night Gallery” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival focuses on three sci-fi/horror stories. Its “A Haunting Revue II” features stories about an adopted extraterrestrial in “Birds of a Feather,” a mysterious big brother in “The Lateness of the Hours” and workplace creepiness in “The Flight or Flight Response.” Though set design is minimal, each vignette has its own distinct visual identity. Lighting helps elevate the