Cheap things to do: Best theater festivals

Labapalooza
St. Ann’s Warehouse likes to yank our strings with this fascinating cross-section of puppeteers and their work, which covers the spectrum from object theater to Bunraku. St. Ann’s Warehouse, 38 Water St between Dock and Main Sts, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-254-8779, stannswarehouse.org). January.

Antidepressant Festival
The irresistible scamps at the Brick dose us with another of their themed festivals, promising to investigate the ins and outs of “medicated happiness.” The Brick Theater, 575 Metropolitan Ave between Lorimer St and Union Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-907-6189, bricktheater.com). June.

New York International Fringe
This is the big, bad mama of them all—with so many shows to attend that it sends some theatergoers into catatonia. Still, there’s nowhere else to see someone making a musical out of the Taco Bell rat infestation or, even more tastefully, the slaughter at Jonestown. Various venues (212-279-4488, fringenyc.org). August.

Ice Factory
A longtime fixture in the developmental experimental scene, this summertime series (ruthlessly curated by Robert Lyons) gives us a peek into the early stages of downtown’s coolest work. The usual location for the series, the Ohio Theatre, is closing—so stay tuned for more location info. sohothinktank.org). Summer.

NEXT Museum-quality shows to see for free

Cheap things to do in New York City
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