Before you head out the door next week to embark on a 12-day Fringe binge, Here are a few key pieces of information that will aid in your survival.

1) To enter any show, you'll need an official Fringe button. You can get one for $6 at either of the ticket locations within the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival and the Orlando Repetory Theatre. The pins are great souvenirs and will look great in the drawer with your pins from previous years. While you could be sneaky and try to get in with a pin from a different year, you probably won't get very far. The money you spend on the button goes to support the Fringe, so do your cultural duty and shell out the six bucks.

Leave plenty of time to purchase your button before the start of the first show you'll attend. Yeah, it's not as long a trek, but the lines can get long and you don't want to run across the building with only seconds before the show starts.

2) The event is taking place solely in Loch Haven Park. The Shakespeare Festival and Orlando Rep are well-air conditioned and comfortable venues with plenty of places to sit and stand while chatting with friends you haven't seen since last year. While you're not running across downtown to switch venues, take some time for a leisurely stroll through the park or visit the vendor booths.

Here's the link to the Fringe's page of venues.

3) If, like me, you're a frequent beverage consumer, restrooms may be a concern. Luckily, there are five sets of restrooms located throughout the theatre buildings. The Shakespeare Festival houses two sets of restrooms (one set on either side of the Patrons' Room and one down past the concession area) and Orlando Rep houses three (one set around the corner from the concession area in the main lobby, one near the entry to the Edyth Bush, and one at the Tupperware Theatre-which only holds one person at a time, so plan accordingly).

4) In Loch Haven Park, parking isn't too much of an issue. If you're Fringing earlier in the day/evening, there should be plenty of free parking at the theatres. On the weekends, be prepared to park in the Science Center's garage.

5) Purchase your tickets in advance! Especially if you're seeing TJ Dawe or if Elizabeth Maupin recommends a particular show. Don't count on being able to walk in and buy tickets.

These are just a few guidelines to help you get started.

Happy Fringing!