Maintaining the premise that “The act of creation is an act of courage,” the professional performing arts organization known as Woodstock Fringe is committed to providing a safe space for artists as they develop new and experimental theatrical and musical works. Now kicking off its ninth season at the Byrdcliffe Theatre, the Fringe celebrates with a benefit party with hors d’œuvres and the reading of a new play Sisters, written by Andrew Johns, followed by more good eats and champagne.

A comedy about families, aging and staying present, Sisters will be read by a distinguished cast led by the incomparable Frances Sternhagen and including Michael Citriniti, Evangeline Johns and Greg Mullavey. With a half-century of acting experience onstage, in films and most recently on television in a dozen episodes of The Closer (she’s the lead character’s supportive mother, Willie Ray Johnson), the octogenarian Sternhagen is the consummate actor’s actor, winning awards and accolades throughout her career. The fundraising celebration starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. Tickets go for a $50 contribution.

This season’s lineup for the “Woodstock Fringe Festival of Theatre and Song” opens with Chapter & Verse: Stories from a Mississippi Childhood, written and performed by Obie award-winner Memrie Innerarity. Two one-act comedies from the Playwrights’ Unit, Finding Elvis by Mindy Pfeffer (with Noni Connor, Mindy Pfeffer and Dana Patton, directed by Nicola Sheara) and Moonbite, a montage of radiant lunacy by Ariana Johns, highlight the capable work created by the 2011 Woodstock Fringe Playwrights/Producers in residence.

Joe Raiola gives us American Heretic (directed by Barbara Pitcher), while Mikhail Horowitz and Gilles Malkine return with Too Small to Fail, “an evening of abstract depressionism and metaphysical malpractice.” The Goat Hill Poets – Marianna Boncek, Leslie Gerber, Alison Koffler, Judith Lechner, Tara McCarthy, Guy Reed and Cheryl A. Rice – will present two different programs of poetry. And don’t miss three “First Looks at the Fringe”: staged readings of new plays, this year by playwrights George Wolf Reily, Mel Green, Ric Siler and Jerry McGee.

General admission tickets are $20, children $10. Goat Hill Poets performances are $10. “First Looks” are free! And for a super value, a Fringe Pass will grant admission to all events (except the kickoff fundraiser) for $75. For further information visit www.woodstockfringe.org or call (845) 810-0123.