Fringe: edge of mainstream / avant-garde

Posted by Tamisan Bencz-Knight 
on Jun 19, 2013
 
 
 
Fringe theatre is theatre that is not of the mainstream, it is on the periphery.
Fringe Theatre Adventures [Edmonton, Alberta] is dedicated to providing a vibrant year around home in Edmonton for local, national, and international artists to present theatre arts that challenge audiences, and celebrate the cultural fabric of our communities.  They do so by fostering an environment and providing resources that encourage audiences of all ages, and artists - professionals and aspiring alike - to take creative chances.
 
It was great to hear Sam Jenkins, President and Board Chair of the Fringe Theatre Adventures, speak so passionately on their humble beginnings and behind the scenes by the numbers.
 
About a Fringe Festival:
  • A non- juried process determines participation in the Festival; FTA does not police entrants!
  • Participants receive 100% of the ticketed box office receipts for their performances;
  • Fringe Festival producers have no control over the artistic content of performances;
  • Fringes should provide accessible opportunities for audiences and artists to participate.
A History of Fringe:
1947
Eight theatre companies show up (uninvited) to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival, a newly formed celebration of arts and culture in post- World War II Scotland.
In 1958, the Fringe movement was formalized into the Edinburgh Fringe. Today, it is the largest arts festival in the world.
1977
Chinook Theatre in Fort St. John, founded a touring company providing theatre for young audiences in high schools across northern BC and Alberta.
1982
Chinook’s Artistic Director, Brian Paisley, is granted $50,000 by the Alberta Government’s Summerfest program to put together “A Fringe Theatre Event” in Old Strathcona.
This first festival offers 200 live performances across five theatre venues.
1988
Introduction of KidsFringe, recognizing Chinook Theatre’s commitment to Theatre for Young Audiences, to complement the wide array of family friendly (and some not-so-much) theatre at the festival.
1992
The introduction of the BYOV - or Bring Your Own Venue – to Edmonton’s Fringe.  Theatre begins to pop up everywhere and anywhere during the festival, including ETS buses, alleyways and garages, and, of course, bars.
1994
Chinook Theatre moves to its new home in the Bus Barns, which today forms a cornerstone of the Old Strathcona Theatre and Arts District, along with the Walterdale, Varsona, and the Yardbird Suite, among other important landmarks.
The uncensored nature of Fringe theatre is challenged, and from now on the festival program always contains a warning:
Beware: may (probably does) contain language and/or ideas construed as thoughtful, radical, controversial, provocative, offensive, child-like, half-baked, ill-conceived  - the list of possibilities is endless.
1995
Chinook Theatre becomes Fringe Theatre Adventures, to “better reflect its wide ranging activities and adventurous spirit.”
The iconic Fringe Jester is unveiled!
1995
Before 1995, all productions were admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis. In 1995, the Lottery is created to provide an equal opportunity for all artists.
2000
Fringe Theatre Adventures begins an $8.2 million fundraising campaign to renovate the Arts Barns, and build a 450-patron multi-purpose community space, offices, theatres, rehearsal spaces and shop.
2003
The TransAlta Arts Barns are unveiled, just in time to host the 2003 festival.
2011
Fringe Theatre Adventures introduces the Presentation Partnership Theatre Series, and begins a year-round investment in local theatre companies, artists, and creators.
2013
After 13 years, the TransAlta and Fringe Theatre Adventures partnership comes to an end, and ATB Financial steps up at the new lead partner and sponsor of the festival and the ATB Financial Arts Barns.
 
Fringe – By the Numbers [2012]
11 indoor venues
41 bring your own venues
2 outdoor venues
10 busking circles
214 theater stage companies
147 new plays created specifically for the festival
$902,577 in ticket revenues
1,247 volunteers donated 21,016 hours of their time
A total of 119,532 tickets for indoor performances

Join the celebration: Everyone is fringing!
  • Enjoy the unique evolving Edmonton experience
  • Be swept up in an international artistic force to be reckoned with
  • Take an essential journey for every theatre lover
  • Participate in a rite of passage for artists from around the world
     
For more information, please visit: www.fringetheatre.ca

How to pick the best ones?
It is recommended to pick and watch three shows. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to see a good, medium and ugly show.