A message from Fringe Theatre:
The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is one of the city's most anticipated summer events, and it attracts people from all walks of life to see shows, music, and performances as varied as the people who attend them.
So much excitement can raise the question: How do you know what to focus on to make the most of your Fringe experience? The festival is looking to provide some answers.
"We want to focus our efforts on engaging new audiences," said Megan Dart, Fringe's executive director. "Bringing folks to the festival who may be Fringing for the first time, or maybe who have only ever Fringed outdoors and never seen a theatre show before."
To accomplish this, the festival convened focus groups with both frequent Fringers and people who had never been to the festival before. They learned that the lineup of 220+ shows could be overwhelming, and that breaking it into bite-sized chunks focused on a particular type of Fringe-goer made for a clearer decision for newcomers, along with tailored experiences for people who attend every year.
Based on that research, Fringe has put together a series of itineraries for various kinds of Fringers: families with kids under 12; families with bigger kids; first-timers; budget-conscious attendees; visitors from afar; and frequent fans.
"There's no one way to Fringe. Everyone Fringes in their own way," Dart said.
If you're coming to the festival with children aged 12 and under, KidsFringe is designed just for them, and it is completely free.
"We have a whole new lineup on our main stage, the Kids Stage, and also out in Kids Park, which is more where we do the activities and workshops where anyone can participate," KidsFringe director Alyson Dicey said. There are also KidsFringe passports that can be exchanged for a treat once completed.
"It's just a really healthy thing for families to try something new together," Dicey said. "Say we had a juggling workshop and then (you) see your dad learn juggling alongside you. It's a super-fun way to laugh with your family."
You can get a taste of what's on offer at some of the indoor shows at the Free-For-All in ATB Park on Aug. 15, 16, and 17 at 6:30pm. Artists will perform "lickety-split teasers" to help patrons get a better idea of what to buy tickets for.
"There's so much to choose from that you can't go wrong," Dart said, "and so I think it's just taking that first leap."
This year's Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival runs from Aug. 14 to 24. Festival Guides are on sale now, and ticket sales are open.