Fringe Theatre Rocks My World

I was first introduced to fringe theatre festivals by performing at one. I had seen a fringe show before, but only because the performer was a friend (Allison Williams, True Story). I had no idea about the general scene until performing, with Allison and the Aerial Angels, at the London (Ontario) Fringe Festival in 2005.

Since then I've become a fan. It isn't really a good performance venue for me, as a solo musical act, though someday I intend to busk around fringe venues and play for ticket buyers and folks waiting for doors to open. It's as an audience member that I've most come to appreciate them.

I have some very firm preferences, I'll admit. The best way to make a fringe festival lucrative is to be a solo performer, so there are lots of them. There's a higher barrier to entry for a larger company, making those the shows I'm more likely to go see, especially in a city like Toronto that has such a thriving theatre scene that local talent is likely to be world class.

Sometimes the shows are disappointing, but sometimes magic happens. In 2007, in particular, I saw a play that blew my mind. Having just turned 30, I attended Talk Thirty to Me at the Toronto Fringe. Oonagh Duncan had interviewed a large group of actors and musicians within a six month range of my own birthdate, creating a play from the results. Never before had I seen my life so vividly on stage.

I had to tell her so, and I waited at the backstage entrance until the company began emerging I gushed, and somehow got myself invited to the cast party that night. I knew no one, and had the time of my life.

I'm back in Toronto this week, and thrilled to catch the Festival's return. Fringe theatre rocks!