- Fringe Theatre is Uncensored and Unexpected - Photo by EFFC
Calgary kicks off the Heritage Day weekend with the Calgary Fringe Festival, which runs July 30 to August 7, 2010. For nine days, the Calgary arts scene will be abuzz with over 160 theatre performances. A total of 27 local, national and international productions will be staged, featuring works by “best of fringe” playwrights and emerging artists.
2010 Calgary Fringe Festival Lineup
There is something for everyone at the 2010 Calgary Fringe Festival. From children’s shows to comedy and from horror to 101 naked Calgarians, fringers can choose from over 20 productions a day. The following is just a sample of the diverse programming at this year’s Fringe Fest:
- Dale Beaner and The Turtle Boy (Playwrights/Directors: Devon Hyland and Connor Thompson – Toronto, ON). A former child star and a scientific recluse meet at a Major League Baseball All-Star game.
- DON'T MAKE FUN OF JESUS (Playwright: Sherri D. Sutton / Director: Tara Brodin – Edmonton, AB & New York, NY). One girl struggles over a cult, marriage, poverty…and a closet. “Best of Fest” winner at the 2009 Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
- The Missadventurous Perils of Pauline (Playwright: Charlene Van Buekenhout / Director: Jan Taylor – Edmonton, AB). Pauline is spirited away to a world full of “poisonous pink pastries” and “baffling banana songs”. She must defeat the evil renovator before returning home. For children of all ages.
- The Honeymoon Period is Officially Over Playwright/Director: Gemma Wilcox – London, UK). A one-woman comedy/drama about a saxophone, flames and 20 characters, including talking chickens and a timid rodent. Won “Best in Fest” at the Vancouver Fringe and Boulder Fringe and earned Wilcox a “Best Solo Performance” award at the Ottawa and Victoria Fringes.
- Dr. Horrible: Playwright: Joss Whedon / Director: Jason Mehmel – Calgary, AB). A musical tragicomedy about Billy, who dreams of joining the Evil League of Evil. As Dr. Horrible, he sets out to tackle the world, beat Captain Hammer and woo the girl of his dreams.
About the Calgary Fringe Festival and Fringe Festivals
The Calgary Fringe Festival is the brain child of Blair Gallant. The first Calgary Fringe took place in 2006 and featured film, band, circus and street performances. In 2008, the Calgary Fringe moved out of downtown Calgary to its current location in historic Inglewood.
According to The Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia, fringe festivals generally follow 10 precepts:
- admission prices must be kept low
- companies for a festival are chosen on a first-come first-served basis or by lottery
- no limits on content or title, no censorship
- fees paid by the participating companies kept as low as possible
- visiting companies are billeted
- 100% of ticket revenue goes to the creators/performers
- no latecomers
- audience-members are encouraged to spread the word about shows they liked or disliked
- no refunds
- short set up and strike down times (sometimes one hour for each)
Fringe festivals began in Edinburgh, Scotland. Canada has greatest number of fringe fests per capita in the world. The largest in Canada is the Edmonton Fringe Fest, now in its 29th year.
Buying Tickets to the 2010 Calgary Fringe Festival
Advance tickets can be purchased on the Calgary Fringe Festival website up to two hours before a show. Tickets for the day are available at the Information Booth up to one hour prior to a show (cash only).
The Information Booth is located at the City of Calgary Parking Lot on 9 Ave. and 12 St. SE in Inglewood. Operation hours are 11:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. July 30, August 1 – August 7 and 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on July 31.
Ticket options include:
- Frequent Fringer Pass: $55, five tickets
- Buddy Pass: $105, 10 tickets
- Fringe Binger Pass: $200, 20 tickets
- Single tickets, $10 – $15 each
Limited quantities are available on the passes. Passes must be exchanged for show tickets. Limited tickets are available at the door 30 minutes prior to each show on a cash basis only.
Attending the Calgary Fringe Festival
Calgary Fringe events take place in Inglewood, one of Calgary’s oldest neighborhoods. Venues include the Lantern Church, ArtPoint Gallery, Alexandra Centre Society, Village Cantina & club Paradiso and Nectar Desserts. Theatre venues are within walking distance from each other.
All Fringers must also purchase a Fringe Button for admittance to any of the shows. These are available at the Information Booth and at each theatre venue for $5.00 each. No latecomers and no refunds are allowed.
Fringers can travel to Calgary Fringe Fest events by Calgary Transit, by foot or car. Lot and street parking are available. Visitors from out-of-town can check out The Best Calgary Hotels in Alberta, Canada and Budget Hotels in Calgary.
The Calgary Fringe Fest runs July 30 – August 7, 2010 in Inglewood. To make the most of the Calgary Fringe, read Fringe Festival Survival Tips and Canadian Fringe Festivals.
Rhona-Mae Arca - Rhona-Mae is a Registered Music Teacher. She has an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, B.A. (Music) and ...
