WHAT IS THE FRINGE?

Presenting live theatre in an informal, accessible and inexpensive environment, the Fringe strives to break down traditional boundaries between audience and artist, encouraging open dialogue between theatre-goers and theatre-creators. Audiences are invited to experience the work of seasoned veterans alongside that of emerging artists. Local, national and international performing companies benefit from working together and learning from each other in a vibrant and exciting festival atmosphere. In order to stimulate artistic innovation, applications for participation in Fringe festivals are accepted on a non-juried, first-come, first-entered basis.

For more information on the Winnipeg Fringe Festival including vendor information, volunteer applications and past Fringe websites, please visit our general Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival site .

HISTORY

Fringe Festivals have been entertaining audiences for over 50 years beginning with the original festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. In time these artistic celebrations spread around the world. Over the past 20 years, the Fringe movement in Canada has grown to include 18 festivals and we now enjoy the presence of more 'Fringes' than any other country. The Edmonton Fringe Festival is Canada's oldest and largest festival. The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival has enjoyed tremendous growth and success since its inception in 1988 and is the second largest event of its kind in North America.

WINNIPEG FRINGE FESTIVAL FACTS

• The 2004 Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival set a 7th consecutive record for paid attendance. In total, 68,470 tickets were sold and $439,972 in box office revenue was returned to the performing companies.

• More than 1,100 performances will take place on indoor and outdoor stages over 11 days during the 2005 Fringe.

• 136 companies will present performances of comedy, drama and dance in 21 venues during the 2005 Winnipeg Fringe. Of these companies, 66 are local, 44 national and 26 international.

• 1,000 volunteers will donate their time during 3,500 shifts to make the Psychedelic Fringe a success.

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WHEELING THROUGH THE FRINGE

If you use a wheelchair or your mobility is otherwise impaired, the following information about Fringe venues will hopefully make it easier for you to enjoy the festival.

MTC Backstage at the Mainstage (Venue 1) – Not wheelchair accessible.

MTC Up the Alley (Venue 2) – After purchasing your ticket on John Hirsch Way, a volunteer will escort you through the MTC lobby to the elevator. On the second floor, the volunteer will show you through the administrative offices to the Rehearsal Hall. You will access the venue through the actors’ entrance – please be there early.

The Playhouse Studio (Venue 3) – After purchasing your ticket, a volunteer will escort you to the Pantages admin doors, where you will take the elevator down to the lower level. You may access the venue through the actors’ entrance – please be there early.

Onstage at the Playhouse (Venue 4) – Same as Venue 3.

Son of Warehouse (Venue 5) – Not wheelchair accessible.

MTC Warehouse (Venue 6) – Once inside the lobby, enter the theatre through doors on the far right. There is a wheelchair accessible washroom in this venue.

The Conservatory (Venue 7) – Wheelchair accessible.

School of Contemporary Dancers (Venue 8) – After purchasing your ticket on the north side of the building, a volunteer will escort you to the Bannatyne entrance. You will take the elevator to the 2nd floor – please be there early.

WCD Studio (Venue 9) – Same as Venue 8.

The Cinematheque (Venue 10) – A wheelchair lift is available to get up to the theatre but can only be operated by a technician. To avoid any surprises, you should let one of the volunteers at the venue know at least 15 or 20 minutes in advance of the performance. Entrance to the theatre is through a locked passageway and you will need to be ushered by a volunteer.

Red River on Princess (Venue 11) – Wheelchair accessible.

Exchange Community Church (Venue 12) – Wheelchair accessible.

Ragpickers Annex (Venue 13) – Not wheelchair accessible.

The King's Head (Venue 14) – Not wheelchair accessible.

Winnipeg Film Group Studio (Venue 15) – Same as Venue 10.

PTE - Mainstage (Venue 16) – Wheelchair accessible.

PTE - Colin Jackson Studio (Venue 17) – Wheelchair accessible.

The Video Pool Poolroom (Venue 18) – Same as Venue 10.

Winnipeg Press Club (Venue 19) – Wheelchair accessible.

Ramada Entertainment Centre (Venue 20) – Not wheelchair accessible.

HOT 103 Studios (Venue 21) – Wheelchair accessible.

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