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 volunteer applications and past fringe websites, please visit our generic Fringe Festival Website.

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

• More than 1,100 performances will take place on indoor and outdoor stages over 12 days during the 2006 Western Fringe.
• A total of 110 Indoor Companies performing comedy, drama and dance in 12 venues during the 2006 Winnipeg Fringe. Of these companies, 55 are local, 33 national and 22 international.
• 1,100 Volunteers will be donating their time to the Western Fringe for over 3,500 shifts to make this years Fringe a success.