What is the Fringe?

WHAT IS THE FRINGE?

FRINGE IS 100% UNCENSORED • 100% UNJURIED • 100% ACCESSIBLE

100% OF TICKET SALES GO DIRECTLY TO THE ARTISTS INVOLVED!

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 lottery.

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 19 years, the Fringe movement in Canada has grown to 18 festivals, we now enjoy the presence of more 'Fringes' than any other country. The Edmonton Fringe Festival is Canada's oldest and biggest. The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival has enjoyed tremendous growth and success since its inception in 1987, and currently ranks as the second largest event of its kind in North America.

Produced by the Manitoba Theatre Centre, the first WINNIPEG FRINGE FESTIVAL was held in 1987 and founded on the basic principles of the Edmonton Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh (Scotland) Fringe before it. The idea was to provide a forum for alternative theatre companies to demonstrate their work at low prices to a large Winnipeg audience. The organisers provided a festival background as a catalyst to promote a cooperative atmosphere and the exchange of ideas. In so doing, they hoped to bring new international performers to Winnipeg, while giving a boost to young local performers.

To view the 2007 Fringe website, click here

To view the 2006 Fringe website, click here

To view the 2005 Fringe website, click here

WINNIPEG FRINGE FACTS

The 2007 Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival paid attendance was calculated to be over 70,000 Fringers resulting in over $470,000 in box office revenues for the performing companies.

The Winnipeg Fringe Festival is 12 days long, making it one of the longest Fringe Festivals in North America.

687 volunteers donated their time during 3,500 shifts to make the 2007 Winnipeg Fringe a success.

DONATIONS

If you are interested in supporting the Fringe via donations, please contact:

Rob Ring

Festival Coordiantor

Phone: (204) 934-0308

E-mail: fringe@mtc.mb.ca

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival would like to thank the following sponsors whose generous support make the festival a tremendous success each summer:

Platinum

Manitoba Theatre Centre | www.mtc.mb.ca

Liquor Marts | www.mlcc.mb.ca

Government of Manitoba | www.gov.mb.ca

Canadian Heritage | www.pch.gc.ca

Winnipeg arts Council| www.winnipegarts.ca

Gold

Manitoba Telecom Services | www.mts.mb.ca

Exchange District Biz | www.exchangedistrict.org

Alexander Keith's Ale | www.alexanderkeiths.com

Silver

Winnipeg Free Press | www.winnipegfreepress.com