Vancouver International Fringe Festival – September 8-18, 2011

The Vancouver International Fringe Festival, produced annually by the First Vancouver Theatrespace Society, is BC’s largest theatre festival and North America’s most international Fringe Fest. This year’s Fringe Festival will feature over 600 performances by more than 80 groups over 11 days, and is expected to attract over 30,000 attendees. The Vancouver International Fringe Festival was voted Vancouver’s Best Arts Festival for five years in a row by Georgia Straight readers.

Fringe Festival shows are chosen by a non-juried lottery, allowing for a wide variety of performances to be presented to the public. Yes, we literally draw the shows out of a hat! In addition, 100% of regular box office revenues generated during the festival goes back to the artists.

In keeping with the idea of “Fringe,” there are two venue options for artists. “Mainstage” venues are allocated by the festival organizers. Venues include some of Vancouver’s best theatres including the New Revue Stage, Performance Works, and the Waterfront Theatre, all situated in and around Granville Island. Artists can also “Bring Their Own Venue” (BYOV) which has resulted in plays being performed in non-conventional locations such as a boat, a tree, a fire escape, and the back of a bicycle!

Every year the Fringe delivers an eclectic mix of un-juried, uncensored theatrical offerings. Presenting live theatre in an informal, accessible and inexpensive environment, the Fringe strives to break down traditional boundaries between audiences and artists, encouraging open dialogue between theatre-goers and theatre-creators. Audiences are invited to experience the work of emerging artists and seasoned veterans. Local, national and international artists benefit from working together and learning from each other in a vibrant and exciting festival atmosphere.

For more information, please visit: http://www.vancouverfringe.com