Edmonton Fringe Festival Stages A Record-Breaking Revolution

Novelist George Sand said, “No one makes a revolution by himself; and there are some revolutions
which humanity accomplishes without quite knowing how, because it is everybody who takes them in hand.” From August 13 – 23, 2009, more than 550,000 local, national, and international visitors came together in Edmonton and brought about a revolution like no other at the 28th annual Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival.

Themed Stage a Revolution, this year’s festival will definitely hold a prominent page in Fringe Festival history books. Post-revolution figures are in and it’s obvious that the people listened when Fringe Theatre Adventure’s Executive Director, Julian Mayne, put out the challenge “to embrace the spirit of creativity ... and buy one ticket to one show”.

This year’s Fringe lived up to its reputation as one of the largest and most successful Fringe theatre festivals in the world with paid attendance to indoor shows reaching a record-breaking 92,279, bringing ticket sales up almost 20% from last year’s total of 77,800. The bold collection of theatrical works at this year’s Fringe yielded 334 sold-out shows. Single day attendance at ticketed performances shattered records on Saturday, August 22nd, entertaining 11,303 theatre patrons.

Record numbers of little Fringers and their caregivers took part in the evolution of theatre with 21,015 marching to the KidsFringe site to watch interactive theatre performances, play games, and create revolutionary artwork.

Fringe Theatre Adventures wishes to thank everyone who mobilized to help Stage a Revolution and who continue to celebrate democratic, unjuried, uncensored, and accessible theatre: our sponsors and supporters for their generosity; over 1,000 volunteers; more than 700 talented performers who graced our stages; more than half a million audience members who watched over 1,200 indoor and outdoor performances in 29 venues.

The Fringe Festival will continue to Stage a Revolution from August 26 – 30, 2009 with seven holdover shows presented by Fringe Theatre Adventures and for the first time, one BYOV holdover show presented by an independent producer. Show details and times are posted at www.fringetheatre.ca. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students/seniors (plus a $2 Capital Replacement Fee per ticket) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fringetheatre.ca, by phone at 780.409.1910, or in-person at the Central Box Office in the TransAlta Arts Barns (10330 - 84 Avenue).

The 29th Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival runs from August 12 -22, 2010.

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