We’re only a few weeks away from the Uncensored, Unexpected, and Unforgettable Calgary Fringe and I’ve just finished making my list of want-to-see theatre. The Calgary Fringe has become part of the cultural fabric of the city and is a welcome addition to the theatre season providing Calgarians with the opportunity to see and experience local, national and international artists. I spoke with the current Festival Director and Producer of the Calgary Fringe Michele Gallant.

JAMES HUTCHISON

What is it about the Calgary Fringe that you personally love and keeps you motivated to do all the work and organizing required to present the festival every year?

MICHELE GALLANT

I love the fact that the fringe is all-inclusive, embracive, and that there’s no segregation. Everyone from all backgrounds of life can be involved and participate. All are welcome. I love that artists are free to choose what they want to perform, in what style, and on what topic. I love that patrons have a wide variety of acts to choose from, and how willing they are to take a chance on something new. I love the passion of our volunteers to support the arts and to have fun while doing it. I love that the artists support each other and that one hundred percent of the artist’s set ticket price goes directly back to the artist.

JAMES

These are tough times for the Calgary Arts Community. I know a number of Arts Organizations have struggled with funding and have had to adjust how they do business. How is the Fringe doing in these tough economic times and how have you had to respond to the downturn in the economy and what solutions have you been able to implement in order to continue the festival?

MICHELE

It has been a struggle for sure, and it’s meant being smarter and more creative about how we spend our money. We have a rainy day fund set up for situations just like this, but we know that can only go on for so long. We’re currently researching other business ventures and looking for models to help support and augment what we do by creating opportunities for reoccurring revenue streams while spreading the gospel of the fringe to outlying communities.

Of course, as a non-profit, any contributions and donations are always appreciated whether in kind or in cash. You can donate by visiting Canadahelps.org and searching for the Calgary Fringe Festival or donors can contact me directly by e-mail if they’d like to discuss making a donation. (michele@calgaryfringe.ca)

JAMES

The fringe festivals are great places for young artists to get a start. What advice would you give a young artist starting out about getting into the fringe festival circuit and maybe the Calgary Fringe specifically?

MICHELE

I don’t think it’s just a great place for young artists. I think it’s a great place for any artist of any age to get their start. The best advice I can give newbies is to plug themselves into the collective fringe hive minds via fringe festivals such as Calgary and others around the world. Talk with other fringe artists and don’t be afraid to ask questions about how they got started and what works or doesn’t work. Then plan a production and figure out a travel budget and start putting money towards that. Do some research and find out what funding is available to support what you do. Learn how to market and promote yourself. And apply to the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) touring lottery in early fall. It’s a great way to apply to multiple fringe festivals all at once.

JAMES

The Fringe festival couldn’t operate without its volunteers. What kind of volunteer opportunities are there for people who want to get involved with the Fringe?

MICHELE

There are so many and varied volunteer opportunities available. Everything from ushering to box office staff to concessions to Lounge monitor to fringe ambassadors to being on the Board of Directors or the Management Committee. If you have a specialized skill like marketing or legal services and you want to help support the fringe I’d love to hear from you. And we’re still currently looking for some volunteers to help out with this year’s fringe. You can find more information on our website.

JAMES

What advice to have to first-time fringers and what can they expect?

MICHELE

Expect the unexpected! Be open for anything. Leave no stone unturned! There’s something for everyone. The number one thing I consistently hear from patrons is how passionate the artists are about what they do and their shows. They may not always like what they see but that never deters patrons from seeing more shows, in my experience. You can expect to see some amazing shows, meet some great people, and feel good that the money you’re paying goes back into the artists’ pockets.

It’s never easy to pick what you want to see and this year is no exception. I like to try and see a variety of shows, so I’ll build my list to include some mask or clown shows, dance if there is any, a monologue or two, musical storytelling and even a conventional one-act play if one is being presented. And then of course when you attend the festival you get a chance to meet some of the performers who are out and about promoting their own shows and sometimes that will be a deciding factor. It’s always a fun way to spend a day or two during the summer.

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