FRINGE FEST
What you need to know
Ready, set . . . Fringe!
Ten days of theatregoing and street festivaling begin Thursday and run to Aug. 6. (And, yes, “festivaling” is a word).
Here are some things you may well be wondering as you wander to Broadway for the PotashCorp Fringe Theatre Festival.
Q What’s all this going on?
A Thirty-three plays indoors and attractions on the street such as food, craft sales and entertainment.
Q Where’s this, again?
A Broadway Avenue and area. The plays are here: Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.); Grace Westminster (505 10th St. East); Kinsmen Hall/Cosmo (614 11th St. East); The Refinery (609 Dufferin Ave.); Victoria School Gym (12th Street near Broadway); Victoria Upstairs (doors facing east near 11th St.)
Q Won’t they have to block traffic?
A Yes. Street closures: Weekdays 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Weekend (including Monday, Aug. 1) noon to 10:30 p.m. But it’s been blocked off for months for construction, so. Q What’s it cost, though? A Plays are $15 each or less with voucher packs.
Q How to buy tickets?
A Day of: At each play’s venue within an hour of the show starting. In advance: Online at www .25 th street theatre. org with PayPal; in person at the office; by phone at 306-664-2239 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Presales, either online or at the office, must happen before the day of the performance.
Frequent Fringe Vouchers: 5 for $70, 10 for $130, 20 for $240. Trade these for tickets at venues no earlier than an hour before the show you want to see. Available at the Fringe Central Office in Victoria School and online(www. pot ash corp fringe. ca). Frequent Fringe Vouchers for KidsFringe shows: 4 for $40. Available at the office, online and at the Victoria Gym the hour before the play.
Q Where to park? A Um, well, here’s where you
can’t: From Eighth Street to 14th Street and from Lansdowne Avenue to Victoria Avenue is restricted to people with area parking passes. The Fringe recommends using downtown parking after 6 p.m. and either walking up the bridge, taking the bus (free with a Fringe button), or riding your bike. Bike corral is in front of Victoria School.
Disabled parking: West side of Dufferin Ave. between 12th Street and 11th Street.
Q Can I eat there?
A Can you ever. The Fringe boasts more than 30 food vendors. And there’s a new tented eating area, outdoor stage and kids’ play area and flea market area by DJ’s Amusements in the park behind Victoria School. Also new is an eating area on Broadway between 10th and Main streets.