I am not a reviewer, but do see a lot of theatre – 38 shows at this year’s Victoria Fringe Festival (and somehow I managed NOT to see all the shows from Victoria going on to Vancouver). Here's a list of all the shows from the Victoria Fringe that are coming to Vancouver. The productions are uniformly excellent. However, my taste in theatre may not be yours. Caveat emptor! I've listed the shows alphabetically, as they are indexed in the … [Read more...]
Vancouver Fringe Festival suggestions (from the Victoria Fringe)
Sponsor @ChrisTheRoadie for Drop Zone
Chris Loran of 100.3 the Q radio station, aka @ChrisTheRoadie or # 1 son is celebrating his birthday September 15th by participating in the Drop Zone for the Kids to raise funds for Easter Seals - Camp Shawnigan. … [Read more...]
Nanaimo Fringetastic Theatre Festival
After 14 years, Fringe Theatre returns to Nanaimo thanks to a trio of eager young impressarios - Jeremy Banks, Spencer Sacht-Lund and Chelsee Damon. From September 8-11, revel in a variety of theatrical experiences - 8 performers, 32 shows, 3 venues - something for everybody at the Nanaimo Fringetastic Theatre Festival. … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2011 – my “away” picks
Disclaimers first: I am not a reviewer, but I do see a lot of theatre –33 shows at last year’s Victoria Fringe Festival. During the year I volunteer regularly with Atomic Vaudeville, Intrepid Theatre, The Canadian College of Performing Arts and Theatre SKAM. I attend the Belfry, Theatre Inconnu, Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre at Uvic too. I have either seen these performers in previous shows, or been intrigued by … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2011 – my “local” picks
I love the Victoria Fringe Festival! When my kids were growing up, I only attended the odd show here and there, but that all changed in 2006 when my second son moved away to take a job as a historical interpreter at the MacLean Mill in Port Alberni. Without two teenage boys to feed and house, there was suddenly disposable income. 2006 was the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Fringe, and I managed to see more shows that year than in all the … [Read more...]
Mom’s The Word – Remixed! at the Belfry Theatre
Is there any wonder the moms involved in "Mom's the Word - Remixed" have been able to make their living as performers? photo: David Cooper courtesy Belfry Theatre The stories they tell are universal in their appeal - by turns funny, weird, heart breaking, gut-wrenching and side-splitting. We have all either been these moms or had a mom just like them. Did the original six moms have any idea in 1993 when they originally created "Mom's the … [Read more...]
Volunteering for the Victoria Fringe Festival
It's no secret - I love theatre, especially the Victoria Fringe Festival. Didi and Gogo, the Fringe mascots Every summer since 2007 I have made the last two weeks of summer my staycation, working half days, volunteering in the afternoons and fringing away like crazy into the wee hours of the morning. Why? I'm a failed thespian; star of high school drama, and student in the U of C theatre department before becoming "serious" about … [Read more...]
Shakespeare in the Summer – Victoria BC
The crowd settles in, having gathered blankets, chairs and cushions along the way. Regulars carry extra layers of clothing, including hats, and even mitts, for evenings outdoors can be brisk in Victoria in July and August. We gather in a field close to a rocky outcropping and Garry Oak meadow remnant at Camosun College, Landsdowne Campus, for Shakespeare in the Summer by the Victoria Shakespeare Society. Families take advantage of free … [Read more...]
Ride the Cyclone by Atomic Vaudeville
Image by Barbara Pedrick on Flickr (used with permission) There really isn't much I can say about Atomic Vaudeville's smash hit, Ride the Cyclone, that hasn't been said before. And since my son is one of the performers, any review I post would most assuredly appear to be biased. Other people have told you why you should go. So - do! Quick, before all the seats are sold and the show heads out of town (Victoria BC) on a cross Canada tour that … [Read more...]
Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride
What a way to combine the love of bicycles and theatre! Have you heard of Bike Ride by Theatre SKAM, held along 3 kilometres of the Galloping Goose in Victoria BC? You still have a weekend to get involved - this Saturday and Sunday July 16th and 17th. Just what happens at Bike Ride, and how did it come about? Theatre SKAM is an alternative Victoria theatre company that was founded in 1995 by 4 UVic grads (Sarah Donald, Karen Turner , … [Read more...]