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 life. Although I did manage a role as Clytemnestra in Satre’s “Les Mouches” in France.

My son, Elliott Loran, is a talented performer. I’ve had the chance to meet many young emerging artists when he studied at the Canadian College of Performing Arts, and performed in Victoria with Atomic Vaudeville, both for the cabaret and in Ride the Cyclone.They are some of the hardest working people I know, often holding down more than one other job while persuing their dreams.

It’s my way of giving back to a community of creative individuals who have enriched my life; I can’t always support my son physically when he is travelling, or living in Toronto, but I can do it by proxy.

Volunteering for the Fringe is FUN! I’ve met amazing people and continued those friendships long after the festival is over. It’s wonderful to share intelligent conversations with like-minded individuals who are passionate about theatre.

The staff at Intrepid Theatre, producers of the Fringe, treat volunteers like gold. What did I know, when first offering to help out, just what perks you receive – like Fringe Bucks. Artists also donate free tickets to volunteers.

At a time of restricted financial resources due to cuts by the BC government, I can show my support in non-monetary ways.

If any of the points above resonate with you, please consider volunteering for the Victoria Fringe Festival. If you can’t volunteer, perhaps you would consider billeting a visiting artist. You won’t regret your decision.