Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Annual Theatre Showcase of Talent in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest unjuried annual theatre festival. The festival started in 1947 as an offshoot to the International Edinburgh Film Festival. The Fringe Festival has since gained large audiences due to its’ structureless approach. In addition to standard theatre, the Fringe Festival has also features and showcases a wide range of comedy, dance, and musical performances. Performances come from both established actors, directors, and producers, as well as first time newcomers. The festival often showcases work by students who attend nearby colleges.
The Location
While most of the theatre festivities can be found on or around the Royal Mile, the Fringe Festival holds performances centering around a wide array of locations. Some of these locations include restaurants, homes, museums, shops, public parks, schools, and rooftops, etc. The Fringe Festival is a purveyor of the idea of spontaneity and often offers impromptu and adlibbed shows. These shows regularily encourage audience participation.
WhenThe Fringe Festival traditionally runs for three weeks during the month of August to coincide with the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Awards Listing
Performing at the Fringe is a great experience; in addition to gaining instant audiences, all performances showcased at the Fringe become eligible candidates for a range of awards. These awards are held by the Fringe and it’s selected sponsors
Amnesty International has introduced the Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award, awarding the most creative and unique show to any individual or group.
Edinburgh Musical Theatre awards were created to encourage the writing and production of new musicals at the Fringe
Fringe First awards These awards are given only to new works (or new translations), and several are awarded for each of the three weeks of the Fringe festival.
if.comedy awards are for the best comedic performances by a person or a group.
The Stage publication has awarded the Stage Awards for Acting Excellence since 1995. There are four categories to honor performers every year: best actor, best actress, best ensemble ,and best solo show.
Tickets
Tickets are often sold up to the minute before a performance is scheduled to be held. The prices usually range between £10 and £20. Some of the feature performances are available without a cost and often do not require tickets.
Accomodations and Transportation
Edinburgh is a large sized city and features a generous range of accomodations. There is also a public transportation system in effect, but theatre goers often prefer to travel by foot to fully experience the sights and sounds of the Fringe Festival and Edinburgh.
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