I've often been asked how I survive the various Fringe Festivals that I attend. Sometimes I would be seeing five to eight shows in a single day, and that makes for a lot of travel and a whole lot of theatre. Here are some questions that I get asked most often.
Q: Should I buy my tickets in advance?
A: During the first few days of the Fringe, buying your tickets in advance is probably not necessary. Be aware though, that later on in the festival, a lot of shows may (and will) sell out, depending on the hype and the reviews of particular shows. If you want to be sure that you see a certain show, spend the extra few dollars and get your tickets in advance.
Q: What shows should I see?
A: That's a terrific question, and my response is: I don't know. There are shows that you will love, and shows that you won't. It's important, if you're looking to make the best of your time, to pick up a fringe guide or read up on the productions online, to see what interests you, and plan accordingly. That leads us to the next question.
Q: How do I use my day(s) most effectively?
A: Plan. It really all depends on whether or not you are planning on catching one show, or many. The more shows you're planning on attending, the more planning you have to do. Be sure to give yourself lots of time in between shows to get from venue to venue. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have a plan B in place, in case the show(s) you want to see are sold out or cancelled.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Water, water, and more water. It's hot outside. Keep hydrated! Some other great ideas are: sunscreen, a hat, a good book (while you're waiting in line or for a show to start), and CASH. A lot of the Fringe Festivals do not accept credit or debit, so make sure you have enough money to buy tickets/drinks/public transit tickets or tokens. Another important thing is to wear comfortable clothing, as you'll be sitting, walking, running, and standing for a good portion of your day.
Happy Fringing everyone, and if you're a newcomer to the festival, get out and see what you can - you won't regret it, and who knows...you may see the next Drowsy Chaperone.
Here are links to some of the most popular Fringe Festivals from around the world:
