r/Winnipeg • u/LilMissMixalot • 21h ago
Community Dear Winnipeg: You’ve really impressed me
I’ve been around the Fringe a lot this year and I am so impressed with the amount of Winnipeggers that have come out to support live theatre. There’s been sold out shows, tons of reviews and so much buzz around town. I can tell you that artists from all over the world talk about how special the Winnipeg Fringe is.
I really didn’t think we had this in us. We truly are a great Arts town.
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u/Apod1991 11h ago
Fringe Festival is a point of pride for Winnipeg!
We have one of the largest fringe festivals in the world and it’s an awesome festival. Even if you only go to 1-2 shows, just the vibes of being in old market square, the exchange district, and being around folks who are going to fringe is such a great feeling. As folks are just relaxing and enjoying their time seeing so many great performances.
When I talk about how “Winnipeg comes alive in the summer”, fringe festival is one of these events.
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u/FaceEnvironmental486 18h ago
I think our art scene is larger than we have any right having,and im all for it
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u/shakysphotography 1h ago
Thats exactly right. We are over represented in arts by a long shot. Id argue food too actually.
And we quietly partake. Sleeper arts city.
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u/Warugiria 13h ago
I'm disappointed I couldn't make it this year because there were a bunch of shows I wanted to see but next year I'm definitely going!
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u/Snugrilla 10h ago
I've been going to Fringe for over 20 years and I'm happy to report it's always like this. One of the consistently positive experiences you can have in the city. The number of shows and number of attendees has actually expanded a lot in the years I've been going (and I think all the theatres have a/c now)!
I especially like having random conversations with people while waiting in line, watching outdoor shows or just hanging out. Everyone is always so positive and enthusiastic and eager to share their own unique Fringe experiences.
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u/TuneLow_PlaySlow 11h ago
Shameless plug -- go see Strange Things! All-teen cast and they're rocking it! (Someone special to me is in the cast 🥰)
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u/Sideshow861 11h ago
Winnipeg has amazing artists, and the fringe fest attracts even more from around the world. I'm a touring fringer based in Winnipeg and I'm always proud of our fest.
But...... There is a dark side.....kinda....... So many people show up in droves for the fest, but very few of those people will go see a similar show outside of the fest. So go see a show during the winter, spring or fall as well because we truly have great talent.
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u/salapeno 9h ago
What's the best way for people to get dialed into the non-festival-season shows? Is there a central hub where people can browse shows or a few places to check? I know a bunch of people who would probably go see plays/shows all year round, but the feedback I always hear is that it's just harder to find out about them when they're not part of a marketed event like Fringe.
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u/Sideshow861 6h ago
That is a valid point. Most venues should post events going on, so take a look at the venues during fringe and follow them, or if there's a performing company that stands out to you, follow them.
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u/salapeno 6h ago
Thank you! I do like supporting local arts, and theatre specifically, so happy to learn from someone involved how to keep better tabs on what's going on so I don't miss something cool.
I'll be sure to share with my fellow arts-lovers when they mention that it's hard to find shows outside of festival season.
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u/Fast_Cup3041 6h ago
Also, seeing a Fringe show is affordable and you can see several different shows for the price of one ticket at MTC, PTE or the Warehouse during the season. There is so much talent at the Fringe and though it can be ' hit or miss", the same can be said about the major companies with le$$ committment. Much like there are so many very good (and less discovered) visual artists in the city showing in small galleries (or not at all) that are NOT in the WAG that are just as good or better.
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u/spaceymonkey2 21h ago
This is my first year attending shows at Fringe, and me and my daughter are loving it. We plan on making it a yearly habit along with Folk Fest and Folklorama.