On June 21, 22, 23, the Alberni Valley Fringe Theatre Festival will add colour, adventure and alternative theatre to the arts district on Argyle Street.
A Fringe theatre festival is theatre that is not of the mainstream. Fringe festivals provide a venue for alternative theatre. Art Matters Society, producers of the first ever Port Alberni Fringe produce live, unjuried theatre and produced a Fringe Festival in the Fraser Valley for 14 years.
Traditionally, there are several shows going on at the same time in different venues. People can pay a small fee for each show—between $4 and $10—or buy a Fringe Pass for $80-$100 and see several shows over the two- or three-day festival, organizer Gwynne Hunt says.
“You never know what you are going to get attending a fringe show; it can be rough and unpolished or it can be spectacular.”
The main stage this year is the Capitol Theatre on Argyle Street, with Char’s Landing serving as a boutique venue. The lineup already boasts 28 performances, Hunt said.
A volunteer Fringe Festival meeting is planned for Saturday, June 1 from 1–2 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre. Come armed with questions and enthusiasm. Please call Hunt at 250-723-3331 for more information or to volunteer.