Have you ever been to the Melbourne fringe festival? There is a certain buzz around the town late September, early October each year that brings to life an eclectic jumble of performers, scattered in venues all over town. They are all here to entertain you and celebrate all that is alternative in this diverse, cross section of the arts in Melbourne.
A fringe event is much like the humble backpacker. Not mainstream, not for profit, independent, and in development. So you are a perfect match! This festival is also not just about late night shows in dodgy Melbourne bars, (the good kind of dodgy I mean). It encapsulated all things entertainment that sits on the edge of mainstream. Film, cabaret, theatre and stand up comedy, performance art, digital art, circus, plus art and photography exhibitions and a short film competition, even architectural and furniture design showings and competitions.
There is a special kind of feeling you get when you engage in the Melbourne Fringe. You know you are supporting something home grown and locally produced and you’re taking part in an event that has been developing for more than 30 years! With over 4000 artists in over 300 shows at 100+ venues: it’s big, and it’s beautiful! Some hard-core fringe theatre-goers like to try to see as much as they can. One, two or three shows in one night! This can be done because of clever timetabling of the program, short one act shows and a good use of venues. Up to a third of programmed events are free (that’s what we like to hear!), including the entertainment on every night at the official Fringe Club Bar at the North Melbourne Town Hall. The North Melbourne Town Hall acts as a kind of headquarters for the festival and its’ participants, so you are likely to see many of the years performers knocking back a beer or two there after their shows.
But if you really want to jump in, you should DEFINITELY volunteer. The fringe festival volunteer positions are SO MUCH FUN, and they also get discounts on certain shows when you flash your fancy laminated pass on your special MFF lanyard.
The Melbourne Fringe Festival is big on Twitter and Facebook and these outlets have become a great way to find out what’s on, where, who’s having special door prices, the awards and competition winners. So why not grab a coffee and sit down with your festival guide, then you can start highlighting all the shows you’d like to see in those short but exciting 12 days.
