With still a couple of shows to report on, I want to thank Curious and Composeyourself for their kind remarks on the photo blog. It was an experiment, and credit goes to the Fringe staff who put their faith in some volunteers. Personally, I had the time of my life.
The questions posed here are interesting and challenging. I think it is worth noting that in this festival it is the artist who make the decisions as to what is shown, and not the “management.” In this way it remains true to its Edinborough roots as the only artistically nonvetted festival on earth. Or anywhere else, for that matter.
Finally, a shameless plug. If you would like to see the Fringe Photoblog continue next year, please make your voices heard. If not, likewise. YOU’re the boss.
Cheers.
Bob

It’s posted on the Fringe MySpace page.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=190822980&blogID=294154279

Also, hold off on the panels until; the end of the festival so more participants can make it.

Otherwise it was great all around. Only wish I could have seen more.

I was interested in the marketing behind the Fringe posters, as to the reasoning behind the orange-yellow portrait sketches. To me, they did not really suggest anything except ‘ordinary people’ grinning at the camera. Does anyone know the reasoning behind these images? I feel something a little more evocative should be used for next year. To me, those portraits (though well done) did not evoke ‘Fringe’. Thoughts?

Having these four internet resources has definitely been a boon of the festival – and so has the gorgeous and satisfying CapFringe photo blog (although it is hidden under the scroll with a tiny link on the capfringe site). I am almost tempted to say that these media outlets should contact one another before fringe – put aside their differences – and divvy up coverage of different shows. Of course there will be some overlap, but comparing schedules might allow for a larger percentage of shows to be reviewed.

In general, I was very satisfied with the festival this year. I saw eleven shows, and the box office and venue staff were well-informed, helpful, and efficient. It was great to have more local acts this year – although that makes it all the more painful when you can’t see all the shows that acquaintances are producing. It was interesting to note the different age groups at certain shows – some seemed to cater to an older crowd, although the audiences usually surprised me in some way. It was telling to watch some uncomfortable-looking older patrons wilting and fanning themselves in the heat of the Scientarium – suffering through it for the hope of a good show that got an article in the Post.

Personally, I didn’t go to a single Fringe social event – no parties or evenings at bars. They seem like a great networking tool for the artists, and of course the confessional booth provides endless fun (and fodder for the blog).

It has been pointed out that the performers should examine their intention when signing up to do a fringe show. As CityMouse blogged, sometimes the idea of the art and experiment is blurred by the competitive desire for buzz, press, and sell-out houses. Is the production of a ‘straight’ play enough? Should all Fringe entries be pushing the boundaries of taste and convention, or is it enough for a group of friends to be able to produce something they wouldn’t have the money (or venue) for during the year?

The scheduling is one of the hardest things for me to adjust to – by the time the first weekend has gone by, shows have opened and closed and barely made a blip on the radar. Plays that get an extended run (shows both during the 1st weekend and into the 2nd week) seem to get more reception just because there is time for the word to spread.

I think that it’s marvelous that we have this festival. I hope it continues to do well and grow. I would love to see more outdoor work, street performance, performance art, and experimental theater.

just some thoughts.

Having partaken in the karaoke myselfat the party, I must protest that there were some damn hot singers last night. Most of the bad singing came from Fringe staffer Sam Goldblatt, who by his own admission was trying to inspire good singers to replace him up there.

I heard Julianne say last night that the festival sold 19,000 tickets.