This summer, I had the privilege to Stage Manage at some of our most amazing cities across Canada. And I wanted to share with you some about our adventure and what we learned:
STAGE MANAGING at the WINNIPEG FRINGE:
On July 10th, Jamie Popoff of Burnt Thicket Theatre and I (Wanda) traveled, along with Jamie's family, to Winnipeg with "Hockey Dad: A Play in 3 Periods". We had a lot of fun along the way traveling through small town Saskatchewan finding surprise ice cream spots.
Upon getting into Winnipeg, Jamie set up camp at the Travelers Campsite with his family and I found my way to the downtown transitional housing called The Flatliner's Inn which was only a 20 minute walk from the theatre. It was so good to be greeted with a friendly smile and a helping hand after nervously navigating to a dark street in an older part of the city! Derrick, Scott and Jacqueline helped me feel right at home.
We were surprised at the size of Winnipeg's summer festival -154 shows taking part over the 2 week period. (It is just as big if not bigger than Edmonton's Fringe.) This meant that we had the huge task of marketing our show, a new story for Winnipeg audiences. But we did our best - putting posters and sandwhich boards wherever we could and giving out playbills to whomever we met.
It was challenging but not surprising to see that our show did not attract sizable audiences. However, we were happy that we averaged 20-30 people. Those that came loved the story and the 3 technicians that worked with us told us that they were so impressed with our show and the spirit and attitude with which we shared it. In addition, our stage hands, Lara, Tristen and Caleb, said they were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help us. In that way, we had a very positive impact and are so glad for that success.
STAGE MANAGING at the SASKATOON FRINGE:
On July 27th, we traveled to Saskatoon. This was a very different experience from Winnipeg in that it was a smaller Fringe and felt more like a small town event. We were greeted with much excitement and anticipation. And we had invitations to meals and parties with other performers. The Fringe coordinators provided us with sandwich boards and help with putting them out each day and the performers came out to support our show as we did their's. There were only 30 shows over the 2 week period playing and so our show had up to 60 people in the audience at a time. Stephanie joined Jamie's wife Julie as our stage hands. Between hanging out and eating together at Jamie's home away from home, canoe rides down the South Saskatchewan and long red underwear and hockey board games on the street, we not only had a greater impact and much more fun, but we creatively and personally grew as well.
Designing with you...Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca
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