Expect the Unexpected at the Saskatoon Fringe Festival

“It’s everything weird and wonderful in the world of theatre!”

Rat Academy is the Saskatoon Fringe debut for Batrabbit Productions. (Batrabbit Productions)

Who was responsible for the Cold War? Can rats survive in a world that hates them? What happens when a group of teens are left, unsupervised in their Drivers’ Ed class? They are just a few of the tales that will unfold before you at the 2024 Saskatoon Fringe Festival.

“It’s theatre that pushes boundaries, it’s vibrant, joyful, edgy, and connects us all.”

After more than 30 years, the festival is continuing to break barriers of traditional theatre with works from around the world and right here at home.Dramas, comedy, magic, and children’s’ stories; this year’s festival features 20 productions with something for everyone.

Executive and Artistic Director Anita Smith and her team will celebrate the 50th anniversary of 25th Street Theatre at this year’s Fringe. (Photo Provided)

“The Fringe is about artists who colour outside the lines,” says 25th Street Theatre Artistic and Executive Director Anita Smith. “It’s theatre that pushes boundaries, it’s vibrant, joyful, edgy, and connects us all.”

From Saskatoon to Brazil, Toronto to Orlando, performances will be going strong at The Refinery, The Broadway Theatre and The Cosmo, and that’s just what’s happening indoors.

“We’re all about connecting artists with our community.”

The Jambo Brothers have defied gravity all over the world and will be a featured busking act at the Saskatoon Fringe. (Facebook)

Visitors can explore the festival grounds for free in W.E. Graham Park and along 11th Street. There will be busking performances by acts like Kenyan acrobats The Jambo Brothers and the Unicycling Unicorn. Grab that special piece for yourself or a gift for a friend at the artisan market. The kids will delight in the various carnival games and activities offered at the Collaboration Station. The Fringe Garden is back so you can whet your whistle with this year’s Fringe beer Standing Ovation by High Key Brewing and there many food vendors on site to curb the munchies.

Laura Piccinin returns to Saskatoon with her latest show Go. (Pitchin’ in Productions)

“We’re all about connecting artists with our community,” says Smith. “The art, the atmosphere, the time spent together with friends and family, that’s what memories are made of.”

Day two of the festival (Aug. 2nd) 25th Street Theatre will host its 50th Anniversary party. It’s a reunion of artists who’ve been involved since the company started. This year the Fringe is also celebrating the neighbourhood as part of Broadway Days Aug. 3 – 5 with extended hours. Ground Yoga will visit W.E. Graham Park August 3rd, 5th, and 10th for Fringe Yoga. The Thelma Pepper Art Walk (Aug. 3rd) is back for all you budding photographers and so is the Fringe Fun Run (Aug. 4th).

UK artist Rob Gee returns to Saskatoon alongside Jon Paterson in AWOL. (RibbitRePublic)

“It’s as fresh as theatre gets and we invite you to join us and try something new.”

The fun doesn’t end on the 10th as 25th Street Theatre is bringing fan favourite Pointe Tango for an encore on Aug. 11. This Canadian smash performance sold out Saskatoon’s 2019 Fringe and has won many awards on the circuit. This event is a fundraiser for both the artists and 25th Street Theatre.

“The Saskatoon Fringe celebrates everything weird and wonderful in the world of live theatre.” says Smith. “These shows are often the starting point for artists trying to breakthrough. It’s as fresh as theatre gets and we invite you to join us and try something new.”

Saskatoon Fringe Festival

Aug. 1 – 10, 2024

W.E. Graham Park – Main Festival Site

The Broadway Theatre, The Refinery & The Cosmo – Theatre Venues

For the full schedule, tickets and other details, follow this link.

SASKATOON FRINGE IN THE NEWS…

CBC Saskatchewan Weekend

CTV News Saskatoon
After Hours (at 29:15)

SaskToday.ca

YXE Underground
Bonus Fringe Episode

Sneakers & Lipstick

CTV Saskatoon
Weather Connect Promo (at 24:23)

PodSask
Fringe Primer

Family Fun Saskatoon

Saskatoon Media Group
98Cool FM / 92.9 The Bull / CJWW 600

CKOM Morning Show

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16 The Musical

CTV Saskatoon – Weather Connect
Full Metal Comedy (at 18:43)

Planet S Magazine

Sneakers & Lipstick
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CBC Saskatoon Morning
Love & Legacy: Kent & Kathy Allen’s long history with 25th Street Theatre

CTV Morning Live Brit’s Fringe Picks

CKOM News
Opening Day

CBC The Afternoon Edition – Anita Smith

CBC Radio-Canada
Pour faire un monde
Rat Academy

Global Saskatoon News
Live at the Fringe

CTV Saskatoon
After Hours (at 25:09)

Global News Morning
Rat Academy

Global News Morning
Entertainment Calendar

Saskatoon Star Phoenix
Fringe Begins

Saskatoon Star Phoenix
5 Things To Do This Weekend

CBC Radio-Canada
ICI Saskatchewan

CTV News Saskatoon
Fringe Begins – Online Story

CTV News Saskatoon
TV Story

CTV News Saskatoon
Jambo Brothers Interview (at 30:56)

CBC Radio The Afternoon Edition
Jennifer Vosters – Songs Without Words

CBC Saskatchewan Weekend
Laura Piccinin – Go

CBC Radio-Canada Pour faire un monde
Catch Me In The Kitchen Story Adventures

PodSask Reviews
Passage
Chase Padgett: Grab Bag Cabaret
Go
Catching Feelings

CBC Saskatchewan Weekend
Jem Rolls – The Kid Was A Spy

CBC Saskatchewan Weekend
Chase Padgett: Grab Bag Cabaret

Culture Gecko
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Culture Gecko – Review
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Night Sweats

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AWOL
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The Stalker of Bradford Woods

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Kicked in the End: A Magic Show

Culture Gecko Review
The Kid Was A Spy

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How To Lose Friends and Irritate People
Rat Academy
El Diablo of the Cards
Catch Me In The Kitchen Story Adventures
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16 The Musical