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Drama. Comedy. Shakespeare. Burlesque. Improv. Dance rock-opera retellings of Inuit folk tales. Zombies.  

This’s year’s 2010 Ottawa Fringe Festival — aptly titled “Fringe Feast” – promises to have something for everyone as 60 production companies ascend 16 stages across the city for over 370 performances June 17-27. 

Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? But it gets even better. 

The festival’s executive director, Natalie Joy Quesnel, filled Ottawa Tonite in on some exciting initiatives the Fringe is launching this month. “Mini-Fringers Make A Scene” gives parents the opportunity to drop their kids off to take part in a mini drama camp hosted by the Orleans Young Players on Saturday afternoon, while parents get the freedom to enjoy several Fringe shows. In recognition of the festival’s first year as a registered charity (just like every year, 100 per cent of the ticket sales go back to the artists), the “Fringe it Forward” campaign will invite theatregoers to donate to the Fringe and its three charitable partners — Jer’s Vision, Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, and Hopewell.

(more information available here: Ottawa Fringe Lunchtime Artists Series)

Theatregoers will also get the chance to meet and interact with Fringe actors and artists with the festival’s “Artists Series” happening every weekday from June 21-25 at noon in the Fringe courtyard. Heather Marie Scheerschmidt shares the details of each day’s unique events with Ottawa Tonite (more information available here: Ottawa Fringe Lunchtime Artists)

One of the best things about the Ottawa Fringe Festival is its ability to bring local and international theatre communities together — as local actor and playwright Sterling Lynch (who happens to be involved in three Fringe productions this summer) told Ottawa Tonite, “We get to play host to great talent from around the world and show off our own talent.”

Local director Teri Loretto agreed: “It’s a fabulous place for young, upcoming actors or people who have only been involved in community theatre to break into a huge audience that comes from all aspects of life.”

Both Ottawa thespians took the opportunity to share their Fringe experiences with Ottawa Tonite. 

So how are they getting the word out about it all? Pat Gauthier, community manager for this year’s festival, tells Ottawa Tonite about FullyFringed.ca, where you’ll be able to find reviews for every Fringe performance, and more social media initiatives the festival is taking on to reach out to Ottawa audiences. 

The 2010 Ottawa Fringe Festival officially kicks off on Thursday, June 17th. Tickets are available now via ottawafringe.com, along with more information about shows, venues, how to volunteer, and more. 

(Emma Godmere is a local journalist and entertainment fanatic who believes the Ottawa arts scene is very much alive and well. She is the host of Now Playing on CHUO 89.1 FM every Wednesday at 1pm.)

Video Courtesy: Kevin Burton