Volunteering with Fringe: Adding Meaning, Impact, and Value

Kaytlyn Beakhouse (she/her) has been fringing for 20 years and volunteering for more than half of that time! 

“I really have this deep connection to Fringe. My husband and I got married in our backyard. We came to Fringe right after the ceremony and went to a free-for-all – on our wedding night! – and then went to a show!” she laughs. “It was amazing and so special. I even went to see some of my fellow Logistics Team Members. I was like, ‘Hey! We’re married!’” 

A member of Fringe’s Volunteer Logistics Team, Kaytlyn loves how Volunteers supports the magic behind-the-scenes of North America’s largest, longest running Fringe Theatre Festival. 

“My team directly supports the Volunteer Department throughout the year with a specific focus on Festival,” she explains. “We’re all over Festival. Sometimes we’re out running errands, or delivering Festival Guides, or filling in for other Volunteer teams who are short on people.” Kaytlyn explains. “What’s exciting about the team is that we get to connect with every Volunteer team and many different Staff members.” 

Edmonton Fringe is powered by more than 1,000 passionate, dedicated, and skilled Volunteers across 14 unique teams. From selling tickets to slinging beer, from answering your must-know Fringe questions to making sure you find your venue on time, our Volunteers have been the beating heart of Festival since our inception in 1982.   

“When I got involved with Fringe, I instantly felt that the work I was doing was meaningful. It was impactful and it was valued,” Kaytlyn emphasizes. “So, now I have this huge sense of pride to be part of this amazing organization.”  

Kaytlyn’s advice for first time Fringers? Consider volunteering next year!   

“Use volunteering as an opportunity to try something new. Push yourself to get outside your comfort zone. The Volunteer Department and the other Volunteers are here to support you.”