Volunteer
Calling all theatre lovers, arts supporters, community builders, and Festival enthusiasts!
Fringe Theatre is a grassroots, DIY movement that cultivates ongoing collisions between community and art. Since our inception in 1982, Volunteers have been the beating heart of our organization.
Our Festival Volunteer Program
The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is North America’s largest, longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival. From August 15 – 25, 2024, we will host thousands of Artists and Patrons in theatres around Old Strathcona and across Edmonton. It takes a team of 1,000 Volunteers to make it happen!
When you volunteer with us, you join a passionate, dedicated, and inclusive team united in their love for fringing, theatre, and community. Be part of something uniquely Edmonton that doesn’t exist quite the same anywhere else in the world, something that only happens because of the commitment of Volunteers like you. Joining our Volunteer team means you believe in the power of theatre and storytelling to change hearts and minds.
Over 180 of our Volunteers have been with us for 10+ years!
Are you ready to fringe with us this summer? Review the steps in your volunteer journey to the Edmonton Fringe. Then, read on to learn more about our requirements and available positions.
Requirements and Benefits
Volunteer Requirements
We welcome Volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, and strengths. Our Volunteer program centers on teamwork, respect, and creativity. Each Volunteer team has its own set of qualifications, but we have some basic requirements that apply to all Fringe Volunteers.
All Volunteers must:
- Be 14 years of age or older at the start of Festival;
- Complete an online orientation course and attend team-specific training;
- Serve a minimum of 4 shifts (approximately 16 hours) during the 11-day Festival;
- Agree to and abide by our Volunteer Code of Conduct; and
- Fulfill additional team-specific qualifications, as outlined in the team descriptions.
Volunteer Benefits
When volunteering with Edmonton Fringe, you join a team of passionate theatre enthusiasts and arts supporters. In addition to meeting new people and connecting with the arts community, here are a few of the perks we offer to Fringe Festival Volunteers:
- Vouchers to redeem for tickets to Festival, Holdover Series, and Fringe Theatre Season shows;
- Access to Festival tickets given to Volunteers by Artists;
- Meals and snacks on the days of your shifts;
- Discounts in the beer tents, Fringe Grounds Cafe, and other on-site Vendors;
- Fringe-themed Volunteer t-shirt and Festival Guide;
- Collector’s edition Fringe-themed pin (available only to Volunteers!);
- Invitations to exclusive Volunteer events and parties;
- Name recognition around the Festival site; and
- Prize draws and other surprises!
Contact Us!
The Volunteer Department is made up of two staff members – Olivia Bogaard (left), Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement, and Molly Wreakes (right), Manager of Volunteer Engagement. We are here to help! If you have any questions about our volunteer program or would like to chat with us about your needs, skills, preferences, and any potential accommodations or job modifications, please contact us.
Phone: 780-409-1922
Text: 587-409-0052
Email: volunteers@fringetheatre.ca
Once your application has been accepted, most of your questions can be directed to your Team Leaders – our wonderful group of year–round Volunteers who schedule, support, and train Volunteers before and during the Festival. Your team’s contact information can be found on the homepage of your Better Impact account after your application has been accepted.
Volunteer Newsletter
Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our Volunteer Newsletter!