Art is right here in my Backyard
ATB Golden Ticket Winner Etelka Nyilasi can’t wait to share the joy of fringing with her family.
When Fringe first contacted Etelka Nyilasi to tell her she won the 2024 ATB Golden Ticket, she was shocked.
“I thought it was a scam at first,” Etelka laughs. “I never win anything!”
Etelka has been fringing in Edmonton since 2013 (including three stints as a Fringe Artist, playing violin and viola in various musicals), but she has always had a deep connection to the performing arts.
ATB 2024 Golden Ticket Winner
Growing up with an English/Drama Teacher for a mother, her family made memories through live performance, frequently road tripping to see everything from Shakespeare classics at Stratford Festival to operas and oddball tales around Toronto.
“I appreciate the difficulty of putting on a theatre production,” she says. “I catch myself admiring the soundtrack, noticing the audio choices, the set design…I love seeing the arts intertwine.”
But what she loves most? “That there are no edits. Fringe is lively and raw and in-the moment.”
“I always try to fringe with my husband, Marek. He’s from England and most of his family is still over there — we always tell them to come visit during Fringe!”
This summer, Marek’s sister Carla and her husband Adam are crossing continents for their first time in Canada and their first time at Fringe.”
“We can’t wait to share the tickets with them!” exclaims Etelka. “And see even more shows!”
And why is Etelka so eager to share her love of Fringe?
“Fringe has enhanced my relationship with the arts even further. Art is right here in my backyard. It provides me with easier access, greater variety, and the affordability makes the decision to attend super easy. It’s a no-brainer to buy tickets.”
And, as she puts it, Fringe shows are different than what you might see anywhere else.
“Quirky, uncomfortable, but still safe. Fringe takes performing arts to the edge – and it’s okay. Always. Just knowing that this is the place to find shocking, unexpected stories, you put yourself in this space of mind to be open to humanity.”
“All too often big banks and corporations don’t care about the arts, so it’s nice that ATB does,” Etelka says. “A huge thank you to ATB for giving back to the community.”
ATB powers possibility, and nothing speaks to the possibility of creativity and community more than the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. We are proudly celebrating 11 years of partnership with Lead Festival Partner ATB.
Every year, the ATB Golden Ticket offers Fringers the chance to win the ultimate VIP Fringe prize package including 100 tickets to indoor shows, $250 in spending money, a hotel stay, dinner for two, and more!
Powered by ATB
Have YOU entered the ATB Golden Ticket Contest yet? Tune into @edmontonfringe on Instagram and Facebook to enter to win. You can enter almost every day – the more you enter, the more chances you have to win!
