Volunteers are the heart of what we do at Fringe. We really mean it when we say – what we do isn’t possible without the hard work of our dedicated Volunteer Teams and Team Leaders. Did you know nearly 1,000 Volunteers help us out each year with just about everything, including at the Beer Tents, Box Office, First Aid, Front of House, as Hosts, in Information and Engagement, at KidsFringe, in the Kitchen, with Multimedia, as support other Volunteers in Prowse Chowne Volunteer Headquarters, and so much more!
We just wanted to start off National Volunteer Week with a big THANK YOU! You serve as a constant source of inspiration.
Helping us kick off our week of celebration is Fringe Artist Alyson Dicey.
Alyson Dicey is a performer, writer, director, and producer based out of amiskwaciwâskahikan, colonially known as Edmonton, and a graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA acting class of 2012. She is a founding member of Girl Brain Sketch Comedy and is proud to write and perform with a troupe that celebrates and promotes the strength of women. Alyson is also an Artistic Associate with the Edmonton immersive theatre company Thou Art Here Theatre, Associate Producer with Punctuate! Theatre, and Volunteer Coordinator/Administrative Assistant for the multidisciplinary arts festival featuring women-identifying and non-binary artists, SkirtsAFire. During the summers, Alyson can be found at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival in her role as KidsFringe Director. Alyson believes strongly in encouraging young women to take on leadership roles, set and achieve goals, and develop confidence in their voices and abilities.
WHY ARE FRINGE VOLUNTEERS IMPORTANT FOR FRINGE ARTISTS?
Fringe Volunteers are usually the first face a patron sees on their way into a venue. They greet our audience and begin the experience right then and there. Their involvement is 100% necessary to make sure the show goes on. Whether they’re taking tickets, working at the bar or providing first aid, theatre in Edmonton simply would not happen without Volunteers.
How have Fringe Volunteers improved your experience as an artist?
Fringe Volunteers help the show run smoothly so Artists can focus on what happens on the stage. They provide a good experience to the audience members in the lobby before they sit down to enjoy the show. Volunteers are also the backbone of fundraising events, casinos, and bingos that happen before the show can even begin!
Have you volunteered in the past or present?
Yes. I have volunteered at bingos, casinos and theatre events all over the city. I used to be a Fringe Volunteer! It’s important that we all help out. I love being a part of the action when I volunteer. I get to meet more community members and be part of the fun.
What have you learned volunteering at Fringe?
Volunteering helped me learn how the Fringe is run. All the hard work that goes into putting on a show. As a Volunteer, I began to learn how it all worked, even if I was just a small part.
Share a Fringe Volunteer highlight that you hold close to your heart.
Big shout out to my KidsFringe Volunteers and Team Leaders. They are so dedicated and helpful. They are the face of KidsFringe for all the children and their families. They go above and beyond. I’m so thankful to them all. Happy National Volunteer Week to our incredible Fringe Volunteers.
Have you submitted your application to volunteer at the 2023 Edmonton Fringe Festival, yet? Check out all the sweet details here.