Molly Wreakes (she/her) is a musician and arts administrator. Originally from Edmonton, she has recently returned and is excited to be back and contributing to her hometown’s cultural vitality. She joins the Fringe team this year as our Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement. 

When did you start Fringing?

I grew up going to the Fringe! I actually got my first hair wrap at the Fringe, which was probably THE coolest thing that could happen to you during the summer as a kid. Thank you, Fringe, for checking that box for 4-year-old me.

How would you describe your job at Fringe?  

My role as the Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement focuses on connecting with volunteers and ensuring that they have everything they need to be successful. Together with Drew, our Manager of Volunteer Engagement, we act as liaisons between the rest of the Fringe team and our volunteers.

What are you most excited about in your role with Fringe?   

Meeting all the amazing volunteers who make this festival a reality! Please come say hi 🙂 

If you could invite anyone, living or dead, to fringe with you, who would it be and why? 

I think it would be a hoot to attend Fringe with my sisters! We’ve never had the chance as adults since we were always living in different cities, but I think that would be a lot of fun. We would absolutely need to get hair wraps again. 

What is something you are learning right now? 

I’m starting a pottery class soon! I’ve done a bit of pottery before (lots of trial and error, you can find most of those pieces at a Value Village near you) so I am keen to have another go at it. 

Who or what inspires you? 

My oldest sister has Down syndrome and she definitely inspires me to advocate for the importance of creating space for all to engage with the arts and beyond that, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and respected. 

What is the  best compliment you’ve ever received?

I won an inadvertent cake bake off at my friend’s birthday party. The story is that after arriving with my cake, another person at the party hid the cake that they had baked because they thought mine looked better. Ask me for the recipe 😉 

What is an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?

I studied and lived in Germany for a few years and navigating life in a new country and language was a big challenge. Learning a new language is an incredibly humbling experience! Any conversations where I was successfully understood while speaking German felt like a big pat on the back. 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

I love knitting and always have at least one project on my needles! I’m currently knitting a dress. I’m clearly eager for warmer weather. 

If joy became a national currency, what kind of work would make you wealthy?  

Blasting ABBA in the car with my sisters, knitting in a cafe while sipping coffee, long river valley walks, eating pastries, buying yarn for my knitting projects