The Fringe has a way of getting under your skin and staying with you long after the festival ends. Some shows sting a little at first, some you regret, and some leave an indelible mark on you. One thing is for sure: the Fringe, like a tattoo, will be with you forever.

WHAT IS A FRINGE?

The Canadian Fringe Festivals are built on four principles:
1) No Artistic Direction. Artists are selected by lottery.
2) No Censorship. Artists have complete freedom to present ANYTHING.
3) Accessibility to artists. Anyone can apply to the lottery.
4) Accessibility to audience. Ticket prices are kept low and 100% of the ticket price is returned to the artists you see on stage.

For more detailed information, please visit the CAFF home page: www.fringefestivals.com

History
In 1947, a number of artists who felt excluded from the first Edinburgh International Festival decided to do their shows anyway - at the exact same time. Within a few years, journalists began referring to these shows as the “Festival Fringe” - and an international movement was born!

The first Canadian Fringe Festival was held in Edmonton in 1983; since then, more than 30 Fringe Festivals have sprung up all across Canada and the United States. Most of these are members of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals, CAFF.

In Montreal, it was started in 1991 by Kris Kieran and Nick Morra, and took place on and around St-Laurent Boulevard. In 1996, Jeremy Hechtman became producer of the festival, and the Fringe became one of the Plateau-Mile-End's largest cultural events.

A Few Stats and Facts
Last year, the St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival welcomed over 55 000 people at the Festival.
24 567 people came for the Indoor Shows, and 30 437 came to the Outdoor events.

This year the Fringe presents 90 companies coming from 6 different countries, 5 provinces, and 4 US states.
There will be some 700 performances presented in 10 main venues, 3 OFF venues, an outdoor site, and the Fringe Club.