COVID-19 Updates

Read the Fringe Safety Guidelines in Response to COVID-19.

Read our 2020 Frequently Asked Questions.

Shifting the Fringe: An Update on the 2020 Vancouver Fringe Festival

(Updated on August 13, 2020)

Our “Weird” character was part of the 2018 Fringe Program Guide cover and promotions (including being featured on a limited run of Fringe t-shirts!). Originally illustrated by Chris Ross, Weird has been re-illustrated by Kitty Cheung with a 2020 twist.

The Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society is excited to announce its plans to move forward with staggered dates for the 2020 Fringe Festival. Live performances and events will take place beginning with our previously scheduled Festival dates of September 10-20 and extending to select dates in October, November, and possibly December.

This year’s focus will be on live performances from local artists while some digital events may be made available. The in-person, concentrated Festival events will be held at fewer venues with limited capacity to meet the guidelines laid out in the BC Restart Plan and a safety plan will be in place and available to patrons, volunteers, and artists in advance. As always, community safety remains the Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society’s top priority. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and look for guidance and recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada, HealthLink BC, and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

We are delighted that the Fringe can highlight local artists in 2020. We are currently confirming which artists are available and eager to present their work and anticipate that September 10 to 20 will be a kick off with limited performances and workshops, with more shows taking place October 1 to 10, October 29 to November 8, and possibly extending to November 28 thru December 8. We will announce 2020 Fringe shows, schedules, and additional details at the beginning of September.

In the meantime, we want to extend a note of thanks to Fringe staff, board, partners, patrons, donors, volunteers, artists, sponsors, and funders for your patience and support during this challenging time. We are keen to continue “creating an open and vibrant independent theatre community” as per our Mission Statement, and are grateful to you for playing your part in building the community despite the pandemic. We look forward to seeing you, from six feet away, soon.

Below are previous statements made by the Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society regarding updates on the 2020 Festival and as they relate to the COVID-19 shutdown.

Got Fringe?: An Update on the 2020 Vancouver Fringe Festival – last update on June 1, 2020

COVID-19 – Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society Updated Statement – last updated on April 23, 2020

COVID-19 – Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society Statement – last updated on March 31, 2020