The best thing about Toronto…
// July 8th, 2007 // Blog, Kris's Soapbox
I’m not afraid to say that I’m a Toronto Hater. I take solace in the fact that everyone who lives outside of this city hates this city. I have been pressed by many of the locals to think of reasons why I don’t like this town, and I could list several… but that’s not why I’m writing! I just wanted to take a second to point out that I think the BEST thing about Toronto is the Fringe audience.
Audience members here are seasoned, educated Fringe folk who have a good handle on how Fringe festivals work. The people here are very willing to take risks on shows without waiting until all the reviews are in. They line up diligently while they wait to get into a theatre — even in the middle of a thunderstorm – and they are eager to have conversations with artists about almost anything. They ASK for flyers, and when they don’t WANT flyers, they are exceedingly polite about not taking them.
My favorite part of doing a Fringe tour is the chatting! I’m not a fan of “drive-by” flyering, and neither is Patrick. I get a huge kick out of meeting people and hearing about what they’ve seen and what they recommend, even if they turn out to be from Missouri, or a Sharon Osbourne look-alike.
Last night I met a woman outside the theatre for Moat & Castle, and talked to her about The Churchill Protocol. SHe took a flyer and said that the play seemed intersting to her, so I said that it was our opening night and could give her a free ticket. “I don’t know,” she said. “You’re not on until 11:30 tonight, and I’m getting over a back problem so I really think I should go home and rest.” I thanked her and moved down the line… and a few minutes later she piped up again: “I’m sorry — it’s your opening night and I know you’ll need a house because it’s late. I’d love to come.” Sure enough, she was there for our opening last night, and she sat right up front.
If I meet a few more like her this week, I may be forced to re-evaluate my conclusion on my taste for Hogtown!
