It’s Saskatoon, or, Why I am Optimistic
// August 2nd, 2007 // Blog, Patrick's Soapbox
I have been drinking since 2:00 pm. It’s Saskatoon.
The start of very Fringe is generally met with optimism: a new city, new reviews, new audiences. A chance to correct the (potential) mistakes from the previous city or build on the success of your last stop. The chance that this town might get your play in ways that no other town has, and that those people will flock to your show in large numbers – banging down the door, pushing grandmothers out of the way, selling their first born – to get tickets for the show.
A new fringe. A fresh start. A time for hope.
Not, however, in Saskatoon.
In Saskatoon, New Fringe Optimism is replaced by Saskatoon Pessimism: is anyone going to come to my show, will the technician be a high-school student, will I have a place to live. When the touring shows arrive at the festival in Saskatoon, the chatter is all about surviving. Surviving tech rehearsals in under-equipped and under-staffed venues and surviving much smaller audiences than Winnipeg, and surviving the heavy drinking and socializing that inevitably happen at the Performers-and-Hangers-On-Only Bar (where the beer is cheap, the food decent, and the doors stay open until the last person decides they want to go home).
Saskatoon Pessimism is, of course, quickly followed by Saskatoon Apathy. “It’s Saskatoon,” is the common response of the the defeated Fringe Artist when their technician fails to show up for a performance, or if your billet decides half-way through the festival that they no longer want to house you. “It’s Saskatoon,” you say. And you drink. Even if you don’t (especially if you don’t).
In spite of all this, I have a confession to make: I sort of like the Saskatoon Fringe. Sure, you can’t poster anywhere because the city has draconian bylaws, but the local stores and restaurants are more than willing to put posters in their windows.
Yes, it’s annoying that the beer tent is more geared toward corporate sponsors and street performers than the indoor shows, but the aforementioned performer-only Green Room has cheap beer, free internet, free pool, big TV’s, and it’s open very very late.
Of course it sucks that you’re here for what seems like months and you perform what seems like twice, but I like being high at 2:00 pm four days a week.
Plus, it’s not all Saskatoon’s fault. The festival is in the unenviable position of taking place between Winnipeg and Edmonton. The two biggest festivals on the circuit. It doesn’t matter how good or bad the festival is, anything will seem disappointing after Winnipeg and feel like wasting time before Edmonton.
So this year, I am decidedly PRO Saskatoon Fringe. I am filled with optimism. Our houses will be large, our technicians confident and competent, and our days (and days) off will be productive.
I have been drinking since 2:00 pm. It’s Saskatoon!
