Check out http://www.vancouverfringe.com and start attending shows. The Frequent Fringer pass is a great deal. So are the half-price shows. If you can’t decide, attend at random and open your mind to some new experiences.
Fringe shows epitomize the DIY philosophy. The stage company, which might be just the performer himself or herself, or might be a fair-sized team, puts together a production. Vancouver Fringe chooses the productions by lottery, rather than by jury, so everyone has a fair chance. Thus, you can see anything from a one-person, off-the-wall production to a full-fledged theatrical remake with expert production values. I like both types, and everything in between. (And note that many of the one-person shows do indeed have high production values.)
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