Finding fun, direction at Fringe fest
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/06/2022 (1505 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Stephanie Hall always imagined she would appear in the Free Press.
A born performer, Hall was six years old when she started telling family and friends she was going to be famous and win an Oscar. When she learned cursive, she created a big and bold handwriting style she hoped would look beautiful when she signed autographs for an adoring public.
Hall didn’t end up hitting it big in Hollywood. The federal government employee is speaking to the Free Press about something better, she says: the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.
“For those two weeks that it’s on, it’s home,” says Hall, 38. “I just want to see it succeed and get bigger and better every year.”
Hall was a theatre- and dance-loving teenager when she signed up to volunteer for the 2002 fringe. When the festival started that July, she knew she had made the right decision.
“There are certain places where immediately you can tell that you’re surrounded by people that are excited about what they’re doing, and they’re ready to pitch in and help and make sure the proverbial trains run on time,” she says.
“For someone just out of high school, who had flunked out of university and didn’t have a particular direction at the time, it was refreshing to see adults talk to me like an adult and treat me with respect. I got to have fun and contribute to something.”
Except for 2017 and 2018, when she worked for the Fringe, Hall has volunteered at every festival since — assisting with front-of-house duties such as ticket-taking before shows and then, once shows have started, helping count the money and fill out the accounting-related paperwork to ensure the festival has the numbers it needs and the performers are paid.
Hall was initially so consumed by volunteering she didn’t see her first Fringe show until three or four years after getting involved.
These days, she sees as many shows as she can. The opportunity to discover new things appeals to her.
“You can experience every emotion possible and walk away thinking, ‘My life just got a little bit bigger and a little bit better.’ Even if the show is bad, you can walk away feeling like you were transported.”
This year’s Fringe runs July 13-24 and will host more than 110 performing companies.
More than 400 volunteers will work to create an enjoyable experience for patrons and performers, including selling tickets, ushering performances, serving drinks, answering patron questions, and keeping the festival’s indoor and outdoor spaces clean.
To her disappointment, Hall won’t be among those volunteers. A cancer diagnosis earlier this year and the recent start of her chemotherapy treatments mean she won’t be able to participate. Still, she has a positive outlook.
“I am a firm believer that this, as far as bumps in the road go, is minor. This is a time in my life and it will pass.”
She encourages people to get involved with this year’s festival, which still needs volunteers to assist in a variety of areas (go to http://wfp.to/ocW).
Hall hopes to return in 2023.
“If there’s nothing in my way next year, you better believe I’m there with all my buttons and my lanyard and my T-shirt and my marked-up program,” she says. “I will skip through Old Market Square probably, because I will be so happy to be home.”
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com
fpcity@freepress.mb,ca
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers but can assist you in finding an opportunity. More at volunteermanitoba.ca or 204-477-5180.
Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library is seeking volunteer sales associates for the Best of Friends Gift Shop. This involves basic retail sales duties such as helping customers, processing customer transactions, stocking shelves and doing light to moderate cleaning (primarily sweeping, dusting and wiping shelves). General computer knowledge; the ability to provide friendly, courteous and prompt service; fluency in English and the ability to follow instructions are essential. Email vol@friendswpl.ca or apply online at http://wfp.to/oJd before Thursday.
1Just City needs volunteer mentors who will support the housing team by establishing and maintaining relationships with guests who attend drop-in sites. Mentors will work with guests to understand their needs related to housing and provide short-term support to guests. That might include helping guests look for housing vacancies, printing out applications, referring to community resources, discussing their housing challenges and helping guests fill out applications. Apply online at http://wfp.to/oJ9. The deadline is Aug. 31.
Evermore Gather Grow Lead is seeking members for its board of directors to bring informed decision-making and perspective. Community leaders are needed to participate in a review of the vision and strategic governance plan. Must be willing to engage in policy governance and ensure appropriate organizational performance through outcomes, executive limitations, governance process and board-management relationships. Email info@evermoreggl.com before Dec. 31.
The Rainbow Resource Centre needs casual volunteers to help with special events such as the RRC Spring Gala, LGBT Centre Awareness Day and any Pride-related events that require the centre’s presence. Apply in person at 170 Scott St., by email at programming@rainbowresourcecentre.org or online at http://wfp.to/oJ3 before Dec. 31.
Folklorama is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for its comeback festival, July 31 to Aug. 13. Applications will be accepted until July 29. You can join Team Folklorama at any time of year and help out at other events. Learn more at http://wfp.to/oZ9.
Victoria Lifeline needs volunteer home service representatives to install and service Lifeline in the Winnipeg area. Volunteers meet clients in their homes in scheduled appointments and follow COVID-19 protocols. You must be available one day per week, and have a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle. Expenses will be reimbursed monthly, and training is provided. Call 204-956-6773 or go to http://wfp.to/omE by Thursday.
St. Amant is seeking volunteers for its 2022 iCan Shine Bike Camp. Spotters will give individualized instruction on specially adapted bikes that teach riders balance and co-ordination. You must be age 15 or older and able to walk/jog approximately five kilometres each 75-minute session. Volunteers are asked to attend a 45-minute orientation and commit to attending all five days of the camp. More details at 204-256-4301, ext. 3474, or apply online at http://wfp.to/QC9 by July 15.
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults is seeking volunteers to provide social companionship to older people in the St. James area. If you can commit to at least one hour a week, you can make a difference for an older adult living in the community. For more information, contact Anita at aadams@aosupportservices.ca or 204-956-6440. The deadline is Aug. 1.
The Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group needs volunteers to help at public meetings and health fairs, by greeting attendees and doing general duties. Two board members, a treasurer and secretary, are also needed. For details, email eschade@mymts.net or call 204-489-1648 by Dec. 31.
The Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (also known as Welcome Place) needs law students or persons with a legal background to help with its In-Canada Protection Program. Tasks include completing the basis of claim and other documents with refugee claimants. Computer skills essential. Additional languages an asset but not necessary. Hours to be determined. For more information, contact Michael at 204-977-1000 (ext. 280) or by email at volunteerprogram@miic.ca.
Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS) is seeking volunteers to help newcomer-serving organizations and communities supporting Ukrainian refugees here. Email ukrainesupport@needsinc.ca or call 204-940-1264. Visit http://wfp.to/omg for details.
The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties is seeking one or more volunteers to serve on its board, or on a committee that will offer guidance on reviewing non-profit financial statements with staff members and help with board oversight of budgeting and audit preparation. This 44-year-old, non-profit human rights education organization facilitates dialogue about human rights and civil liberties to build an informed and engaged community.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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