Well, now that’s over.
Out of Character closed on Sunday night, to an enthusiastic crowd. There were very few backstage (or onstage) shenannigans, and the show was probably one of the best: it clipped along, the entire cast was “on”, and there was a great energy from start to finish.
The show, overall, was a good experience. We had a lot of fun, and I learned a lot (which is always good).
I have done a bit of thinking on the Fringe BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue) experience, however. I love the concept of the BYOV. I love the idea of creating site specific theatrical productions. The downside, however, is whether the BYOV is really a part of Fringe. In most of the “regular” venues, shows rotate on the schedule, never performing at the same time, and often with a day or two in between performances.  Since the shows all spend time in the same theatre, when one show is letting out, another show is getting ready to go in. The audiences mingle and word of mouth happens.  Also, if a show happens to be sold out, people may hang around and buy tickets for the next show. Actors mingle before and after shows, connections get made, and ideas get shared.
With the BYOV, however, the show exists in a bit of a vacuum. People come to the location specifically for the show that’s performing. Its usually not in a “traditional” theatre space, so people might have trouble finding it. Audiences don’t mingle with the show letting out or coming in, its rare to meet actors from other shows (unless they come specifically to see the BYOV show). Being away from the other venues, means that you lose out on some buzz generating things, such as the audiences mingling, vying for the Patron’s Pick, or the Best of the Fringe.
I’m certainly not complaining though. BYOV shows are always exciting, often experimental, and never quite what you expect. And this was an incredible experience. I just think that to get the full Fringe experience, its best to be in one of the “main venues”.
Another great thing that happened over Fringe, was that I got a much needed kick in the pants on the writing front, and gave myself a goal to have two shows written and ready, so that I can submit one of them for next year’s Fringe Lottery. I’m also starting to wonder about trying to do a Fringe tour, but that’s on the back burner. Right now, the concentration is on the writing.
