I like to play Fringe venue bingo.  Basically, I’m trying to watch a show in every Fringe venue (not including any site specific shows).  I very rarely manage to pull this off but I enjoy the challenge.

This year’s biggest obstacle (if you can call it that) has been the high concentration of shows on the West bank.  With eight venues within walking distance of each other, it is very easy to park yourself on the West Bank for a night.  I’ve done it several times already.

Getting to the Uptown and Northeast Minneapolis clusters have required actual effort.  I only have one venue left so I think I’m going to fill my bingo card.  I feel like there should be a button or something.

Another note on venue – there are two differing philosophies on shows in your own venue.  Mine is to see as many as possible in order to support other artists.  I’ve heard others believe they should avoid seeing shows in their own venue or they increase someone else’s chances of getting the encore.

Honestly, I don’t even understand why that second philosophy is a thing.  If you lose out on the encore because a couple of members of your cast went to someone else’s show, congratulations!  Your show was super popular too! Besides, how do you know those folks didn’t go see your show?

Support your venue buddies.  It’s just nicer.

Trump count is still stuck at 10.  I must have gone to all the shows with Trump jokes in the first few days.

Read More…