When I was at the Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival yesterday, I ran into several people I know who asked me if I was doing a show at the Fringe this year. I told them that I wasn't and that I was attending the festival as "a civilian" this year. This was also a reference to the fact that I used to review the Fringe for CBC Radio and sometimes for magazines.

I've done 10 Fringe Festival shows (some in Edmonton but most in Saskatoon) over the years, including at the first Fringe Festival in Canada (Edmonton in 1982). My last Fringe show was in Saskatoon in 2003 ("Fishing Buddies" and "Dancing Backwards"). Over the years I've worked with lots of wonderful people on these shows and have enjoyed writing and/or directing and/or acting as part of the productions.

However, I'm not sure if I'll do another Fringe show or not. I love the creative process of writing, rehearsing and performing, but I get tired of having to put up posters, distribute handbills and try to get media coverage because there's so much competition--especially from well-known touring groups--for potential audience members.