2024 marks the tenth anniversary of Theatre; Just Because, and in those ten years, we've achieved so much! With our first-ever Fort McMurray Fringe Festival now wrapped up, I can't imagine a better event that reflects our mission and goals. This festival has been years in the making and took a village to bring to life. So, let’s take a moment to celebrate the artists, volunteers, and supporters who made it all possible.
The Artists
This year’s Fringe Festival proudly showcased 18 performing artists, including some making their stage debuts. We were thrilled to present three mainstage performances making their worldwide debuts, as well as five talented buskers and nine amazing artisans in our market. A heartfelt thank you to Birchwood Creative, Pebble Art by Joan, The Momma Island, The Crafted Writer Studio, Expressive.Artiste, Sparklefilth Studios, Tobacco and Tulips Beadwork, Petals and Metals, and Gift Hut for highlighting the creativity and passion in our community. Thank you also to Cousin’s Original, for serving up some truly delicious burgers, poutines, grilled cheeses, and more. Behind the scenes, many talented individuals ensured everything ran smoothly, proving just how essential backstage support is to any production.
The Performances
We were honored to debut three original productions written by artists who live and create in the Wood Buffalo region. Let me share a few highlights:
Senior @ 60 by Divine Group of India
Led by Shweta Suthar, this joyful, intergenerational celebration combined comedy, culture, dance, and music. The ensemble, made up of seniors, many performing on stage—and in English—for the first time, delighted audiences with lighthearted scenes and dances about everyday life. It was a joy to watch these performers embrace the stage and share their passion with our community.The Elephant and the American by Samson Nand
Written by local playwright and Theatre; Just Because’s own Company Manager, Samson Nand, this whimsical story explores the unexpected friendship between Babar the Elephant and Yogi the Bear. Samson, Emma Carter, and Chase Gargus brought this funny, twist-filled tale of plotting and pic-a-nic basket stealing to life. It was a true belly-laugh performance, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one return to a stage near you soon!Born a Baby at 95 by Toddy
Written and performed by Vancouver-based artist Toddy, Born a Baby at 95 is an outrageous and heartfelt exploration of death, art, opera, drag, and dairy products. Toddy’s ethereal opera mixed with humor and vulnerability created an unforgettable performance. If you ever have the chance to see her live, take it—you won’t regret it.
The Buskers
Our Busker’s Stage was alive with energy, featuring incredible performances from local musicians like Delaney Dalheim, Roman McEvoy, Millennial Radio, and Kg Banjoko. They filled the festival grounds with music and spirit, embodying the heart of Fringe.
The Sponsors
A special thank you to Fadden Family Artworks for their generous support as our Artist Hospitality Sponsor. Their contribution ensured that our performers were well taken care of throughout the festival by providing water and snacks all day long. This kind of support allowed the artists to focus on their craft and keep their energy high for each performance. We are so grateful for their commitment to nurturing the arts in our community!
The Team Behind the Scenes
A festival like this doesn’t happen without a dedicated team. My deepest thanks to the Theatre; Just Because Team and Board for their tireless work in planning, organizing, and executing this event. Emma Carter, Samson Nand, Chase Gargus, and TJ Carabeo were instrumental in making this festival a reality. Special thanks to Hilary Talbot and Ceilidh Langlois for their technical expertise, and to our many volunteers—your efforts made everything run seamlessly. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to Jamal-e-fatima Rafat, Jayme Barter, Josh Brophy, Tegan Yarkie, and Katlyn Dykens for their incredible contributions.
Closing Thoughts
As I enter my fourth year as Artistic Director, it’s been a true privilege to work with so many talented artists across this region. This is the fourth theatre festival we’ve hosted since 2021, and the Fort McMurray Fringe Festival feels like the culmination of all that hard work. Watching our community share their unique, weird, and wonderful work has been magical. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Thank you all for joining us—we’ll see you next year!