Toronto Fringe

"The Toronto Fringe Festival is an annual theater arts festival, typically held in July. The festival was originally founded by a group of indie artists in the late 1980s, and since then, it has grown to become Ontario’s largest theater arts festival. During the festival, Fringe showcases over 150 productions across the city. Many notable productions have earned their start at Fringe, going on to Broadway or television. Tickets to shows are around only $10 but should be booked in advance.When: First two weeks of July" - MATADOR_NETWORK

"September is one of the best times for art lovers to gather in Philadelphia, thanks to the massive, 17-day Fringe Festival. Fringe attracts artists from all over the world, along with Philly’s best. During the festival, you’ll see comedy sketches, theatrical performances, spoken word poetry, paintings, and dancing. Prices vary depending on the performance but range from free to $35.When: September" - MATADOR_NETWORK

"The Fringe: Theatre Al Fresco The “fringe movement” is a worldwide network of indie theatre festivals. As the name suggests, the movement is about celebrating under-represented voices and those on the margins of the performing arts world. As a result, the shows are a result of a lottery system of producers and writers who submitted their plays. It’s a festival where anyone can put on any show, without having to pass through a jury – where theatre students can mount their first production outside of school, where emerging artists can get their big break, and where established artists can test out new work. Popular shows like da Kink in my Hair and The Drowsy Chaperone got their start at Fringe. Whether you’re watching a show (or number of shows) in the back alley behind the famed Honest Ed’s, or smaller theatres in Toronto like the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, you’ll be in for a cheap treat."