2024 Nanaimo Fringe

2024 NANFRINGE HIGHLIGHTS

Pick of the Fringe

A huge congratulations to Castle of Glass for winning our Pick of The Fringe award! Death’s Cabaret came in a close second place and all of our performers left their hearts on the stage!

Forum Theatre

This 2024 workshop series featured newcomers to the region. Exploring themes of belonging through Augusto Boal’s world-renowned Theatre of the Oppressed practice, the audience had a chance to rewind the performances and step in to mitigate circumstances of oppression and conflict. Led by Larissa Coser (pictured) this was a popular event with many fringe patrons.

Youth Flame

11 teen artists worked with storytellers Deb Williams and Zoe Henderson to create their own stories, exploring the theme of community through a series of workshops. A thought-provoking evening of story was shared at the Black Rabbit Kitchen.

Supported by the City of Nanaimo.

NanFringe is back August 8-18, 2024!

With 4 venues in the Nanaimo downtown core-including The Port Theatre Mainstage and Lobby, Black Rabbit Outdoor Stage, The Attic, the Nanaimo Fringe promises a multitude of performances, celebrations and good times!

Click here for the 2024 Digital Festival Guide

Tix on Sale starting July 11th through The Port Theatre.

Interested in Volunteering? We’d love to welcome your enthusiastic help!

2024 Fringe Line -Up

Search for the Magical Spatula – Port Theatre Mainstage

Failure Party, Port Alberni, BC

Join our hero Randy and his trusty side-kick Baby Steps on a superfluous adventure into a mundane world. In a universe where cooking utensils contain your life force, what would you do if someone stole your Spatula right from the inside of your pillow case? And what if that someone was none other than the notorious criminal mastermind Harm Money?? In this participatory adventure comedy we desperately need your help in restoring balance to a chaotic world! Suitable for all ages (except for one sneaky expletive).

The Not-So-Secret Life of Rowena Riddle – Black Rabbit Outdoor Stage

Theatre on a Stick, Nanaimo, BC

Rowena prides herself on knowing every single riddle in the entire world– or at least she thought she did. Three new riddles have shown up today. Will she be able to capture them and add them to her already massive collection? Or will they get the better of her?  NOTE: Audience interaction (will be limited to audience members sitting in the first two rows).  Suitable for the whole family.

I’m Gonna Be FRANK – Black Rabbit The Attic

Priscilla Costa, Vancouver BC

Wheels and Whoopie – Port Theatre Mainstage

AMK Custom Creation, Toronto, ON

Double feature show: Randii Andii and Ryan Lachance are headline comedic acts with over 20 years of experience. Randii Andii is a musical comedian, known for her provocative parody songs and show-stopping costumes. She has toured the US and Canada, performed in international festivals, and spent 4 years working for Carnival Cruise Lines. Ryan Lachance is a mainstay of the Vancouver comedy scene, headlining at Yuk Yuk’s, House of Comedy, Just for Laughs, and touring throughout western Canada. Ryan was a feature performer at the Vancouver Fringe Festival 2019, and recently collaborated on the Just for Laughs Best of the West comedy album compilation! Suitable for Ages 18+

Content Warning

Will contain adult language/themes, sexuality and possible nudity.

The Illusionary Magic of Sitruc James – Port Theatre Lobby

Horus Eye Productions, Regina, SK

Sitruc James, the enigmatic magician and illusionist, takes the stage at the Fringe Festival, promising an unforgettable experience that will defy belief. With his mesmerizing show, he transports audiences on a journey through the realms of mystery and wonder, weaving together mind-bending illusions and spellbinding magic that will leave jaws dropped and minds reeling. From vanishing acts to impossible escapes, Sitruc James captivates spectators with his mastery of the art of deception, ensuring an evening filled with excitement, intrigue, and unforgettable memories that will linger long after the final curtain falls. Suitable for all ages.

A Life in Transition – Black Rabbit The Attic

Patti Savard, Courtenay, BC

Patti Savard spills her life onto the stage with this one-woman comedy show of stand-up, theatrics, and song. She brings her sassy true self and other personas to the stage on this queer comedic journey through time. Growing up in the 80’s & 90’s, and having to live as male most of her life, has given her unique perspectives on social behaviour. What has she learned about herself and the world around her? Evolution, if anything, is hilarious. Warning! This show is gay!… Very gay!… Like, totally gay. Proudly puking rainbow gay. Suitable Ages 18+.

Recipient of the 2024 PCSC Trans Artist Sponsorship.

Castle of Glass – Port Theatre Mainstage

Wasteland Preachers, Victoria, BC

Finding purpose in a quarter life crisis. A theatrical folk-rock poem. Equal parts spoken-word poetry, indie-rock concert, Castle of Glass tells a personal story of self-acceptance. Wasteland Preachers is a musical theatre troupe from Victoria, BC. Suitable for ages 14+

Content Warning

course language, partial nudity, loud music, fast lighting changes, mature subject matter including addiction and sex

You’re Just…Different: An Autism Journey – Black Rabbit Outdoor Stage

Adam Jacobson, Vancouver, BC

Join Adam Jacobson as he discusses reconciling his autism and weirdness in a powerful and introspective performance that challenges social norms and celebrates self-acceptance. You’re Just…Different: An Autism Journey invites audiences to journey with him as he navigates the complexities of being neurodivergent and an all around silly goose. Suitable for ages 14+

Content Warning

May contain course language and loud noises

Circus of Life – Port Theatre Mainstage

Fairie Ring Circus, Vancouver, BC

In a world stripped of magic by the Dark Emperor, an orphaned child discovers a mysterious Genie trapped in a boot. Guided by the Genie, the child embarks on a quest to unlock the elemental powers within herself: Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. As she awakens each element at the ancient elemental gateways, she gains the strength and wisdoms to challenge the tyrannical Emperor. This journey not only aims to restore the lost magic to the world but also reveals her destiny as the culmination of these four elemental forces, destined to bring balance and harmony back to our world. Suitable for all ages

Death’s Cabaret: A Musical Journey to the Other Side – Black Rabbit The Attic

Divinity Rising, Nanaimo, BC

Weaving the ancient Indian mythology of her ancestral homeland with dazzling cabaret-style song and dance numbers, Miss Divinity Rising recounts how her immigrant father’s untimely death inspired her to become a palliative-care nurse. Suitable for ages 18+

Content Warning

Nudity & mature themes (death, sexuality, abuse). This event may not be appropriate for those who are actively grieving. Audience discretion is advised.

The Kids Are All Dying – Port Theatre Mainstage

TFL Produces, Qualicum Beach, BC

Set in Seattle, Washington at Lincoln Park High, The Kids Are All Dying tells the story of two boys struggling through the aftermath of a school shooting. It follows Jack and Noah as they learn about life and love and overcoming trauma while trying to navigate the ever-changing world around them. How does the death of a fellow student change how they see the future? Suitable for ages 16+.

Tremulous Blur – Port Theatre Lobby

Passionflower Body, Nanaimo, BC

A physical theatre show exploring self and body, trans-ness, breasts versus no breasts/top-surgery contemplations, ever-present awareness of death/death’s influence, small, vanishing subtleties that change everything, summer dreaminess, and allowing oneself to spread out. Suitable for ages 16+.

Live Music with Shel! – August 9th 8:15-9pm at Black Rabbit Kitchen

Join us for live musical entertainment from the lovely and talented Shel! Her performance is free for any patrons at Black Rabbit Kitchen and is limited to restaurant seating (please order something and tip your servers!). Make a reservation or risk missing your spot!

The energetic, dynamic Shel is back to entertain audiences this year- join her for an acoustic , smooth and heartfelt performance- don’t miss it!

Live Music with Elise Boulanger! – August 17th 8:15pm-9pm at Black Rabbit Kitchen

Join us for live musical entertainment from the lovely and talented Elise Boulanger! Her performance is free for any patrons at Black Rabbit Kitchen and is limited to restaurant seating (please order something and tip your servers!). Make a reservation or risk missing your spot!

Indie-Chamber-Folk artist Elise Boulanger is a haunting vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and environmental advocate hailing from Coast Salish lands (Vancouver and Nanaimo) in Canada. She creates cinematic dreamscapes of ethereal vocals, resonant strings and rhythmic energies.

Looking for ways to Elevate your Brand? We love showcasing local businesses through sponsorship.

Reach out at admin@pacificcoaststage.org