Well, here we go. Someone asked me how I got into this whole business of chasing theater festivals around the globe, so I figured I’d jot down some thoughts. It wasn’t exactly a grand plan, you know? More like stumbling into something and then just… keeping on stumbling.
Getting My Feet Wet
It all started, I think, after I saw this one play. Just a regular Tuesday night, nothing special, but the show itself, man, it knocked my socks off. Afterwards, I was buzzing, and someone mentioned the company was often at these big festival things. A lightbulb went off, a very dim one at first, but it was there. So, I did what anyone does these days: I went online. And boy, was that overwhelming. Suddenly, there were hundreds of these festivals, everywhere, all with weird names and even weirder-sounding shows.
My first attempt was, let’s be honest, a bit of a disaster. I picked one that sounded famous, booked a flight, and thought, “How hard can it be?” Turns out, pretty hard. I didn’t realize you had to book show tickets, like, months in advance for the big-name stuff. So I spent a lot of time wandering around, catching fringe shows, which were interesting, sure, but not what I’d flown halfway across the world for. And the accommodation? Let’s just say I learned the value of booking early the hard way. Found a room that was more of a closet, really.
Learning the Ropes (Slowly)
But you learn, right? Next time, I was a bit smarter. I actually read some blogs, talked to a couple of folks who’d done it before. The biggest takeaway: planning is everything. I started making spreadsheets. Yeah, I became a spreadsheet guy for festivals. Who’d have thought? I’d list out the shows I absolutely had to see, then the “would be nice” ones, and then the “if everything else is sold out” options.
I figured out that getting to the venues early is key, even if you have a ticket. Sometimes there’s a pre-show talk, or you just soak up the atmosphere. And comfy shoes! I can’t stress this enough. You walk. A lot. From venue to venue, standing in queues, wandering through festival grounds. My feet have seen some things, let me tell you.
- Booking Tickets: As soon as they go on sale. Seriously. Set alarms.
- Accommodation: Book this even before the tickets, if you can. Prices go crazy.
- Travel Between Venues: Learn the local transport, or be prepared for lots of walking.
- Food: Pack snacks. Festival food is often expensive and not always great. Though sometimes you find a hidden gem.
What It’s Really Like
It’s not all glamour, despite what some glossy brochures might suggest. There are crowds. Huge, sweaty crowds sometimes. You’ll queue for tickets, queue for the toilet, queue for a drink. You’ll sit in uncomfortable seats. You’ll sometimes watch a show in a language you don’t understand a word of, and just hope the acting carries it (it often does, surprisingly!).
I remember one time, I was so desperate to see this one particular director’s new piece. It was sold out, naturally. I hung around the box office for hours, hoping for a return. Nothing. Then, just as I was about to give up, this lady next to me said her friend couldn’t make it. Scored a ticket, just like that! Pure luck. Then there was another show… let’s just say it involved a lot of mud and shouting. Not my favorite, but hey, it’s an experience.
You also meet some interesting characters. Other festival-goers, artists, volunteers. Everyone’s got a story. And everyone’s usually pretty passionate about what they’re there to see. That shared energy is pretty cool.
Why Bother Then?
So, why do I keep doing it? Despite the occasional discomfort, the expense, the sheer effort of it all? Because every now and then, you see something truly magical. Something that changes how you see the world, just a little bit. A performance that makes you laugh until your sides hurt, or cry your eyes out, or just sit there in stunned silence because it was so powerful.
And it’s the buzz, too. Being in a city that’s completely taken over by art. Every corner you turn, there’s something happening. A street performer, a pop-up gallery, music spilling out of a bar. It’s like the whole place is alive in a different way.
So, that’s my little journey into the world of theater festivals. Started off clueless, made a ton of mistakes, but slowly figured things out. It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve seen some incredible things, and some… well, some other things. If you’re thinking about diving in, my advice is just to do it. Pick one, do a bit of research (more than I did the first time!), and go. It’ll be an adventure, that’s for sure.
