Fringe theatre is the most democratic and accessible theatre in the world.
The fringe has become the essence of theatrical development, in this country and abroad. Certain fringe companies, like Gams on the Lam from the United States, or Ghost River , from Calgary, develop a devout following on the Canadian and international fringe circuits. There is a higher quota of Gay and Lesbian works in an average fringe than there is in an average city's theatre season. Cities who do not have a Primus , Carbone 14 or Robert Lepage , are also getting the chance to see multidisciplinary works and, by such contact, becoming open to the creation of such works within the city's ongoing cultural life. Also, and this is an important evolution in Canadian theatre, the Canadian and international fringe circuit is keeping many artists working all year round on a theatrical product which they have often created and wish to keep alive.