This is our 12th year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe so it's fair to say we've picked up a few survival skills along the day. The four core values of ComedySportz are Collaboration, Inspiration, Gratitude and Fun. In this post we're got to talk about how performers and audiences alike can use those values to make the most of your time at the Fringe!

Collaboration

The Fringe is a great time for performers and audiences to meet, laugh and make connections. It's an opportunity to experiment and try new things. As improvisers we are always on the look out for gifts and offers; opportunities to have fun and find ways to support each other in the improv community. The fringe can be busy, tiring and stressful so it's important to support each other!

Inspiration

There are thousands of shows to see at the Edinburgh Fringe from names you know and names you don't!

The core tenet of improvisation is “Yes, And”, the notion that you accept what is being offered to you (in Edinburgh terms this can mean something as simple as taking a flyer from a rain soaked act who hasn't slept) and then building on it (again, in Edinburgh terms this means coming to a show and having fun). In Improv you're never sure what is going to happen, you take a risk on something new and find something unexpected and fun! This is a great attitude to take to seeing shows at the festival - The Fringe is the worlds largest all you can eat buffet so don't just have the chips!

Gratitude

Because there are thousands of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe competing for your time we always say thank you to the audiences that choose to see our shows by putting on the best show we can every time!

We always attend as part of the Free Festival so audiences can see as many shows as they like but anyone who has been to the fringe before knows that free shows ask for donations at the end to help cover costs. We'll have a few incentives to encourage donations - copies of our new ComedySportz book as well as wearable merch - but there is absolutely no obligation. Just give us a high five and tell someone how much you enjoyed the show ...so when they come to see it the next day they can bring money instead.

If you attend a free/pay what you want show and aren't able to make a donation but really enjoyed the show then consider posting about the show on social media, leaving a good review on the Edinburgh Fringe website or help to spread word of mouth. If you've enjoyed one of our matches we'd love to hear from you using the hashtag #CSzED19 and this year's official fringe hashtag #MakeYourFringe!

Fun

The joy of Improv is getting to play with other people. To start with nothing and end up with a story to tell. The Fringe is an opportunity to do that writ large, to try new things and make new connections on stage and off. It's our festival. Let's play!

Other Tips:

• There are hundreds of great free shows across the city. Paid shows also run cheaper tickets on previews or 2-4-1 days and the half price huts are a great place to snag a bargain.
• The Fringe can be a loud, intimidating place with big crowds so be sure to look after yourself and find some quiet moments when you can.
• At ComedySportz we wear nice shoes. In Edinburgh we wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as there is a lot of walking around (and up and down). We always take a couple of pairs.
• And a coat. The Edinburgh weather can change more frequently than a game of New Choice!

For more fringe insights and stories then check out these interviews with ComedySportz players Vicki and Sean.

We hope to see you at the Edinburgh Fringe this year but don't worry if you can't make it as ComedySportz and ComedySportz 4 Tots will be back at Waterside Arts at the end of August.

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