ED2019 Interviews ED2019 Theatre ED2019 TW:DIY

Eight Steps Q&A: Julia Croft

By | Published on Wednesday 14 August 2019

Live artist and theatre marker Julia Croft offers some tips on how to get the most from the Edinburgh Festival, in eight steps…

1: Beyond posters and reviews, how do you suggest people pick shows to see at this year’s Fringe?
Listen to the word of mouth. Once the Festival is underway, you quickly start hearing from folks about the shows you cannot miss. And take a few chances – see something you might not usually go to see.

2: What tips have you got for people trying to see as many shows as possible in one day – how can you power through?
Honestly, I am not a fan of trying to squeeze in ten shows a day. I would say aim for three max and give yourself time after each show. Drink a beer, have a think about the show, have a chat about it. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to see everything.

3: When people are reaching peak Fringe, what tips do you have for chilling out during the Festival?
Take one day where you commit to ignoring the whole Fringe – see no shows, cook dinner at home, watch a movie. Shut out the chaos just for 24 hours!

4: What things do you think should be on every Fringe-goers Edinburgh Festival bucket list?
The karaoke at Frankensteins, the Summerhall Courtyard, seeing at least one show that makes you cry, going up to your new art crush when you see them on the street and embarrassing yourself with your over excited fan-girling over their work.

5: Beyond the flyer, what tips have you got for performers trying to get people into their shows?
Make friends with folks at the Fringe and ask them to come along. Word of mouth seriously works better than flyering, so just start chatting to people.

6: The Fringe can be great for finding a new audience. What tips would you have for staying connected with that new audience beyond Edinburgh?
Oh I am terrible at this! I am way too self-effacing to maintain a decent social media presence. I will try and get better next time, I promise I will!

7: Performing at the Fringe is partly about building a network. What tips have you got for people looking to make connections in the industry?
Just be open and friendly, ask people for coffees and drinks, try and bump into them in an artist bar, and know that these things can take a long time. Don’t be impatient and don’t talk about your work too much, be a good human first and be an artist selling their work second.

8: How would you recommend performers stay healthy during all the Fringe madness?
Magnesium! And lots of multi vitamins, and really try to get enough sleep and vegetables. Do not compare yourself or your work to those around you. Most of all make sure you are having fun.

Julia Croft performed ‘Working On My Night Moves’ at Summerhall at Edinburgh Festival 2019.

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