ED2019 Dance & Physical Theatre ED2019 Interviews ED2019 TW:DIY

Eight Steps Q&A: Chelsea McGuffin

By | Published on Sunday 28 July 2019

Artistic Director of Company2, Chelsea McGuffin, 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?
Take a risk! There is so much on and so much to see. See something suggested, see a must-see show and see a bunch of things you have never heard of, or a style or form that is new to you. Edinburgh is something to be experienced so get in amongst it!

2: What tips have you got for people trying to see as many shows as possible in one day – how can you power through?
Sugar, coffee, beer and wine as the day progresses. You will slump at some point but push through the madness, it will blow your mind.

3: When people are reaching peak Fringe, what tips do you have for chilling out during the Festival?
Sleep. Go to the park. Walk up the hill. Start all over again.

4: What things do you think should be on every Fringe-goers Edinburgh Festival bucket list?
Mmmmm…. Experience it like you will never come back again. The madness might get you…

5: Beyond the flyer, what tips have you got for performers trying to get people into their shows?
I think this is the million dollar question! Be bold, stay true to your show. Don’t over sell yourself. Promote other people. The more we help each other the more we all benefit. Enjoy it. At the end of the day we don’t have that much control over it.

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?
Talk to your audience. Get out front and meet the people seeing your show. Hear the good and bad and make real connections.

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?
Be clear about what you want from the Fringe. Make a few great connections that have real potential rather than fifty that are window shoppers that you will never have time to follow up.

8: How would you recommend performers stay healthy during all the Fringe madness?
Sleep. Party every other day. Remember why you are there and what you planned to achieve. Fringe has highs and lows. Try not to ride the general wave, just be clear on yours. And meet all the artists you can.

Chelsea McGuffin is Artistic Director of Company2, who are staging ‘Le Coup’ at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows from 3-24 Aug.

READ MORE ABOUT: | |