Episode 77: Rachel Kennedy & Laura Paduch & Everything You Need To Know About Toronto Fringe 2025

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Kennedy and Laura Paddock, the powerhouse duo behind Toronto Fringe! We chat about their journeys to leadership, what’s new for this year’s festival, and why audience engagement and open-mindedness matter more than ever.They break down what makes Fringe such a special space for bold, diverse voices, the importance of community involvement, and why volunteers are truly the heart of the festival.We also dive into how ticket sales directly support artists, how the festival stays accessible for everyone, and what makes their uncensored programming so important. Plus they clear up a few common misconceptions and share a new ticketing model designed to make it easier for folks to experience more shows.Be sure to go to fringetoronto.com for tickets, schedules, shows and all the information you'll need to get the most out of Fringe this year. Let me know in the comments which shows you're excited to see this year!!! Chapters00:00 Introduction to Toronto Fringe and Its Leaders03:07 Journey to Co-Leadership: Rachel and Laura's Stories06:01 The Exciting Changes for Fringe 202508:52 Audience Engagement: What Makes a Good Audience Member?11:59 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Fringe Experiences14:58 Navigating the Fringe: Tips for Artists and Audiences18:09 Creating Space for Diverse Voices in Theatre21:07 Volunteering and Community Involvement at Fringe27:15 The Value of Time and Volunteerism29:07 Ticket Sales and Artist Support31:28 Fringe Festival Principles and Community32:28 Censorship and Content Accessibility34:00 Accessibility Measures in Performances39:05 Essential Items for Fringe Attendees44:18 Common Misconceptions about Fringe Festivals52:44 Innovative Ticketing Models and Audience EngagementEpisode shot by  @ChantaleVShots ​