Last year, 234 volunteers donated more than 4,000 hours of their precious time to the festival and Melbourne Fringe would never survive without this generous commitment and hard work.
One volunteer from the 2007 Fringe, Lina Patel, enjoyed herself so much she's already back on board for this year's event.
"Volunteering at Melbourne Fringe is fantastic," she said. "You get to experience all the fun and frivolity of the festival and you appreciate the scale of such a massive event. If you are thinking about volunteering at the Fringe, definitely do it. There are so many avenues to experience and it's really important to support these festivals and artists in our own city."
This year the Fringe runs from September 24 - October 12. Fun, friendly and focused individuals are needed during this time and in the weeks leading up to the event. Volunteers can gain experience in a wide range of areas including production, administration, the festival club bar, front of house, box office, ticketing, the information centre and at event launches.
So if you have an interest in events and the arts, are looking to gain valuable experience in the industry, want to meet some incredible people from all over the world and wouldn't mind seeing a few shows for free, then volunteering at The Age 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival is for you.
In return, volunteers will be offered valuable learning experiences in a vibrant and exciting training ground, including the opportunity to achieve formal qualifications. They will also receive a pass gaining them free entry to available Fringe shows and qualifying them for a range of discounts around the city.
To get involved in one of Victoria's largest celebrations of independent arts:
Visit the website www.melbournefringe.com.au
Click on Taking Part and then Volunteers and download the Application Form.
First round Applications close August 31.
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Abby Allen on 03 9660 9600 or email
OR come along to the Volunteer Information Night which will be held at 6.30pm on Monday 25 August at Trades Hall, corner of Lygon and Victoria Street, Carlton.