The Vancouver Fringe Festival kicks off Thursday, showcasing theatre, comedy, dance, drag, music, and more in 83 shows across 18 venues.

Duncan Watts-Grant, the festival’s executive director, says this year’s event will feature 78 local artists.

“In total, it will be 650 performances in the 11 days, so we really pack in a lot of just a few short days,” he said.

“So it’s a lot for people to come and check out.”

Watts-Grant shared the unconventional way they set the festival’s lineup.

“We are uncurated and don’t select any of the acts,” he said.

“We literally pick it from a hat, so you really don’t know what you’re going to get.”

CityNews got the chance to speak to the talent behind the upcoming play TGIF, “which is our acronym for ‘The Guys I F’d,’” said writer and producer Centenie Narusis.

Narusis says the play tells the story of her “colourful dating history.”

“I describe it as a wild and crazy ride on the way to finding my forever husband,” she said.

“I’ve had people say, ‘You don’t seem like the wild and crazy type,’ in which case I have to say, you need to see this show.”

TGIF has six performances at the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island.

This is not the only play that will reflect on personal experiences. Love (Manipulated) tells a creative story of a separation, giving writer and director Gordon Woolvett a chance to reflect on his own journey.

“While I’m writing a play about film producers making a film about themselves, while I’m an actor, while my marriage was breaking down at the same time, was so surreal,” Woolvett said.

“So a lot of this project has been laughter and tears at the same time.”

And as real as the process can be, it can be equally as fun.

“It’s just a ball of fun, to be honest!” said Love (Manipulated) actress Victoria Souter.

“Gord is putting us through the ringer!”

Megan Phillips, TGIF co-director and actress, agrees.

“For me, Fringe is such a powerful, beautiful, wonderful, bubble of creative joy!” Phillips said.

Watts-Grant encourages theatre lovers to check out the festival’s lineup.

“Get a program guide, see what interests you,” he said.

“All our shows are $20 or cheaper, so you really can’t go wrong by taking a look and seeing if you like it.”