Do: The Beginner's Guide to Preparing for Fringe

Let's talk Fringe. You know it's coming and perhaps, like me, you've been self appointed social coordinator for all 24 days and nights of the Festival? Don't stress! Planning can be fun. Here are my top 5 tips for Fringe 2012...

1. Choosing a show is half the fun.
With over 800 shows, events and exhibitions to choose from you might be at a loss as to where to start. I suggest turning this part of the process into a fun game. Here are two ideas:

Grab an empty esky. Get your program, cut out the shows you're interested in and then pick one out of said esky. Fill esky with plenty of ice and cold cider. Drink responsibly with friends.

Pour yourself a glass of Vinteloper Pinot Gris. Write down your favourite number between 15 and 111. Turn to the corresponding page in the hard copy (or online) of the guide and let your fingers do the walking. On a sliding scale, depending on how many glasses you consume, shows may or may not appear more appealing.

2. Place at least one sure bet.
Ok, you've had your fun (above), now it's time to get serious. Sometimes you're out to impress or sometimes you just want a guaranteed laugh. When spontaneity and taking a chance aren't options, turn to YouTube. Take a look at the bigger ads in the program guide and then check out some online clips of past performances. You'll soon work out who warrants the biggest slice of your hard earned.

My personal sure thing? Tommy Little's A Fistful of Apologies.

3. Know your region.
The CBD of Adelaide is usually pretty easy to navigate. But during Fringe, and the rest of Mad March, it's a good idea to have a rough plan in place for travel between point A and point B. Maybe you'll take a chance by hopping aboard the Tour of the Unexpected Free Bus?

Perhaps you're heading to the Garden of Unearthly Delights? If you don't have a ticket for an inside show you're probably going to have to line up, so pack a snack. Thinking about checking out The Big Slapple? Combine a visit to Cellar Door Fest with a late night show.

Want to get out of Adelaide? Desert Fringe is being held in Port Augusta March 2-3 or head to Fringe in Goolwa, March 11, held as part of the year long Just Add Water program.

4. Prepare for Opening Night
Friday 24th February is when things really heat up. A little bit of preparation goes a long way here.

Book your tickets early, meaning now, if you haven't already.

Decide on a meeting spot and stick to it. Don't rely on mobile phones or "I'll call you when I get there" as phone reception is likely to cut out at any moment.

Distribute tickets early. There's nothing worse than having to wait on Tim that notorious late comer. Every man for himself is a good veiled threat to throw around in this instance.

Pack a jacket. Apparently your Mum was right, it can get cold once the sun goes down. No one likes having to leave a party just when things are getting interesting, especially if the only good excuse you have is "I was just too cold".

And the best tip for opening night? $5 TICKETS, yeah that.

5. Join the conversation.
One saying is A problem shared is a problem halved. Another (albeit slightly newer) saying is A Fringe ticket hot tip shared is a hot tip karma gold mine. What's the stat about people who tell their friends about a bad experience compared to a good one? WE CAN CHANGE THAT!

Talk about what you've seen, who you're keen to see, where's got cheap tickets, who didn't cut the mustard last time, etc, until you're sick of your own voice.

Throw out the question to your Facebook mates. I bet you'll be surprised by some of your friends' tastes. You might even learn something new about that random acquaintance who added you last week.

Read blogs, reviews and twitter updates. Leave a comment, give a reviewer your own piece of mind and retweet til your heart's content. Not on twitter? You should be. PS. The official hashtags to use and abuse are #ADLFringe and #TalkFringe.

So there you have it! I hope you'll find something useful to help you enjoy the Fringe experience just that little bit more. Buckle up.