2019 Volunteer Orientation Handbook - www.fringetheatre.ca - Fringe Theatre ...
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2019 Volunteer Orientation
Handbook
www.fringetheatre.ca
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We transform theatre.
Foster artists.
Nurture audiences.
Take chances.
We help YOU find the artist inside.
How are we doing this?
By providing a unique, evolving experience
known as fringing.
And, fringing is for everyone.
It crosses all divides. It is a starting
point, a journey, and a celebration.
Why? Because there is magic in storytelling.
That is why Fringe Theatre
is always an adventure.
This is where art lives.
This is where artists grow.
This is where YOU belong.
Come to our house and fringe.
ABOUT US
At Fringe Theatre there are opportunities for everyone to celebrate the culture of our community through theatre
arts. Whether it’s the Edmonton International Fringe™ Theatre Festival, or productions from our Fringe Theatre
Season, our house is fringing all year long.
Over the last 38 years, we have impacted the lives of more than 36,000 local, national, and international artists.
Providing valuable resources, infrastructure, and support, we have fostered artists not only in taking chances, but to
become legends in their craft. And those legends have entertained, awakened, and mesmerized millions of audiences
with their creativity.
With an average of 1,650 live theatre performances each year, we offer the largest fringing experience in North
America. And, while size isn’t everything, impact is. More than 500,000 different individuals come to our house to
fringe each year.
Who are these Fringers? Everyone! Your neighbour, your grandma, your eccentric nephew, your kindergarten
teacher, your boss, your mailman, even the farmer who grew your veggies.
At our house art lives, grows, and connects… and at our house everyone belongs!
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A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS
Welcome to the Edmonton International Fringe™ Theatre Festival!
For 11 days every year, we transform the Old Strathcona
neighbourhood into a bustling hub for local, national, and
international theatre – and we are so excited that you’ve
chosen to be part of it.
Murray Utas
There is a great saying, “Nothing is stronger than the heart of a
volunteer”. It takes selflessness to put a foot forward and serve your Artistic Director
community. In fact, we were born by volunteers! Our Festival
features more than 1,600 performances and encompasses six
city blocks. It is truly a world-class event!
The Festival would not be such a spectacular event if not for
our remarkable team of volunteers who generously donate
more than 35,000 hours throughout the month of August.
Your hard work, dedication, and creativity are at the core of
every wonderful Fringe experience had by patrons, artists,
and other volunteers.
Thank you for building and operating this incredible Festival. Adam Mitchell
We look forward to another amazing year fringing with you!
Executive Director
A MESSAGE FROM THE VOLUNTEER TEAM
Welcome to the Fringe Family! Whether you’ve been with us
since the beginning or are joining us for the first time this year,
we are thrilled to have you on the team.
The Fringe Festival simply would not be possible without the
support of you and your fellow volunteers. We are so grateful
that you have chosen to dedicate your time and energy to Fringe
Theatre for 11 magical days this summer.
We are here to support you during every step of your volunteer
journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’d love to hear from you!
Happy fringing!
Sarah Emslie (left) Drew Delbaere (right)
Volunteer Coordinator Interim Volunteer Manager
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The largest wave of fringing during the year happens at the Edmonton International Fringe™ Theatre Festival.
Over 11 days we receive more than 850,000 visits to the Fringe Festival site.
Since 1982, the Fringe Festival has been delighting, shocking, and surprising audiences. Founded by the Artistic
Director of the former Chinook Theatre, Brian Paisley was inspired to develop North America’s first Fringe Festival
after visiting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been defying the norm since 1947, when eight theatre companies were denied
admittance to an international festival. The companies teamed up and performed their shows on the fringes of the
festival, hence Fringe was born. More than 200 Fringe Festivals take place each year across the globe. Of the 23 in
North America, Edmonton’s Fringe Festival is the oldest and largest!
As a charitable organization and a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals, we adhere to the
following principles:
1. Shows are not juried or censored.
This ensures emerging and professional performers can participate.
2. Artists are selected through a lottery process.
Approximately 100 artists each receive $8,000 in support of their Festival show from Fringe Theatre.
3. Artists receive 100% of the net ticket price.
Each year artists earn more than $1.2 million from Festival box office sales.
4. Provide opportunities for everyone to participate.
With free admission to our outdoor site, everyone can access performances taking place across our three
outdoor stages and 50 buskers. Additionally, we cap ticket prices to indoor shows at $13.
But, the Festival isn’t the only thing that has grown. Fringe Theatre has built its home in the ATB Financial Arts Barns,
where we operate three theatres, two studio spaces and more! We also produce the Off Season, Fringe Theatre
Spotlight Program, and co-produce the winter performing arts festival, the Chinook Series.
Helping us execute all these wonderful programs are YOU - our volunteers. We could not provide such strong arts
programming to so many without volunteers. Thank you!
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VOLUNTEER OVERVIEW
VOLUNTEER TEAMS
Volunteers are organized into 16 teams. Volunteers are assigned to a team based on the choices they expressed in
their application. To confirm which team you’ll be working with, check your volunteer profile online, or contact us at
volunteers@fringetheatre.ca.
Below is a brief overview of our 16 volunteer teams:
• Administration
Operates the Fringe Theatre Administrative Front Desk during the Festival.
• Agents
Administers support related to finances for the beer tents, tickets, and merchandise sales.
• Ambassadors
Promotes activities and provides roaming information across the Festival site.
• Beer Tents
Sells and serves drinks in our three beverage patios across the Festival site.
• Box Office
Sells tickets to indoor theatre performances at our multiple box offices.
• First Aid
Provides first aid support to Fringers who need medical attention.
• Front of House
Manages venue line-ups prior to shows and collects tickets upon entry.
• Host
Provides traveling artists a place to stay while they Fringe.
• Inclusion
Provides support and facilitates case-by-case accommodations to volunteers who request it.
• Information Services
Supports Fringers by providing information and opportunities to get more involved at the Festival.
• KidsFringe
Operates the family-friendly KidsFringe, providing crafts and activities to tiny Fringers.
• Kitchen
Helps feed volunteers by serving, cooking, and operating a mobile refreshment unit.
• Logistics
Works with staff to help make the Festival run smoothly for all volunteers.
• Multimedia
Captures the Festival with photographs and videos.
• Parking & Transportation
Provides traffic stops for Fringers crossing busy streets and monitors parking lots nearby.
• Volunteer Headquarters
Operates the central hub for volunteers checking in and out of shifts and distributes Fringe bucks and other
perks.
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VOLUNTEER CONTACTS
Volunteers are supervised by volunteer Team Leaders. Team Leaders donate their time and enthusiasm to support
Fringe Theatre throughout the year. They are your first line of support, answering questions and providing you with
much of the key information you’ll need to fulfil your volunteer role.
Team Leaders should be contacted if you:
• have questions about your position;
• need to change your schedule;
• are going to be late or need to cancel your shift;
• have challenges or need additional support fulfilling your role.
In the event of an emergency, the Volunteer Department is available to support you at 780-409-1922 or
volunteers@fringetheatre.ca.
TEAM NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER
Agents agents.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-985-3834
Ambassadors ambassadors.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-985-2775
Beer Tents beertents.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-784-6439
Box Office boxoffice.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-645-4840
First Aid firstaid.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-986-4466
Front of House foh.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-785-8874
Host host.vols@fringetheatre.ca N/A
Inclusion inclusion.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-784-1548
Information Services info.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-985-2155
Kitchen kitchen.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-784-6495
KidsFringe kidsfringe.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-785-8787
Multimedia media.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-784-7027
Parking & Transportation parking.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-785-9157
Volunteer Headquarters vhq.vols@fringetheatre.ca 587-784-3979
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ROLE & EXPECTATIONS
CODE OF CONDUCT
Fringe volunteers function as highly visible role models and leaders within our community. We are grateful for the
tremendous efforts our volunteers make to provide an enjoyable, safe experience for all fringers.
Volunteers must fulfill their duties and responsibilities with integrity, and maintain a positive, respectful relationships
with fellow community members. Volunteers may not participate in or condone any activities that may be
considered unethical or put Fringe Theatre, patrons, artists, vendors, community stakeholders, staff, or fellow
volunteers at risk.
Volunteers are to provide services and care for everyone, and may not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour,
place of origin, gender, age, marital status, religious beliefs, citizenship, mental and physical disability, sexual
orientation, or any other category covered under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Additionally, volunteers shall:
• Make every effort to fulfill the responsibilities of their role and their team;
• Fulfill their shift commitments as required;
• Be attentive and helpful to fellow volunteers, artists, patrons, and staff and refrain from personal use of cell
phones while on shift;
• Wear their provided volunteer t-shirt at all times while on shift and dress in a manner that is appropriate for
the environment they are working in and their volunteer responsibilities;
• Protect confidential information and use only as authorized, including maintaining privacy of information
concerning patrons, volunteers, staff, artists, vendors, and donors;
• Act with honesty and integrity, and will not participate in or condone any activities that may be considered
unethical or illegal;
• Maintain positive, respectful relationships with fellow community members;
• Maintain Fringe Theatre, the ATB Financial Arts Barns, and all events produced by Fringe Theatre as a safe
place by not participating in or condoning any activities that may put patrons, volunteers, staff, or the public
at risk;
• Maintain Fringe Theatre, the ATB Financial Arts Barns, and all events produced by Fringe Theatre as a
welcoming place for all people in our community by refraining from participating in or condoning activities
that may be bullying or non-consensual;
• Maintain a drug- and tobacco-free environment by refraining from utilizing such products on site or while
on shift;
• Support Fringe Theatre in their role as a charity by refraining from executing any fundraising activities during
Fringe Theatre events that are not pre-approved by Fringe Theatre. Additionally, to prevent the public’s
confusion, any fundraising activities that reference Fringe Theatre or the Edmonton International Fringe™
Theatre Festival must also be pre-approved by Fringe Theatre; and
• Adhere to all volunteer policies as outlined in the Volunteer Policy Manual.
Volunteers will NOT:
• Consume any alcoholic beverage, smoke or chew tobacco, or use cannabis while on shift;
• Consume medications or substances that could impede your performance while on shift;
• Drink alcoholic beverages while wearing your volunteer identification badge or t-shirt;
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Fringe Theatre is grateful for the tremendous efforts of its volunteers and strives to make everyone’s festival
experience enjoyable. Following these guidelines will help ensure the safety and enjoyment of all patrons, staff
members and volunteers. We appreciate and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
All volunteers are expected to uphold the policies and procedures found in the Volunteer Policy & Procedure
Manual. You can review this document online at fringetheatre.ca/volunteer. If you witness someone breaking the
Code of Conduct, please report the incident using the Disciplinary and Grievance Procedure found online, or
contact Drew Delbaere, Interim Volunteer Manager, at drew.delbaere@fringetheatre.ca or 780-409-1922.
VOLUNTEER SHIFT INFORMATION
As a volunteer, your energy and enthusiasm are contagious. To ensure everyone on site has a positive experience we
ask you to adhere to the following guidelines.
• Share any health concerns with your Team Leader (e.g. allergies requiring an EpiPen).
• Make sure you have the following items prior to arriving for your shift:
✓ Volunteer t-shirt and ID badge (must be worn while on shift)
✓ Team Leader contact information
✓ Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray
✓ Weather appropriate clothing (e.g. comfortable shoes, sweater, jacket, hat, umbrella, etc.)
✓ Required medications (First Aid does not have over-the-counter or prescription medication)
• Sign in for your volunteer shift a minimum of 15 minutes prior to your scheduled shift time.
• Sign in and out of each volunteer shift at the Volunteer Headquarters.
• Be on time for your shift; latecomers can impact shift transitions. Inform Team Leaders if you will be late.
• Put personal cell phones away while on shift, unless there is an emergency.
• Check in with your Team Leader at the end of each shift, updating them with any important information.
Customer Service
In many instances, you are the first representative a patron is engaging with during the Festival. As such, please keep
the following tips in mind:
• Every interaction matters. You will help shape patrons Fringe Festival journey and experience;
• Courtesy and a willingness to help are more important than speedy service;
• It’s OK to not have all the answers! If you don’t know how to answer a patron’s question, direct them to the
nearest Information Booth, or better yet, escort them there yourself;
• Patron complaints are opportunities to build relationships by hearing, empathizing, apologizing, and
resolving the issue; and
• Your personality and passion are half the fun of fringing, so make sure to have fun!
Volunteer Headquarters (VHQ)
VHQ is the central hub for volunteers. There you will sign in and out for shifts, meet your Team Leaders, redeem
meals and snacks, and get the latest scoop on activities, events, and information. VHQ is open the following hours:
Hours: August 15 (1:00 pm – Midnight), August 16 - 24 (9:00 am – Midnight), August 25 (9:00 am – 8:00 pm)
Checking In & Tracking Shift Hours
There are three key steps to each volunteer shift. For every shift, you must go to VHQ and follow these steps:
1. Check In – Go to the Check In counter and notify them of your arrival. This is how your Team Leaders will
know you have arrived.
2. Sign In – Next to the Check In counter is the Sign In/Out terminal. During your first shift you will receive your
volunteer t-shirt, ID badge, and ID number. These items are required to access VHQ and volunteer perks.
Provide your Volunteer ID number to sign in for your shift. This allows us to track volunteer service so you
can receive Fringe Bucks. It is also when you will receive your meal and snack ticket.
3. Sign Out – At the end of your shift go to the Sign In/Out terminal, sign out, and receive your Fringe Bucks.
Photography
The Multimedia Team attends various events and roams the Festival taking photos on our behalf. These photos will
be used in various marketing collateral. Please notify the photographer if you do not want your picture taken.
10 | P a g eFAQ’S AND RESOURCES
Many patrons will see your volunteer t-shirt and assume you have all the answers. Many answers are provided on
our website, so please take time to familiarize yourself with its content. Below are also some additional resources
that will help you understand the Festival and be able to better answer patron questions. If you are not confident of
the answer please direct the patron to an Information Services booth. When possible, please escort the patron to
a booth.
INFO FESTIVAL GUIDE
General Info Page 32
Box office & Tickets Page 33
Maps & Venues Page 43 (site), 48 (vendors/performers), 82 (venue)
Schedules Page 60 (outdoor), 74 (KidsFringe), 132 (shows)
Patios Page 46
New at the Festival Page 24
VOLUNTEER INCLUSION PROGRAM
This program supports volunteers from all backgrounds, abilities, and strengths. Through teamwork, respect, and
creativity, our Inclusion Team is responsible for ensuring volunteers who live with disability have a fulfilling and
enjoyable experience at the Festival. The team is comprised of skilled volunteers with a background in facilitating and
supporting people who live with disability. They staff the Quiet Room, provide volunteer accommodations, provide
on-site and proactive support, and liaise with support agencies and workers.
Quiet Room
The Quiet Room is a welcoming, soothing environment for volunteers who are feeling overwhelmed or
overstimulated. This designated decompression area is staff by members of the Inclusion Team.
If you have questions or need support from the Inclusion Team, please find them in the Quiet Room or contact them
at inclusion.vols@fringetheatre.ca or 587-784-1548.
FIRST AID AND SAFETY
In the event of an emergency please remain calm. Team Leaders and staff are trained in emergency procedures and
will provide instructions. If you feel unsafe on the Festival site or would like an escort to your vehicle, please go to
Security in Orange Hall or have a Team Leader radio for Security, and they can accompany you.
First Aid
First Aid is located in the lobby of the ATB Financial Arts Barns. If you need to go to First Aid, please inform your
Team Leader before leaving your post. In the event of a serious incident or emergency, or when a person is unable to
safely travel, ask a Team Leader to call First Aid over the radio. Please note that neither First Aid nor VHQ can
dispense medication (including over-the-counter), so bring any you may need with you.
Hours: August 15 (6:00 pm – Midnight), August 16 - 24 (11:00 am – Midnight), August 25 (11:00 am – 8:00 pm)
Lost Person
If you find a lost person please immediately escort them to First Aid. If a guardian approaches you about a missing
person please escort them to Security, located in Orange Hall. If needed, you may ask a Team Leader to call dispatch
to escort persons to the appropriate location.
Lost and Found Items
Lost and Found is located at Security in Orange Hall. Please keep personal belongings with you or leave valuables at
home. Fringe Theatre is not responsible for items that have been lost or stolen. If you’re searching for a lost item,
first check at the location where the item went missing, and then at Orange Hall. It may take up to 24 hours for lost
items to be delivered to Orange Hall.
11 | P a g eVOLUNTEER PERKS
TRANSPORTATION
As our Festival is located in the heart of the Old Strathcona, parking in our immediate area is limited and often
requires payment. Our partners at Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) and Pogo Carshare have free and discounted
services just for you!
Ride Free with ETS
Show your volunteer ID badge and receive FREE access on any regular ETS service from August 15 – 25, 2019.
Discount Services with Pogo Carshare
Use the promo code FRINGE19 for a free membership and 20 free driving credits at pogocarshare.com.
MEALS
Thanks to our amazing Kitchen Team, we provide nourishment and beverages to volunteers throughout the Festival.
Below are the various ways you can stay healthy and refreshed while on shift.
Meal Program
The Meal Program offers volunteers a chance to have lunch and/or dinner each day of Festival. Volunteers will
receive one meal ticket upon signing in for their shift. Tickets can be redeemed at the Volunteer Patio during the
following meal times. Meal tickets can be redeemed even on days when you are not volunteering.
DATE LUNCH DINNER
August 15 N/A 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
August 16 – 17 11:30 am – 2:30 pm 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
August 18 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (Pancake Brunch) 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
August 19 - 24 11:30 am – 2:30 pm 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
August 25 11:30 am – 2:30 pm N/A
Snacks & Mobile Refreshments
Snacks and beverages are available between meals. Volunteers will receive one snack ticket upon signing in for their
shift, which can be redeemed in the Volunteer Patio. A special volunteer team also tours the site daily, providing
refreshments to volunteers while they are on shift.
General Information on the Volunteer Food Program
• Vegetarian and gluten free options are always available.
• Our kitchen contains nuts, soy, wheat and dairy. If you have allergies you may wish to bring your own food.
We also invite you to ask the kitchen staff about each meal’s ingredients.
• You must have one (1) meal ticket to receive a meal and one (1) snack ticket to receive a snack.
• You receive one serving per meal ticket. We are unable to provide second helpings.
• To reduce waste, please take only what you can eat and bring your own water bottle.
• Only authorized personnel are allowed into the Festival kitchen area.
• Meals are cooked and served by fellow volunteers, so please be courteous!
12 | P a g eFRINGE BUCKS & TICKETS
Pump Up the Volume Tickets
Throughout the Festival, artists give volunteers free tickets to their shows, which are referred to as “Pump Up the
Volume” tickets. Check in daily at the VHQ Box Office to learn what tickets are available. Tickets are available on a
first come, first served basis. Please only take a maximum of two (2) tickets per performance to ensure everyone gets
a chance, and please only take tickets to performances you’re certain you’ll be able to attend to ensure that tickets
don’t go to waste!
Fringe Bucks
Based on the number of hours worked, volunteers earn Fringe Bucks. You will earn one (1) Fringe Buck for every hour
worked and double the amount of Fringe Bucks for every hour worked past 10:00 pm. Fringe Bucks can be redeemed
for tickets to Fringe Festival, Holdover, and Off Season shows and as raffle ticket entries to win prizes.
Below is information on how to redeem your Fringe Bucks.
1. Tickets to Festival, Holdover, and Season Shows
• During the Festival, you can redeem four (4) Fringe Bucks for one (1) volunteer ticket voucher in VHQ.
Bring your voucher to any box office to redeem a ticket to a show. There is a box office conveniently
located in VHQ for volunteers’ exclusive use!
• Outside of the Festival, four (4) Fringe Bucks or one (1) volunteer ticket voucher can be exchanged at
the Fringe Theatre Box Office for a ticket to a Holdover or Season show.
• Both during and after the Festival, you can also redeem a volunteer ticket voucher online by entering
the unique voucher code in the promo code field during checkout.
2. Enter to Win Prizes
• Draws for prizes take place in VHQ. Some prizes are drawn daily, while others run for the whole Festival
and are drawn at the Wrap Party. Check out the entry bins in VHQ for prize details and the draw date.
To enter, simply fill out the back of your Fringe Buck (name, phone number) and drop it into the bin for
a chance to win.
EVENTS & OTHER PERKS
Pancake Brunch
Don’t miss our Pancake Brunch on Sunday, August 18, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Volunteer Patio! This
volunteer exclusive event is a great way to kick off the first weekend of the Festival! Drop by to enjoy some food and
conversation with your fellow volunteers (no meal ticket required).
Wrap Party
When the work is all done, it’s time to party! To express our immense thanks for all your contributions to the
Festival, we will host a volunteer Wrap Party on Sunday, August 25 from 7:30 pm to midnight in the North Big Rock
Beer Tent. There will be food, prizes, music, and lots fun! Please bring your volunteer ID badge to access the party.
Merchandise
Every volunteer will receive a volunteer t-shirt and Festival Program Guide. Volunteers working 20 hours or more
during the Festival will also receive an exclusive, special edition Festival-themed pin.
13 | P a g e2019NOTES
FESTIVAL
UPDATES & REMINDERS
Key Changes and Updates for 2019
• The Information & Patron Services Team is now called the Information Services Team.
• There are new box offices at Venue 20 Garneau and Venue 21 The Grindstone – Comedy Theatre.
Reminder About Previous Key Changes
• Fringe Bucks can be used all year long! They can be exchanged for tickets to Holdover or Fringe Theatre Off
Season shows (see back page of this handbook for more information about the Off Season).
• KidsFringe is located at the Old Strathcona Community League (10139 87 Avenue).
• Daily discount tickets can be purchased from any box office on site.
• Many patrons will see your volunteer t-shirt and assume you have all the answers. If you are not confident
of the answer to a patron’s question, please direct them to an Information Services booth. When possible,
please escort the patron to a booth.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Volunteer Headquarters Festival Site
August 15 1:00 pm – Midnight August 15 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
August 16 – 24 9:00 am – Midnight August 16 – 24 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
August 25 9:00 am – 8:00 pm August 25 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
First Aid KidsFringe
August 15 6:00 pm – Midnight August 15 CLOSED
August 16 – 24 11:00 am – Midnight August 16 – 21 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
August 25 11:00 am – 8:00 pm August 22 – 23 10:30 am – 8:00 pm
August 24 – 25 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Fringe Souvenir Shop by Echo Promotions
August 15 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM Quiet Room & Inclusion Facilitators
August 16 – 21 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM August 15 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
August 22 – 23 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM August 16 – 24 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
August 24 – 25 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM August 25 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
14 | P a g eNOTES
Use the space below to capture important things you
want to remember from orientation!
Copyright© 2019 Fringe Theatre Adventures. All rights reserved. 15 | P a g e16 | P a g e
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