Buddies in Bad Times' 20th annual Rhubarb Festival of theatrical explorations for developing artists, takes place Feb. 4 -22 at their 12 Alexander St. theatre. Twenty shows featuring five performances a night of 30 minutes each, make up the ambitious and always lively program.

Many a new talent has been discovered there.

And you know summer is on its way when the Fringe of Toronto Festival holds its annual Lottery Party. This year it's on Feb. 2 at the Transac Club (Transac stands for Toronto, Australia, New Zealand). A total of 67 companies, up from 58 last year, will be chosen randomly to participate in the festival, which runs from July 2 to 12.

Actors Michael Healey and Karen Hines act as celebrity hosts. Healey's play Kicked was a huge success in the Fringe last year and later in a mainstage remount, and is now on its way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Hines, who is best known as the nasty clown Pochsy, got her start at the Fringe in 1993 and has since gone on to work both on stage and in television.

This year's international contingent, which has already been decided, comes from Australia, Bulgaria, South Korea, the Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States. Rhubarb runs from Feb 4 to 22. For tickets and info call: 416-975-8555

The Fringe Festival Annual Lottery Party is on Feb 2. For info on the party or the Fringe, call 416-534 5919.

By Mira Friedlander
Canadian Correspondent