It can be a daunting task to bring a show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – but thankfully the Fringe Society is here to help you every step of the way!
Our website, edfringe.com, is filled with detailed guidance and information to help you make the most of the Fringe. We've put together the following step-by-step guide to give you an easy overview of the whole process, with links to the relevant sections if you need further info. It's divided into three main sections:
- Laying the groundwork
- You’re coming to the Fringe! What next?
- Arrive in Edinburgh
You can also view this page as an infographic if you prefer.
Remember, you can chat to our team at any point during this process by emailing [email protected].
Part 1: Laying the groundwork
Define your Fringe goals
It’s important to know your Fringe goals from the get-go, as this will help structure your subsequent Fringe planning.
- Why are you looking to bring a show to the Fringe this year?
- What are you looking to get from the festival?
You can always chat to our team to help define these goals for your show – email [email protected].
Build your budget
Consider the typical expenses when building your budget. Download our budgeting tool to help build your budget. Take a look at ways to raise money for your show including sponsorship and Crowdfunding.
Consider the cost of travel and accommodation in your budget.
Are you travelling from outside the UK?
- Check: Do you need a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
- If an ETA is needed, apply through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- If needed, apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. The earliest you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa is three months before you travel.
- Request your welcome letter as part of the show registration form.
Find a venue and confirm your contract
Take a look through our previous programmes to find shows similar to your own, and see where they performed. Use our venue search tool to filter venues and find venue contacts. Make a list of 7–10 venues suitable for your show and reach out to them to begin discussions.
Contact [email protected] if you’d like more advice on finding the right venue for you.
Register your show
Once you have a venue contract in place, you can register your show with us. Take a look at the up-to-date registration prices and deadlines.
You can email [email protected] with any questions or if you need extra assistance filling out the form.
Registration usually opens in January, with the early-bird deadline in March and printed programme deadline in April.
Check: Some venues will register your show with us for you. If you're not sure, clarify this process with your venue!
Book accommodation and travel
It is up to you to book your travel and accommodation. Each year, we list affordable accommodation suppliers on our artist accommodation portal. Listings will go live early in the year, and you can keep up to date with these via the artist newsletter.
Part 2: You’re coming to the Fringe! What next?
The legalities
Familiarise yourself with the Code of Conduct, routes to mediation and the Formal Complaint Procedure. Ensure you are following copyright laws.
Get insurance
Ensure you have Public Liability Insurance to cover your performances. You may also need Employers’ Liability Insurance to cover anyone working for you. Check out our guidance on types of insurance and how to obtain it.
Music licensing
Every registered Fringe show must complete a PPL PRS declaration form, regardless of whether it uses music or not. The form will be sent to you via email close to the start of August. The Fringe Society has an arrangement with PPL PRS Ltd, which simplifies the process and offers a lower tariff than you would pay at other events. If you have any questions, please visit the FAQs or email [email protected].
Marketing your show
Before you get started, it’s important to know the answer to two key questions:
- What is your show?
Whether you’re distributing flyers on the street or posting about your show online, you’ll have a very short time to grab people’s attention, so make sure you’re able to sum up your show in as few words as possible, and have them learned by heart in case someone asks you about it. - Who is it for?
Think carefully about your audience too – if you say your show is ‘for everyone’, that doesn’t tell someone why they specifically might be interested. Tailor your pitch to appeal to the engaged, interested sort of audience you want at your show.
Take a look at our online and in-person marketing guides. You can also contact the team via [email protected] to discuss your ideas.
Get the show ready
Now that the admin is out of the way, you can prioritise rehearsing the show and preparing it for Fringe audiences. Check in with our team to help you hone back in on your Fringe goals.
Part 3: Arrive in Edinburgh
Remember to plan your time in Edinburgh!
Pop by and visit the team at Fringe Central, plan when you will market the show each day, and when you’ll be warming up for the performance.
Check: Make sure you know what time you need to be at your venue for your tech rehearsal and any other preparation work that has been agreed.
Sign up to any events that interest you, have a look at some other shows you’d like to check out, and remember to plan when you and your team will take a pause each day.
After the Fringe
You did it!
Take some time after the Fringe to rest and reflect on your goals. You can book a debrief session with the team and discuss your next steps, which may include onward touring.
Maybe it’s even time to start planning your return!
