News

The 2019 Fringe Central Events Programme is now live, with over 100 events aimed exclusively at Fringe artists, members of the media and arts industry professionals.

From career-building and networking events to massages and mindfulness sessions, every event in the programme is free to registered Fringe participants and designed to help them get the most out of their Fringe.

BROWSE FRINGE CENTRAL EVENTS PROGRAMME

Fringe Central will once again be located in Appleton Tower, and open from 10:00 till 20:00, Monday 29 July to Monday 26 August. In addition to hosting the events, Fringe Central also offers services such as access to computers, printing, free wifi and support on all aspects of participating in the Fringe. The Artist Development team, Media Advice team and Participant Services team are also on hand to offer general pastoral care alongside targeted advice on touring and networking, marketing and engaging with the media. 

“I attended several events, I find the service at Fringe Central to be excellent, a great selection of interesting topics, a great place to meet people and chat and get involved with (and away from) the Fringe!” – Joanne Allan, Theatraverse theatre company

We’ve focused on diversity and inclusion in this year’s events programme, and worked with a variety of partners to make sure voices from different backgrounds and experiences are represented. Event highlights include the 5th Annual Artist of Colour Meetup, hosted by Shaina Lynn and pursuitofnappiness.org, and Diversity in the Fringe Media Landscape, a conversation between journalists and media professionals of colour about their Fringe experiences. We’re also hosting three Fringe of the Fringe events about minority representation, presented by Sekai Waterman, one of the five members of our Fringe Central Youth Panel.

“I have enjoyed the freedom to voice my opinion and have input to further diversify the programme. Most importantly I have learned, with the guidance given, that I am actually capable of going down these different avenues.” – Sekai Waterman, Fringe Central Youth Panel 

Photo: Fringe Central Youth Panel

Elsewhere in the programme, we’ve planned a strand of events and spaces, supported by Kickstarter, as part of our aim to better support artists with their mental health and wellbeing. The Sanctuary (with free massage sessions) and Respite Room will provide quiet spaces away from the Fringe where participants can work or relax in peace. The Fringe Festival Support Livestream (supported by Mental Health Foundation) is an hour of friendly chat, practical advice and community-building, every Tuesday to Saturday morning from 10:30. And the weekly Critical Wellbeing sessions (Fridays, 10:30 – 11:30) allow journalists and theatre-makers the opportunity to discuss any issues, coping strategies and opportunities to look after mental health while in a stressful environment.

Other programme highlights include:

• Sustainability Day (05 August)
  In partnership with University of Edinburgh Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Staging Change and Creative Carbon Scotland, 05 August will see a series of sustainability-focussed events with practical and discussion-based events interspersed with space to drop in for more information. This will be supplemented by the Fringe Central Swap Shop (25 – 27 August) and Food Bank Collection (14 and 26 August).
   
• Parenting in the Performing Arts: Coffee Break (08, 15, 22 Aug)
  Use free, professional and fully accredited childcare provided to see a show, have a meeting or join other parents/carers and PIPA Scottish partners for an informal coffee. Use the space to relax, socialise, (re)connect with the sector and chat about life as a carer working in the performing arts. A crèche is available for pre-school-aged children.
   
• Meet the Media (03 August)
  An event like no other and one of the most popular opportunities at the festival, this is a chance for all participants to meet media representatives and get face-to-face with journalists to help promote your show. Last year saw representation from publications such as The Scotsman, The Herald, The List, ThreeWeeks, British Theatre Guide, Broadwaybaby.com, The Skinny and FEST, among others. 
   
• How to Get Your Show Noticed (01, 07, 12, 16, 18 August)
  Meet the Fringe Society’s Marketing and Development team for advice on how to get your show noticed by audiences, the media, potential sponsors and funders. From using social media effectively and writing press releases to flyering and networking, there’s something to suit all budgets. These relaxed sessions will allow you to pick the team’s brains, as well as network with your fellow Fringers. 
   
• Kickstarter Office Hours (06 August)
  Kickstarter's Performance and Comedy leads are here to answer all your burning crowdfunding questions! Sign up for a one-to-one session where we can dig into your practice and talk through strategy.

More information about services available for participants: 

Artist Development
If you’re building your career or looking to tour your show after the Fringe, our Artist Development team are available to help and connect you with relevant members of the arts industry, from venues and festivals to producers and agents. Get in touch with them on [email protected].

Media and Marketing Advice
Our Media team can help you with your campaign to promote your show and advise on the best way to attract both audiences and journalists. Get in touch with them on [email protected].

Venues and Companies Team
The Venues and Companies team is on hand for any show or venue taking part in the Fringe. They can offer impartial advice on many aspects of your time at the Fringe, including legal concerns and stakeholder conflicts, and can be a general sounding board for any queries. You can reach them on [email protected].