Now that Fringe 2011 is but a memory, it’s already time for local playwrights to think ahead to next year. With the application deadline for next year’s popular live theatre festival set for January 10, 2012, the process for readying a show begins now.
For many aspiring playwrights, directors, and actors, the yearly Fringe festival offers them the opportunity to produce their very own show without a lot of the artistic constraints of traditional theatre.
Being an un-juried performance festival, anything can find a home at the Fringe. But there are a few obstacles that need to be addressed before a Fringe show ever sees the light of day.
First, the cost: A $550 application fee, plus any additional costs, such as renting rehearsal space.
“It’s one of those things where it’s difficult to break even,” says Jesse Cowell, co-writer of the Pick of the Fringe-winning play Struwwelpeter. “It’s very much getting everyone together under the assumption that we might not make any money.”
The January deadline for applications is a full nine months prior to the festival, which runs next August.
“I would advise if you don’t have a script, have a definite idea of what your script is going to be before you submit anything,” says Cowell. “You don’t actually have to have that much. For my show, the script wasn’t finished when the submission was made.”
All Fringe applicants are drawn by random lottery, save for 10 spots that are reserved for Victoria residents. After being selected, the time dedication ramps up, since the lucky few are responsible for bringing a fully produced show to the festival.
“The weird thing about the reputation of theatre and acting is that they are typically seen as flighty, tempestuous, and not particularly reliable. The funny thing is that theatre is iron-scheduled; they don’t allow you vacation time because you’re only working for a set amount of time,” says Cowell. “Even calling in sick is not an option for most theatre professionals because they have so little time.”
Beyond festival promotion on Intrepid Theatre’s website, and a place in the Fringe schedule, the crew of each show must do their own promoting and marketing to ensure a good turnout.
“For the most part, it’s your job to make sure that your show is known,” says Cowell. “It’s a very good idea to start as fast as possible.”
Go to intrepidtheatre.com/victoria-fringe for more information on next year’s festival.