How to Perform at Brighton Fringe

Brighton Fringe is England's largest arts festival and one of the largest Fringe festivals in the world. It's completely open access, which means anyone with a show or an event can take part.

How to Perform at Brighton Fringe

This vast celebration of all things creative takes place from 5 May to 4 June and there is still time to get involved. Performers pay a one-off registration fee to be included in the programme which gives you access to a raft of support including more than 40 development workshops, flyering licences, marketing opportunities and a whole host of other stuff.

Registration is open until 20 January so if you are considering taking a show to Brighton Fringe, here are five essential things you should know:

Think creatively but don't forget your audience

Brighton Fringe spans every art form imaginable including comedy, theatre, cabaret, music, visual art, literature, dance and family events. When thinking about your event be as creative as you like but don't forget your audience. Understanding who your show or event will appeal to is essential to working out where and when to perform.

Venues are key

The good news: you can hold your event anywhere in Brighton and Hove. Theatres, pubs, taxis, shops, beach huts, even people's living rooms have all made successful venues before. The bad news: with more than 900 events and shows due to be staged, competition for audiences is fierce. Approaching established venues, of which there are many, may help you get a decent turnout. That said, quirky 'one off' venues often make good selling points. The best place to start is here, where you can search a directory of all Brighton Fringe venues including those all-important contact details.

Timing is all 

Your Brighton Fringe event can take place at any time between 5 May and 4 June. The length of your run will be determined by your aims and budget but if you are looking to get a review it is helpful to do more than one performance. Opting for longer runs helps build audiences via word of mouth and ultimately is a much better way of getting attention from the critics.

Money talks 

Make sure you have worked out a budget to ensure you can cover the costs of bringing your event to Brighton Fringe. A good place to start is Brighton Fringe's budget calculator. A range of bursaries and other funding support are also on offer at the Fringe's funding page.

Take full advantage 

WINDOW is Brighton Fringe's arts industry showcase, created to develop and encourage artists ready for the next step in their career. In 2016, 75% of WINDOW companies gained further touring dates as a direct result of the showcase so it's well worth applying for if you meet the criteria. To qualify, your event must have been created within the last year, have performance dates within the first week (5 – 11 May 2017) and be ready to tour. If your event is eligible you will be contacted in February with details of how to apply.

For more information in taking part in Brighton Fringe 2017 visit brightonfringe.org

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Brighton Fringe

Brighton Fringe

Brighton Fringe is England's largest arts festival and one of the largest fringe festivals in the world. We set out to stimulate, educate and entertain a diverse range of people through a diverse range of art forms. And all this in an iconic city with unique cultural heritage.

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