How do I apply to perform?
We’d love you to apply to our Open Access programme. Sign up via our Application Form here
How much does it cost to perform?
There is no upfront fee to perform – though we do take a share of ticket sales (this is known as a profit share model).
In terms of up front costs however, we do ask for a £100 deposit. This can be paid by cheque or bank transfer. It is refunded in full after the Reading Fringe Festival, along with your share of the profits from your show. You will lose your deposit if you cancel your show after the programme has been announced.
The profit share split from your ticket sales is 65% to you and 35% to Reading Fringe Festival. You might hear this sometimes described as ‘a 35/65 split in your favour’.
Please be aware there is a charge if you need a member of the tech team to perform a job during your show (lights / sound operation as the action takes place during a show).
We expect you to have Public Liability Insurance (PLI) up to £5m. This can be bought for individual performances from some providers, or for a year (which may be useful if you’re touring). If you don’t have PLI then please let us know as (depending on how many shows you are doing), you may be able to add yourself to the Fringe’s PLI for a fee of £25.
We market your show as part of our entire programme for free. While we try to ensure each show is mentioned on social media at least once, you might decide to pay for additional advertising through social media, press, and additional channels as part of your own marketing campaign. That cost is entirely up to you and independent of Reading Fringe Festival. We do not offer marketing package deals, or carry out extra marketing for your show for a fee.
Apart from the 35% split there are no other costs for performing. This means there are no venue hire fees, programme marketing fees, fringe fees, or box office fees.
What profit can I make?
As there are no box office fee, registration fee, or marketing fee, the only expense is the initial £100 deposit, which you will get back unless you cancel your show.
We’ll help you decide on a ticket price and we’ll let you know the venue capacity for your venue.
Your profit will be 65% of the total box office sales. There are no hidden extras.
Can you give me an example of what all the numbers mean?
E.g.:
£100 deposit paid
Perform a two night run @ £10 per ticket.
20 tickets sold each night = £400.
Reading Fringe Festival get:
35% of your sales to help run the Fringe £140
You get:
£100 deposit returned
65% of your sales £260
If you sell zero tickets:
You will still get your £100 deposit returned
What sort of work are you looking for?
At Reading Fringe Festival we’re celebrating our 10th year in style with a mix of in-person live and digital events. We’re eager to speak with artists who want to showcase their work. We’re looking for new, or touring work and welcome digital live or pre-recorded and a range of in-person artforms.
Can I be commissioned and so perform as part of your curated programme?
Yes if you would like to be considered then send an email to producer@readingfringefestival.co.uk to discuss this further. However, we commission our curated acts early in the year, so it’s more likely that we will build a relationship with you this year in order to discuss performing in next year’s fringe.
How do I find a venue?
We find a venue for you and assign it to you.
How are the venues assigned?
The venues will be assigned depending on your technical requirements and space needs. So please provide as much detail as possible in your application. We do understand that needs may change, so let us know as soon as you know so that we can try to help.
We will also look at what type of act you are bringing, as some venues are better suited to certain genres.
Please be aware there is a charge if you need a member of the tech team to perform a job during your show (lights / sound operation as the action takes place during a show).
Will I get a tech rehearsal?
Yes! The Fringe Producer will be in contact to book your slot.
If you need technical support for this rehearsal, then please identify it in your application – you will be given an opportunity to change this requirement later, but the sooner the team knows your possible requirements, the better.
You will have one hour in the venue for your tech.
If you need a longer slot, then please let us know in advance – if we can accommodate a longer slot we will. Please note, there may be a charge to this.
What do I have to provide?
In order to perform at the Fringe we will need evidence of:
Public Liability Insurance (PLI)
We expect you to have Public Liability Insurance (PLI) up to £5m. This can be bought for individual performances from some providers, or for a year (which may be useful if you’re touring). If you don’t have PLI then please let us know as (depending on how many shows you are doing), you may be able to add yourself to the Fringe’s PLI for a fee of £25.
Risk Assessment
We have templates of these and can provide them on request.
Signed Contract
Once you’ve been accepted as being part of Reading Fringe Festival, we’ll send you a contract. This will need to be signed and returned to us by the date specified. The contract will also give you the deadlines for the programme copy and delivery of marketing material.
Deposit by cheque or bank transfer
A £100 deposit which is returned unless you withdraw from Reading Fringe Festival after the programme has gone to print.
Can I volunteer as a steward or to be part of the events team?
Yes! Get in touch via the Volunteer Form on the Take Part page. You can also email our volunteers team for more information. Find them on the contact page.
Be aware that we will not be confirming volunteers until the end of August though we’re always happy to make new contacts.
Will there be a physical brochure this year?
Yes, as soon as it’s printed we’ll let you know where you can pick up a copy!
How do I book?
You can book directly from our website via the [what’s on] page.
Will my tickets be posted to me?
We use TicketSource to manage our ticketing for events. You can choose to have an electronic ticket, or have one posted to you if there’s time before the event. Both electronic or paper tickets are accepted.
How do I watch a digital event?
Details of how to watch will be sent to you by email before the show.
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