Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival

---

About

Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival runs annually for 9 days starting the Fri of the August long weekend.  All our acts are selected by random draw or on a first come, first served basis. Think of it like a potluck supper - there’s a little bit of something for everyone.  We exercise no artistic control over the works being presented on stage; artists are free to create whatever they’d like, telling their stories, their way. No shows over 60 minutes and most venues are within walking distance of each other.  And best of all … 100% of the ticket price (excluding GST and ticketing surcharges) goes directly back to the artist.  Affordable … accessible … Theatre for Everyone!

---

Submission Requirements

Next year is the 20th annual Calgary Fringe Festival. It will run for nine days, from Fri July 31st-Sat Aug 8th, 2026. The Fringe Festival is ideally suited for performing artists who produce their own work; in other words, act as both Producer and Artist (Self-producing artists).

The Calgary Fringe considers itself a “Boutique Fringe Festival” – it’s for a small group of people, exclusive, particular, not for all tastes.  Boutique Festivals are usually located in smaller but privileged/found places: they are usually cozy corners within a neighbourhood, and would include performance spaces like coffee shops, outdoor parks, dance halls, churches, and wine cellars.  It’s for all those who are looking for a nice place, with an eclectic mix of artistic performances and a good vibe with the rest of the attendees. The Boutique Fringe Festival is for true lovers of the Fringe who just want to enjoy the moment, live a unique experience surrounded by similar people with whom to connect.

The Calgary Fringe Festival is sandwiched between the Winnipeg Fringe and the Edmonton Fringe, two of the largest Fringe Festivals on the Canadian Fringe touring circuit.  Artists touring these two Fringe Festivals have the opportunity to earn some extra cash when performing at the Calgary Fringe Festival to at least cover their living expenses in the down time between when the Winnipeg Fringe ends and the Edmonton Fringe begins, while at the same time continuing to workshop/perform their shows so that it stays vibrant and fresh without stagnating. It’s also a chance for touring artists to slow down and take a breath from the hectic pace of these two large Festivals.

As a Boutique Fringe Festival, artists have the luxury of not having to compete with large masses of artists, are treated as a person and not as another number, and are supported, loved, and welcomed. Think of us as a Fringe Spa for Artists!

As a proud member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals, we ensure that 100% of the ticket price (not including taxes and ticketing surcharges) goes into the pockets of its participants. We are committed to giving artists the opportunity to produce work in an inclusive, engaging and highly accessible environment.

The only constraints on material or content are for the consideration of legality, and the health and safety of all those involved, including artists, staff, volunteers, and audiences. The Calgary Fringe reserves the right to enforce any necessary measures as needed to ensure a fun event for all.

We are an open access theatre arts festival where participants are drawn through a lottery or random draw process. Performances can be anywhere from 40 minutes in length to a maximum of 65 minutes. In the summer of 2024, we hosted 20 performing artists with a total artist payout of $45,257.

ANYONE CAN APPLY! We currently have 10 lottery spots available for 2025: we strive for 50% in the IBPOC/Equity Seeking Artist Category and 50% in the General Artist Category. 4 x lottery spots for Calgary and surrounding area, 3 x lottery spots for National, and 3 x lottery spots for International.

How the lottery works

All complete applications received before the deadline will be entered into the lottery. There will be separate lottery drawings organized by artists’ city of origin: (1) Calgary and surrounding area, (2) National, and (3) International. First draw will be for the IBPOC / Equity Seeking Artist Category. Second draw will be for the General Artist Category. If the IBPOC / Equity Seeking Artist Category is not fully subscribed, any leftover lottery spots will be added to the General Artist Category.

The Calgary Fringe lottery draw will take place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 7 PM, MST. We will be broadcasting LIVE via Zoom. For those interested in watching the broadcast, please email michele@calgaryfringe.ca and she will email you the Zoom details closer to the date.

Each Lottery drawn applicant will be invoiced for the remaining $670 participation fee following the lottery draw (due February 15, 2026). There will be a secondary drawing for the wait list.

All applicants will be notified via email of their acceptance or waiting list status no later than one week following the lottery.

Lottery results will also be posted on our website and social media platforms as soon as possible.

Venue assignments

If your application is successful, your show will be assigned to a venue that will be shared with three to four other shows over duration of the Calgary Fringe. Venues will be assigned with consideration of your technical requirements, but we cannot make any guarantees based on your requests. We do promise, however, to do our best to assign you a venue that is suitable for your show.

Festival scheduling

You must plan to be available for all nine days of the festival and two days prior as we cannot pre-determine when your first performance will take place. Availability up to two days before is for a technical rehearsal.

Each lottery drawn artist receives six guaranteed performance time slots over the nine-day festival, with one of the performances being recorded for re-broadcasting “On Demand” via our YouTube channel (private viewing access only) for increased accessibility. Artists receive a copy of this recorded performances for their archival purposes and personal use.

Performance times will vary from day to day and venue to venue, but generally we schedule shows between 4:45 pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday, and noon to 10 pm on weekends.

Each company will receive a mix of matinee, early evening, prime time and later evening show times. Time slots will be assigned to best accommodate each group, with the final decision at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Please note: Artists participating in multiple shows assume the risk that schedules may overlap. The Calgary Fringe makes no guarantees it will be able to accommodate conflicts.

Festival/participant communication

Festival applicants will be informed via email no later than one week following the lottery as to whether their application was successful or if they are on the waitlist. We’ll also post results on our website as soon as we can.

Email is the primary way the Fringe communicates with our participating companies. Producers will receive regular email updates from the Calgary Fringe, containing important info about festival policies, deadlines, events, opportunities and more. Please read them.

Box office and ticketing

Tickets for all performances at the 2025 Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival will be priced at $15 for non-members, $12 for FRINGER+ Members, or $25 for Double Your Applause. As a charitable organization, we ensure artists receive the full ticket sale by applying a $5 per ticket surcharge (non-member and Double Your Applause) or $3 per ticket surcharge (FRINGER+ Member), which helps cover the cost of the box office operations and online ticketing services. The end cost to patrons is $20 for non-members, $15 for FRINGER+ Members, or $30 for Double Your Applause. Pay What You Want ticketing option is available at the artists’ discretion.

Technical information

Tech requirements should be kept simple, as Calgary Fringe venues are equipped with only basic lights and sound.

Each company will receive a maximum three-hour technical rehearsal in their assigned venue. Technical rehearsals will begin two days prior to the festival.

Be aware that daytime technical rehearsals will be necessary for most companies. If you know you have daytime conflicts during the tech rehearsal dates, please notify the Calgary Fringe as soon as possible.

Artist Managed Venue or BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue)

Interested in bringing in or using your own venue? Feel free to contact the Executive Director to discuss options available.

---

Finances

There is a $25 non-refundable application fee due at time of submission. After the deadline, the lottery draw determines who is and who is not included in the Calgary Fringe lineup. If your name is drawn, you will be asked to pay the remaining participation fee of $670 by February 15, 2026.

If drawn, your Calgary Fringe participation fee includes:

• Professional Development Workshops in the months leading into the Festival (via Zoom).

• Your venue.

• Your technician.

• Your schedule.

• Your box office management/Front of House services.

• Billet accommodations for traveling artists, when available.

• Overall festival marketing.

 You are responsible for:

• Production of your show.

• Marketing and promotion of your show.

Application process

The 2026 applications will open in mid to late October, 2025.  Please check our website and social media outlets at that time for information on how to apply.  Deadline to apply will be set for December 5, 2025 at 5 pm MST. 

All applicants must pay a non-refundable $25 application fee at the time of application. Applications that do not include the fee will not be processed.

You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hrs of applying. If you do not, please check your junk/spam folder first and if nothing is there, please let us know.

You may not submit more than one application to the Calgary Fringe.

Each application must identify a producer. Once submitted, neither the producer name nor the theatre company name on your application can be changed. One person cannot act as producer for more than one application.

If accepted into the festival, you cannot transfer/sell your spot to another company.

---

Volunteer Information

An awesome attitude and flexibility are always valuable assets! Each year, Fringe volunteers take on a variety of roles from helping set up venues, to serving drinks at the Fringe Bar, selling tickets, ushering, and much more. We have a very small number of permanent staff so the Fringe couldn’t exist without volunteers like you!

As a volunteer, you are expected to arrive for your shifts on time, dressed appropriately, ready to work, with a ‘can do!’ spirit. We expect volunteers to treat each other, patrons, and staff in the same manner as they themselves would want to be treated - with a smile and courteous attitude at all times.

Volunteers must be 16 years or older to work independently. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and work as a team.

Volunteers must also attend an orientation training session prior to their first scheduled shift.

Volunteer Benefits

Free shows!

You will receive a show voucher for every minimum 4 hour shift you volunteer. One shift = one voucher, good for one show at the Calgary Fringe. If you work 25+ hours for the Calgary Fringe, you will get an All Access Pass.

Free stuff!

We provide snacks and beverages while on shift, as well as a Fringe T-Shirt and Fringe Button to commemorate your time at Fringe.

A fun, relaxed, supportive environment!

We strive to make your time with us as easy and enjoyable as possible. We love and value you!