Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival

About

The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is a 12-day alternative theatre festival held annually in July in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Established in 1988 by the Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC), it is one of the largest independent fringe festivals in North America. The festival follows three key principles:

• Non-juried festival – any artist can apply and be selected through a lottery.

• Freedom of artistic expression – artists have complete control over their work.

• 100% of box office revenue goes to artists – artists pay a flat registration fee but keep all ticket sales.

Performances take place in venues across Winnipeg’s Exchange District, with the Old Market Square serving as the festival’s outdoor hub. The festival attracts local, national, and international artists, featuring theatre, comedy, dance, music, and experimental performances.

Finances

• Application & Registration Fees

  • Application fee: Free

  • Indoor venue performance fee: TBD, announced after the lottery

  • BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue) fee: TBD

  • Program Copy Change Penalty: $50 

• Box Office Revenue

  • Artists set their own ticket prices and receive 100% of ticket sales.

  • The festival provides box office services for indoor venue performances.

  • Ticketing and artist comp policies will be released in early 2025.

• Additional Costs

  • Venue rental fees apply for BYOV performers.

  • Artists are responsible for their own marketing and promotional materials.

  • Travel, accommodations, and production costs are the artist’s responsibility.

  • The festival offers billeting for out-of-town performers, subject to availability.