how alternative spaces work

• Companies are welcome to arrange their own venue if they so wish, in consultation with the TheatreFest programmers. There are some venues we regularly use for Alternative Spaces, and will also help facilitate any other venues you have in mind! This could be a building, a tent, a vehicle or any other controlled space to which an audience might be admitted, or a public space such as a park or a street.
• The performing company will be responsible for any costs and permissions associated with the venue but Fringe TheatreFest will be happy to offer advice. We have blanket permission for use of most outside areas in the town.
• Alternative Spaces performances can be of any length. Companies are welcome to perform as many (or as few) times as they wish, as long as we have the capacity to steward the events adequately.
• Alternative Spaces performances operate on a pay-as-you-will basis. We provide a steward with a collecting-bucket and companies keep 100% of monies collected.
• The closing date for applications is Friday 21st March.
• Alternative Spaces slots are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis - so early application is advisable. There are 20 slots available. 10 of the 20 slots are reserved for outdoor performances. If by the 21st of March we do not have 10 outdoor performance applications, these slots will be offered out to the wider list of alternative spaces applicants in order of application. Applications will be made through an on-line application form. If the 20 slots are already claimed before 21st March, companies will be put on a waiting-list in the order in which they applied, in case a slot becomes available.
• Companies working in Alternative Spaces will pay a £100 participation fee which will be fully refunded as long as the company fulfils its performance commitments. We won't collect the participation fee - and therefore participation won't be confirmed - until we're clear that the activity can go ahead in the chosen location.
• Companies are responsible for their own Public Liability Insurance. We will need to see confirmation. We will happily advise on cheap options.
• We do our best to find free billets for companies from outside North Devon if so required but, given the knock-on from the pandemic, we are now finding this more difficult to achieve. In return for being billeted, company members are required to help out with four hours of volunteer duties that support Fringe TheatreFest.

application form

We are now accepting applications to perform at Fringe TheatreFest 2025.

To apply, submit this form: Alternative Spaces Application '25

you might also be interested in Ticketed Venues information

questions?

You are more than welcome to contact us with specific questions.

"We saw some fab shows as well as making great connections with new audiences and promoters whilst at Fringe TheatreFest - may it go on from strength to strength!"