About the Open Call

Shaftesbury Fringe 2026 is an open-access festival where the organizers facilitate connections between performers and venues rather than booking acts directly. Performers are responsible for finding their own venue from a list provided by the organizers and managing their own shows. The festival provides a marketing platform including a printed programme, a dedicated app, and website listings. Shows typically range from 30 to 60 minutes, and performers are limited to a maximum of six showings of the same performance. The festival suggests a 'Pass the Hat' model for revenue, though performers may choose to sell tickets independently.

What is Offered

Listing in the printed programme, inclusion in the Shaftesbury Fringe app and website, social media promotion, and support services from the Fringe Team before and during the festival weekend.

Requirements

Performers must secure their own venue; shows are limited to a maximum of six performances of the same show; performers must manage their own ticket sales or 'Pass the Hat' collections; registration must be completed and fee paid for promotional inclusion.

How to Apply

Registration opens on February 2, 2026. Performers must first contact and book a suitable venue from the list provided on the Shaftesbury Fringe website. Once the performance is booked with a venue, the performer must return to the website to fill out the registration form and pay the £15 fee by the May 31 deadline for inclusion in the printed programme.