Date: Fri, 05 Apr 2002 13:49:32 -0500
Subject: Re: PUPT: What is a Fringe Festival?


A Fringe Festival focuses on experimental performance art and off-off broadway work.  It's on the 'fringe' or 'border' of mainstream theatre.  Many major cities have Fringe Festivals.  The quality of the theatre varies- you may get junk like what you are describing, but sometimes real gems are in the midst.
The puppeteers of Shock Headed Peter (98?)did a really clever piece about a haunted house and only used clear packaging tape & newspaper to create the scene & puppets.  That performance I believe was in that year's Fringe Festival.

As for the cost- they basically want you to recoop them for rental & advertisement costs, etc.  They believe exposure is reward enough & some people may end up covering costs with ticket sales (but it's a risk).  One of my friends was doing marketing for one of the festivals still felt that they took advantage of the artists.  I don't know any that don't charge a fee, but I don't know for sure.

I don't like the idea of 'pay to play' either.  I've always been warned to avoid galleries that charge artists as well & the Writer's magazines are a joke... (don't put that on your resume if you want to be a serious writer)  but if you are keen on still applying, it can be good exposure & you can see if you can get any funding to cover your costs.

Wayong


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