Durham Free Fringe 2026 application form

1: What is the name of your company?

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If your do not have a company name, you can use your own name here.

2: What is the name of the show you wish to perform?

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If you want to submit more than one show, please submit separate applications.

3: Please enter a public-facing description of 40 – 100 words.

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This is the description that will be used in our programme. If you are not sure what to put here, we are happy to advise.

4: What category do you want you show to be listed under?

    Cabaret & Circus
    Children & Youth
    Comedy
    Dance & Physical Theatre
    Events & Film
    Literature & Spoken Word
    Magic
    Music
    Theatre
    Workshops

Durham Free Fringe does not set limits on categories and this is merely used in publicity as a guide for audiences. If you are not sure, leave this blank and we will suggest a category for you.

5: Tell us more about your show, and why you want to work with us. *

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This is your chance to sell your show to us. This will influence when we can programme you and what space will be best suited for you. We welcome everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned veterans on the fringe circuit, but we most want to hear from shows that suit Free Fringe venues.

6: How long is your performance?

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Stand-alone shows are typically 60 minutes, but we can accommodate between 40 and 75. Performances shorter than this will probably be incorporated into mixed bill events, which are mostly – but not entirely – stand-up comedy. If you are not sure what your running time is going to be, please give us a range. We’d rather you are honest about this than end up overrunning.

7: How many performances do you wish to do?

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Most Durham Free Fringe shows are one or two performances. Longer runs might be considered if capacity allows, but you should work to the assumption of one or two.

8: Durham Free Fringe runs from Wednesday 29th July to 2nd August 2026. Please tell us on when you would be available, and whether you have any preferred days.

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The more flexible you are, the more likely we can include you. If your availability changes, please let us know as soon as possible. If we offer you a slot on a day when you are no longer available, we may not be able to find an alternative.|

9: What technical support would you like for your show?

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We are in a position to provide a microphone, projector, and/or simple sound operation where needed, and are happy to consider other requests, but the more support you need, the less likely we will be able to accommodate you. It will help if your technical requests are optional rather than essential. If your performance needs blackout, lighting plots or anything else requiring a proper theatre space, Durham Free Fringe is not the right event for you.

10: Are you, or anyone in your company, in a DIFFERENT show that is applying to Durham Fringe?

    Yes (give details below)
    No

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This is fine, but before scheduling you, we will need to co-ordinate with Durham Fringe to make sure the two events do not clash with each other.

11: Are you also applying to Durham Fringe with the SAME show?

    Yes
    No

We have no objections to applying to both Durham Fringe and Durham Free Fringe, but we will have to wait for the outcome of the Durham Fringe application before making any offers. Please consider carefully whether you would be happy for a show you intended for a Durham Fringe venue to be performed under Free Fringe conditions instead.

12: And finally, is there anything else you want to tell us about your show?

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This is mainly for any other logistical issues we should be aware of. There is no need to send images or press releases at this stage, but if you want to, you can reply to the acknowledgement email with any attachments you fancy.

And finally finally, please give us a contact name … *

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… and contact email address *

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