2025 Kids fringe theatre artist LOTTERY Application GUIDE
Overview
The 19th annual Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival runs for nine days starting the Fri of the August long weekend - Fri Aug 1st-Sat Aug 9th, 2025.
Kids Fringe will take place from Tues Aug 5 to Fri Aug 8, 2025 in Festival Hall, performance timeslots 1 pm and 3 pm daily.
The Calgary Fringe considers itself a “Boutique Fringe Festival” – it’s for a small group of people, exclusive, particular, not for all tastes. Boutique Festivals are usually located in smaller but privileged/found places: they are usually cozy corners within a neighbourhood, and would include performance spaces like coffee shops, outdoor parks, dance halls, churches, and wine cellars. It’s for all those who are looking for a nice place, with an eclectic mix of artistic performances and a good vibe with the rest of the attendees. The Boutique Fringe Festival is for true lovers of the Fringe who just want to enjoy the moment, live a unique experience surrounded by similar people with whom to connect.
As a Boutique Fringe Festival, artists have the luxury of not having to compete with large masses of artists, are treated as a person and not as another number, and are supported, loved, and welcomed. Think of us as a Fringe Spa for Artists!
We are a proud member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals; we ensure that 100% of the ticket price (not including taxes and ticketing surcharges) goes into the pockets of the artist participants. We are committed to giving artists the opportunity to produce work in an inclusive, engaging and highly accessible environment.
The Fringe Festival is ideally suited for performing artists who produce their own work; in other words, act as both Producer and Artist (Self-producing artists).
The only constraints on material or content are for the consideration of legality, and the health and safety of all those involved, including artists, staff, volunteers, and audiences. The Calgary Fringe reserves the right to enforce any necessary measures as needed to ensure a fun event for all.
Eligibility requirements for Kids’ Fringe Theatre Artist applicants
Artist/Artist Company applying must be 18 years or older. In other words, only a person who has full and legal signing authority and is assuming full legalities and responsibility on behalf of the artist/artist company can apply (otherwise referred to as the ‘age of majority’). This person could be the Producer, Artist Company Lead, and/or the Artist themself.
One person cannot act as Producer for more than one application.
One application per Artist/Artist Company.
Some experience working with/for kids an asset though not a requirement as such.
Show must be of Family-Friendly content/Theatre for Young Audiences suited for youth between the ages of 4 years to 12 years old.
Artist/Artist Company can choose a performance running time between 20 min to a maximum of 60 min (1 hour).
Artist/Artist Company must adhere to the rules, regulations, and guidelines as set out by the Calgary International Fringe Festival Society if selected in the lottery draw.
If accepted into the Kids Fringe, you cannot transfer/sell your spot to another artist/artist company. Mandatory police check and vulnerable sector check will also be required.
Application process
We currently have 2 lottery spots available for the Kids Fringe component: 1 x General Artist Category and 1 x IBPOC/Equity Seeking Artist Category. Available for Calgary and surrounding area artists only!
The 2025 application deadline is January 31, 2025 at 5 pm MST. All applicants must pay a non-refundable $25 application fee at the time of application. Applications that do not include the fee will not be processed. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hrs of applying. If you do not, please check your junk/spam folder first and if nothing is there, please let us know.
The Kids Fringe lottery draw will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025 @ 1 PM, MST during the Youth Engagement Committee meeting scheduled for that day. There will be a secondary drawing for the wait-list. All applicants will be notified via email of their acceptance or waiting list status no later than one week following the lottery.
The lottery draw determines who is and who is not included in the Calgary Fringe lineup. If your name is drawn, you will be asked to pay the remaining participation fee of $450 either by e-transfer or it can be deducted from your box office proceeds at the conclusion of the Festival.
If drawn, your Calgary Fringe participation fee includes …
Professional Development Workshops in the months leading into the Festival (via Zoom).
Performance venue (Festival Hall. Click here to see venue specs).
Venue Technician.
Tech rehearsal (maximum 2 hours on Tues Aug 5; either 8am-10am or 10am-noon. Tech requirements should be kept simple, as Calgary Fringe venues are equipped with only basic lights and sound).
Performance schedule (alternating between 1 pm and 3 pm daily from Tues Aug 5 to Fri Aug 8, 2025).
Box Office management/Front of House services.
Tickets for all performances at the 2025 Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival will be priced at $15 for non-members, $12 for FRINGER+ Members, or $25 for Double Your Applause. As a charitable organization, we ensure artists receive the full ticket sale by applying a $5 per ticket surcharge (non-member and Double Your Applause) or $3 per ticket surcharge (FRINGER+ Member), which helps cover the cost of the box office operations and online ticketing services. The end cost to patrons is $20 for non-members, $15 for FRINGER+ Members, or $30 for Double Your Applause. Pay What You Want ticketing option is available at the artists’ discretion.
Overall festival marketing.
Digital recording of your show.
You are responsible for:
Production of your show.
Marketing and promotion of your show.
Additional questions?
If so, please contact:
Michele Gallant, Executive Director
Email: michele@calgaryfringe.ca
Phone: (403) 451-9726