Fringe Festival IP Registration Information

So, you're ready to Independently Produce a Fringe show... 

Yay! That's awesome -- let's make that happen. We believe Fringe is for everyone, which is why we continue to take steps to remove barriers to participation. Even if that means bypassing the Lottery to produce during the 2025 Minnesota Fringe Festival. We’re here to make Fringe work for you. 

Traditionally, Fringe selects, staffs, and manages every venue in the Festival. Independently Produced shows invite producers to select any venue in the metro to stage their work and join the festivities. Have a favorite space where you already perform? Got an idea for a non-traditional performance? Didn’t get chosen in the lottery? No worries. With the Independent Production option, you can still be part of the Fringe Festival! 

YES... You can do both! You can even Independently Produce a Fringe show even if you were selected in the Lottery. It's a lot to manage and you will need to register each show under a DIFFERENT email, but if you are the adventurous type (and, let's face it, we know you are), then you are welcome to do both.

Please take a moment to read through ALL the information BEFORE you register, including the requirements and payout structure. Additional details can be found in the 2025 Minnesota Fringe Festival IP Handbook, available in January. 

 It is STRONGLY ADVISED that you have produced your own work
before taking on the responsibility of registering as an IP in the Fringe Festival.

2025 Basics: Time and Money

Registration for an IP Show is NOT an application. It is a registration. Producing fees and all supporting documentation (venue rental / insurance / permits, etc.) must be submitted by the END OF THE MONTH YOU REGISTER in order to maintain registered status. If a producer fails to submit proof of venue rental / insurance / permits required to secure a space for their show, Fringe will reject the submission and refund the registration fee and the producer will have to re-register when they have gathered the appropriate information. This is the only circumstance where registration fees are refundable. 

Registration fees are discounted on the following schedule:

The 2025 Minnesota Fringe Festival runs Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 10. Independently Produced shows can select their own dates of performance, but must start their shows on the 'Fringe Grid' times. Shows can be of any length, but duration should be clearly posted if it is more or less than the typical 60 minutes.

IP Producers will receive 70% of all digital sales, including single and discount tickets sold through the Fringe website and credit cards swiped at your venue / location. IP Producers keep 100% of all cash sales at the door.

What you get

• Freedom to schedule your own performance days and times
• Guaranteed 70% of digital sales receipts and 100% of cash sales at your box office
• Freedom to select your own venue and number of performances
• Advanced online ticket sales (advanced) and a ticketing platform for door sales
• Box office training and point of sale equipment
• Fringe IP Handbook—your comprehensive guide to the festival
• Access to workshops and one-on-one help sessions
  
• Customizable page for your show on our website
  
• Publicity distribution to major press outlets and regional producers/presenters
• Artist passes for you and your cast to see festival shows for free

What you're responsible for

• Finding or creating a script; acquiring any necessary rights or permissions for existing scripts/music
• Finding and contracting a venue and associated technicians (if needed)
• Providing box office staff and support for your show - Mandatory Box Office training in July (date TBD)
• Acquiring General Liability Insurance / Venue Contracts / Permits as required for your performance space
• Arranging/contracting actors and a director
• Costumes, props, sound cues and set pieces
• Marketing your show
• Arranging necessary visas and work permits if coming from outside the United States
• Abiding by the Fringe rules and deadlines

Please remember the Fringe Festival is a different producing environment than "normal" production. The Festival pace is faster, the timeline more compressed, and there is less control over ticketing and schedule. Guidelines and rules are in place to keep the big picture running smoothly - which is also what makes it fun!

Q. Is the Fringe Festival right for your production?

We believe there's a place for everyone in the Fringe Festival and welcome participation from anyone along the entire artistic spectrum. But the Festival may not be right place for every kind of production. The  inclusion of Independently Produced (IP) festival shows in 2025 is intended to offer a wider range of options for location, length, and complexity. It is STRONGLY ADVISED that you have produced your own work before taking on the responsibility of registering as an IP in the Fringe Festival.

Q. What if you're not from here and don't know where the Fringe-managed venues are or how to find other potential venues?

We hear that! After talking with some out-of-town producers at our information session, we put together a list of venues with links to Google Maps so you can check out some locations. 

Q. Want to talk more about venues and other spaces?

You're NOT alone! To better support IP artists, Fringe is creating a database of producers who are interested in sharing space rental with other companies. Simply fill out THIS FORM to share your information with Independent Producers who may be able to pair up with you to more economically acquire a venue.

Q. Do you have more questions?

I'll bet! That's why this we're holding an information session for those curious about registering an Independently Produced (IP) show at 6:00pm on March 6, 2025, via ZOOM. Register HERE to attend.

Register to Independently Produce in the Festival
Beginning March 1!

If you've got questions, contact us at info@fringefestival.org. Thank you for participating in the Fringe Festival!