Call for Fringe Performance Lottery Applications

You can now submit your proposal for a long-form in-person performance at Sharing the Fire, March 24-26, 2023 in Portsmouth, NH. The deadline for submissions is 5pm ET on Monday, January 23, 2023. 

 

What is a Fringe??

A Fringe is an opportunity to showcase performances that are one or more of the following:

  • New works
  • Experimental works
  • Unconventional pieces in topic or presentation

 

To get your imagination sparked, here are some examples one might consider:

  • A string of stories on a theme that ties the show together 
  • A long form fictional, personal or historical story/program
  • A story told in mime
  • A story that includes a multi-media aspect or incorporates other modalities aside from spoken word (music, movement, etc.)

All Fringe performances at Sharing The Fire should be related to storytelling in some fashion.

 

All Fringe performances should be performance ready. While the show can be a work-in-progress, it should be in a presentable stage. Simply talking about your project is not acceptable.

There is no monetary compensation for doing a Fringe performance.

 

New this year - two time slot options!

The fringe is all about trying new things, so we’re trying something new too! For our 2023 Conference, you will be able to apply for either a 90-minute slot or a 40-minute slot, but not both. You decide which time slot will best fit your performance.  

Whichever slot you choose, we expect you to fill the majority of that slot. If you apply for a 90-minute slot, but only have 60 minutes of material, consider adding a Q&A, discussion, participatory component, etc. 

You may end a fringe performance 5 minutes early, but you MAY NOT GO OVER TIME. 

 

How are Fringe shows for Sharing The Fire selected?

Glad you asked!

Fringe submissions are randomly chosen by lottery. They’re not vetted. Everyone has an equal chance to be selected. 

However, if you are selected for the Olio performance you are not eligible for a Fringe in order to allow as many people as possible to have an opportunity to perform and strut their stuff.

The lottery drawing will be held on Wednesday, January 25 at 8pm ET live on the NEST youtube page:https://www.youtube.com/@nestorytelling

 

How many slots are there?

There will be 5 time slots devoted to Fringe performances in 2023. They run concurrently with workshops. Each fringe slot will either be a single 90-minute slot, or two 40-minute fringe slots back-to-back. We will determine how many slots of each length to draw in our lottery based on the number of submissions we receive in each category. 

 

What should I bring to the performance?

In true fringe spirit, you will need to provide any props, costumes, lights, equipment, etc for your performance. We provide a room, and conference chairs. If you are applying in a 40-minute slot, please do not plan to bring elaborate sets or other items, as another performer will have to share that same space. 

 

How do I apply?

Please use the form at the bottom of this page

What you will need: 

  • The title of the Fringe performance. Make it tantalizing!
  • Name(s) of performer(s) & contact info
  • A short description of the piece, no more than 300 characters (this will appear in the program, if selected)
  • Length of performance slot (you may only choose one) 
  • Intended Audience
  • Content Warnings (if any)
  • Confirmation of your rights to tell this story
  • Confirmation that this will be performance-ready for STF 2023

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

Please use this form to apply: