Fringe is…
Fearless Expression
Resourceful Imagination
Genuine Novelty
Our Mission
To produce an annual unjuried, uncensored festival of theatre and performing arts events in Tucson that provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for artists and audiences.
Our Vision
To cultivate a vibrant community of theatre and performing artists in Tucson and increase awareness of local artists to the greater Tucson community.
Our Values
Tucson Fringe is founded in equal opportunity for all. We believe diversity fuels the spirit, fosters meaningful connections, and cultivates a beautifully creative and conscientious community. We value everyone’s unique self and understand each person has different abilities and capacities. We are committed to inclusion across identity including but not limited to ethnicity, culture, gender, age, religion, orientation, and experience.
Our Story
Since 2011, following tenets established by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Tucson Fringe has provided artists with low-risk, low-cost opportunities to perform by using economies of scale to reduce venue rental costs and by taking only 20%, and sometimes 0% of the artist’s earnings. Tucson Fringe also provides the Tucson arts community with avant-garde, non-traditional performing arts at low-cost ticket prices.
The festival does not curate or select the performances, maintaining an environment in which everyone and anyone can perform. This ensures that underrepresented artistic voices, such as people of color, the LGBT+ community, women, and other marginalized genders, are championed in our community.
The festival takes place in January every year across multiple venues in Tucson. On average, artists receive $500+ in ticket revenue.
The Fringe Story
To learn more about the first Fringe Festival started in Edinburgh in 1947, follow the link to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
How to Participate
Are you an artist or have always dreamed about being one? ANYONE can apply to participate in the festival. Tucson Fringe is your chance to show the world your talents. Each year, applications open on July 1st and close on September 1st. Not sure what kind of show you want to perform? Apply anyway just to get your name in the hat!
How to Watch
See one show, see two, see them all! Each show is an hour-long, so that you can see more than one show in a night. Grab tickets to the early show, go to dinner, then see another! Check if we have any virtual content so you can see an indie artist’s show from home. The festival schedule is announced in November of every year.
How to Volunteer
Have some extra time on your hands and want to help? We always need volunteers for a variety of tasks. Perks include free tickets to shows and free fringe swag. We post a volunteer sign up form each year.
We appreciate any financial support you choose to offer, for any amount. We love support of all kinds, even if it’s not financial! Have some old equipment you don’t use anymore, tables or chairs? Send us an email. Learn more about volunteering and joining our Board of Directors on our Volunteer/Join the Board of Directors Page.
To find out about how to get involved, or to stay up to date with Tucson Fringe, Click Here to sign up for our email newsletter. For specific questions, please email us at tucsonfringe@gmail.com.
