Apply Now!
Applications for the 2027 Tucson Fringe Festival are open from July 1, 2026 to September 1, 2026. The festival dates are January 28-31, 2027. Our Lottery Drawing (RSVP Link Coming Soon), where we chose shows for the festival (we literally draw names from a hat), will be Tuesday, September 15, 2026 live on Zoom at 7pm MST. Join us to find out who which shows are picked for the festival before anyone else.
What do Performers Need to Know?
We have fewer options this year for performers compared to previous years. We have live in-person shows, and pre-recorded shows on YouTube (free), Vimeo (ticketed), or live screening (ticketed). You can submit films and pre-recorded performances to be screened at one of our venues during the festival. We are also bringing back the short-form performance option called “Fleeting Fringe.” We have a new offering this year called Independently Produced shows. Each option has different requirements and different benefits.
Live In-Person Shows
This option means you live in or travel to Tucson and perform at one of our live venues. Each show will have two performances and one tech rehearsal during the festival weekend. Each show must be between 45 and 60 minutes. All performers will have 15 to set up and 15 minutes to strike their shows for each performance. We ask for a one-sentence description and a longer description of your show. We understand some aspects of your show may change, but please have a complete idea for your show before applying. If your show is chosen and everything about it has changed, we will still need complete descriptions of your show.
“Fleeting Fringe” Short Performance Showcase Shows
This option means you live in or travel to Tucson and perform at one of our live venues. Each show will have one performance and one tech rehearsal during the festival weekend. Each show must be approximately 20 minutes. These short performances will be selected for a one-hour showcase which will include 2-3 performers total. All performers will have 15 to set up before the showcase and 15 minutes to strike their shows after the showcase. We ask for a one-sentence description of your performance. We understand some aspects of your show may change, but please have a complete idea for your show before applying. If your show is chosen and everything about it has changed, we will still need complete descriptions of your show.
Films and Pre-Recorded Shows for Live Screening
This option means you make a recording before our festival and send us video of your show or short film and we schedule it to play during the festival just like any film screening. Each film/video will have two screenings and one tech rehearsal during the festival weekend. For these videos, each show must be between 45 and 60 minutes. We recommend that films and videos contain original music; otherwise you must provide the festival with official documentation granting you permission to use copyrighted music. We ask for a one-sentence description and a longer description of your show. We understand some aspects of your show may change, but please have a complete idea for your show before applying. If your show is chosen and everything about it has changed, we will still need complete descriptions of your show. This is a newer option but we have yet to host a film screening during the festival.
Films and Pre-Recorded Shows for Vimeo
This option means you make a recording before our festival and send us video of your show or short film and we schedule it to be available for one week during and after the festival on the Vimeo video streaming platform. For these videos, each show can be between 10 and 60 minutes. We recommend that films and videos contain original music; otherwise you must provide the festival with official documentation granting you permission to use copyrighted music. We ask for a one-sentence description and a longer description of your show. We understand some aspects of your show may change, but please have a complete idea for your show before applying. If your show is chosen and everything about it has changed, we will still need complete descriptions of your show. This is a new option we’re trying for the first time this year.
Pre-recorded Shows on YouTube
This option means you make a recording before our festival and send us video of your show or short film and we upload it to be available for one week during and after the festival on our YouTube channel. For these videos, each show must be between 10 and 60 minutes. We recommend that videos contain original music. Our YouTube channel has been granted non-profit status giving us fewer copyright restrictions; however we still recommend using original music. There will be a deadline for when videos can be submitted. These videos are still drawn from the hat just like our other shows and we only choose a select number. We ask for a one-sentence description and a longer description of your show. We understand some aspects of your show may change, but please have a complete idea for your show before applying. If your show is chosen and everything about it has changed, we will still need complete descriptions of your show.
Independently Produced *NEW*
Independently Produced shows can be included in the Tucson Fringe Festival, but they are responsible for acquiring their own venues, liability insurance, as well as staff needed for the venue. For a smaller fee, these shows are included in the Tucson Fringe Festival schedule, use of the festival ticketing system, and are included in all festival marketing and advertising. Independently Produced shows have the option to have more than the standard two performances during the festival and can choose their own showtimes. These shows must honor the festival ticket prices and passes, but have more freedom with how their box office is managed. Independently Produced shows are not subject to the festival lottery and do not need to fill out the application. Each Independently Produced show will pay $125 to be included in festival programming. If you would like to know more or wish to submit a show to be Independently Produced, please send us an email at tucsonfringe@gmail.com.
More details are asked in the application. If your show is chosen, we will have follow up questions based on the needs you requested for your show. This may include your housing needs if you are coming from out-of-town or technical needs we may not be able to accommodate. Venues and show schedules will get finalized in November before the holidays.
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How Much Will it Cost?
Application Fee
Our application fee is $20. Get $5 off your application fee by emailing us a short video (20 seconds to one minute) of you talking about why you’re applying to Tucson Fringe, or what you like about Tucson Fringe or Fringe Festivals in general, and agree to let us use a portion of your video for future marketing. Send the video before September 1, 2026 to tucsonfringe@gmail.com. You can pay the application fee through PayPal. If you would like to pay the application fee a different way, please send us an email.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices this year will be $20 for In-Person Shows and the showcase, $15 for Pre-recorded Vimeo Shows, and YouTube content will be free. You receive $16 from every ticket from live in-person shows with the other $4 covering fringe buttons and credit card fees. You receive $12 from every ticket from Pre-Recorded Vimeo On-Demand shows with the other $3 covering Vimeo and ticketing fees. Pre-recorded YouTube shows have $0 (free) registration, however you will receive no ticket sales as this content is offered for free to our audiences. 2-Show passes will be $35 with you receiving $14 from each ticket and $3.50 from each ticket will go to the festival. 5-Show passes will be $80 with you receiving $14 from each ticket and $2 from each ticket will go to the festival.
Registration Fees
Our registration fees are not due until you’re chosen by lottery in September and you’ve signed your Performance Agreement Contract. It covers venue, tech, front of house, marketing, etc. Every show will have two performances during the festival weekend and the registration fee is $250. Pre-recorded Vimeo On-Demand (available for rent anytime during the festival) is $60. One Night Only Fleeting Fringe (one short performance) is $60. As mentioned above, YouTube Pre-Recorded shows have no registration fee.
Apply Now!
What are the Venues?
Tucson Fringe will have only one live in-person venue this year. We are returning to The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre, 738 N Fifth Ave Suite #131, Tucson, AZ 85705. The venue is a small theatre space located in the Historic Y Building. There are 105 fixed seats. It has an approximate 30’ by 30’ stage with additional wing space. Please DO NOT contact The Scoundrel & Scamp Theater about the Tucson Fringe Festival. Tucson Fringe Staff will handle all communication with the venue.