Artists

What is Fringe?

There is no strict definition of fringe, but it’s usually performance that falls outside mainstream theatre. Think the opposite of West End: experimental, small scale, exciting, alternative. It is made by a wide diversity of people, some are just starting out in the arts, others very experienced who want to try something new. But it does not need to be brand new, many performers take shows to numerous fringes around Aotearoa and the World.

If you want to share your performance with adventurous and risk-taking audiences then maybe your work is Fringe!

Is Nelson Fringe like other Fringes?

Yes and no! All fringes differ but we all share the passion of bringing new and exciting work to our audiences, helping new artists grow and established artists experiment and present work.

NFF ‘owns’ our venues. That means that rather than being an organising body for independent venues (like Edinburgh or Wellington) we programme and manage a limited number of performance spaces. We programme all the shows, do the ticketing and main marketing and publicity. This is quite usual for smaller towns and cities around the world that don’t have the venues or audiences that allow the free-for-all of larger fringe festivals.

Unlike most fringes we also run workshops and help with publicity and accommodation.

Selection process

Nelson Fringe Festival is partially curated and partially lottery based. Our selection panel will review all applications and check that they are practical for our festival. We will then select a small number of shows, this is to ensure that we have a range of productions to excite our audience. The majority of shows will be selected by lottery. The festival also produces some comedy and cabaret shows where we will select the performers. Please let us know if you are interested in performing in these.

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Frequently asked artist questions

How does Nelson Fringe select shows?

Fringes vary in how they select work, some are completely curated and some are a lottery. Nelson falls between the two.

Our panel will select a very limited number of shows but most will be pulled from a hat. The aim is to try to ensure a mix of local and touring shows as well as a range of performance styles.

We particularly welcome shows that are playing other NZ fringes.

But the first thing we need to do is make sure that you can work in our spaces.

How much does it cost and how much can I make?

Well, don’t plan your retirement yet. Realistically most shows do little more than break even once you take into account things like rehearsals, costumes, props and (if you are from out of town) accommodation. Some shows can make a profit but please don’t count on it.

Every show’s budget varies but if you want advice, please let us know and we can talk things through.

NFF operates on a simple 60:40 split. 60% of income to the artist and 40% to the fringe.

At the 2024 festival, standard tickets were $16 + booking fees. Patrons could also choose to pay $25 or $45 to help support the artists. A significant number of people do choose to pay a premium. You will receive 60% of the sales after booking fees, etc.

We’ll confirm the ticket price for the 2025 festival closer to the time.

Some comp tickets will be available to you and we will issue some to our sponsors and judges.

How many nights can I perform?

Between one and three! We like to encourage shows to do short runs of two-three nights, rather than one-off performances.

What are my costs?

There is no fee to apply.

If you are accepted and sign a contract, we will ask for a $50 deposit for each performance. This will be returned to you once you have performed as part of your ticket reconciliation.

Will there be technical support?

You will get up to one hour technical/ rehearsal time as standard with a technician to help you. You can ask for more time but there will be an hourly charge for the venue as well as a fee for the technician. 

As an indication, at the 2024 festival, this was $15/ hr charge for the venue and a $30/hr fee if you need a technician. There was also a $40 fee if you use a Nelson Fringe operator to run your show.

We’ll confirm these costs asap for 2025.

How will my event be promoted?

NFF publish the programme on our website, as well as producing a brochure that lists all the shows. We run a general marketing campaign. However, we recommend that you try to do your own marketing as well. We can advise you, and work with you so that we’re not all doubling up, but we can’t do a full marketing campaign aimed at your specific show.

Is there accommodation for artists?

We hope to have an accomodation partner who will give discounts. More news on that later.

I’m from overseas, will I need a visa?

No (in most circumstances). Nelson Fringe is a Visa Exempt approved Fringe, which means that if you are from an approved country you will not need a work visa (A full list of countries can be found via NZ Immigration Visa Waiver Visitor Visa). There is some info we need from you.

EVERYONE entering Aotearoa needs an NZeTA – a simple e-visa costing $17. Details via the above page or your travel agent. Additionally, all visitors (except Australian citizens), must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)