WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We accept applications for English-language and non-verbal performances of all genres/styles but over the years we have gained an understanding of what shows are well-received by our audiences and what fits best within our particular framework:
1) Shows with a running time of 1 hour. We are occasionally able to accept shows with 30 or 90-minute duration but the standard slot allocation is 60 minutes (or just under). Shows longer than 60 minutes will be charged additional participation fees - further details will be provided if your show is selected.
2) Theatre (including physical theatre), comedy, improvisation and storytelling are the genres that our audiences tend to be most attracted to and that work best in our venues.
3) Children’s Theatre. There is a high demand for English/non-verbal shows for young people, especially those with low-tech requirements/flexible staging.
4) Not bands. Unfortunately the majority of our venues aren’t suited to complicated live amplification of multiple instruments. Acoustic (or very low-tech) bands and singer-songwriters do work well however, and have been popular in previous years.
Overview
Founded in 2002, Prague Fringe Festival is the longest-running festival of English-language theatre and performance in continental Europe. It takes place annually in May in the centre of the historical Malá Strana (Little Quarter) district of Prague between the famous landmarks of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Over the six-day period at the end of May, we programme approximately 40-50 productions in 5-7 venues.
In-keeping with the standard Fringe format, each venue runs several hour-long performances each day with 30 minutes between each show to clear the audience, reset and seat a new audience. Although this seems a very short length of time, experience over the years has shown that even technically demanding shows are able to fit this time schedule.
As we hope audience members will see several shows each night we programme the performances so you can see a show, have a beer, then go back for another show.
Venues
Prague Fringe curates its own venues. If you decide to apply to take part, you will now be asked to select your preferred venue(s), (based on stage size, layout and technical specification etc), as well as informing us of any venues which are entirely unsuitable for your show.
If your show is accepted we will allocate you to a suitable venue based on the information you give in your application and our knowledge of the spaces.
We use a variety of venues ranging from fully equipped black box theatres, to underground cellars with domestic spotlights. All the venues are within easy walking distance of each other. The more you let us know about your show in the application form, the better we can help you find the right space. If you have absolute requirements it is important that you let us know so we can put you in an appropriate space.
Several companies perform in each venue daily, so facilities have to be shared; this means we sometimes alter the venues from their usual layout. Storage of sets, props and costumes can be an issue, so it is important that you tell us when prompted in the application form if you have large items.
Full technical and production specifics of all the venues can be found in the detailed Venue Information Packs.
How it works:
Application Process - our independent panel of theatre professionals will review all applications based on the following criteria:
- Distribution of countries represented
- Range of performance types (theatre, text based, comedy etc.)
- Fit of shows to venues
- Quality and detail of application
- Technical practicality of the show within our venues and/or the operating structures of the festival
- Limited choice of date/venues for us to work with in application
- Balance of returning companies/shows to first time participants/show premieres
Successful Applicants – If you are selected to perform at the festival you will be required to enter into a contract with Prague Fringe detailing dates, venue ticket prices etc.
Your company will be charged a participation fee, the amount due is determined by the choice of venue and the number of performances you have requested (full breakdown of costs below).
Please note that these costs are per 60-minute performance slot used (i.e. 6 slots in our largest space: 6 x 3,200 CZK = 19,200 CZK). Shows longer than 60 minutes will be charged supplementary participation fees - further details will be confirmed if your show is selected.
This fee must be paid before the 31st of January, along with a signed contract and show photo and web text in order to guarantee your inclusion in Fringe 2023.
(You will receive details on exactly how to pay and submit these items if your application is accepted.)
The participation fee is our all-in festival attendance fee.
There is no separate registration fee.
There is no separate theatre rental fee.
There is no separate programme entry fee.
NB: Show performance times will be confirmed closer to the time, in early 2023.
Summary of Venues:
Please see the detailed Venue Packs for more specific information.
The participation fee is our all-in festival attendance fee. There is no registration fee. There is no theatre rental fee. There is no programme entry fee.
The participation fee covers your company's:
* Venue costs (venue hire etc.)
* Initial get-in/rehearsal time - varies depending on venue
* Technical assistance (Excluding Type B venues.) Extra fee applies for operating shows, see ‘How it Works – Technical and Production’ for more information
* Basic general cover lighting and sound rig (where applicable)
* Festival Programme – the show will be included in the Fringe programme in print and online
* Generic Marketing – see the ARTIST TOOLBOX section of the website for more information
* Generic Administration
VENUE | CAPACITY (seated) | BRIEF VENUE OVERVIEW | PARTICIPATION FEE
per 1hr performance (with approx EUR conversion) |
Type A Venues: |
Malostranská beseda – Main Stage | 80 | Cabaret seating, raised prosc. arch stage, entrances at the back of the stage. Fringe hub and club also located here. | 3,200 CZK (132 EUR) |
A Studio Rubín | 60 | Raked seating, end-on to audience, flexible seating, 2 entrances at back of stage. | 2,800 CZK (115 EUR) |
Divadlo Kampa | 57/67 | Raked seating, end-on to audience, several entrance options through blacks, wing space. | 2,800 CZK (115 EUR) |
Divadlo Inspirace | 45 | Raked seating, end-on to audience, multiple entrances through blacks, wing space. Renovated in 2016. | 2,800 CZK (115 EUR) |
Museum of Alchemists | 30 | Unique space with small raised stage and seating on benches and stools. One stage entrance. Limited lighting and sound equipment. | 2,000 CZK (82 EUR) |
Type B Venues: |
Café Club Míšeňská | 30 | Atmospheric cellar bar and performance area. Little or no tech provision. | 1,700 CZK (70 EUR) |
Golden Key | 20 | Intimate and atmospheric cellar space. Very limited lighting and sound. No technician available. | 1,400 CZK (58 EUR) |
NB: this table should be treated as a rough guide as not all the venues have been confirmed and fees may change slightly depending on final hire rates etc. Prague Fringe will liaise with you regarding the appropriate venue on consideration of the requirements of your production.
Please note that the lower cost of Type B Venues reflects not only the lower seating capacity but also fact that they have very basic, or no technical facilities.
Time Slots - are 90 minutes each. Broken down into 60min show time and 20min get-in and 10min get-out. Your performance times will be confirmed in early 2023.
Door split - Companies take a 60% cut of the door sales, minus any central box office handling fees (8% on pre-sales, 5% on door sales) and 10% VAT, as well as any additional optional expenses (such as lighting operator), which will be transferred into your account before the end of June once all ticket sales are accounted for.
Ticket Prices – In 2022, ticket prices were 220 CZK in advance and 250 CZK on the door (cca 9 – 10 EUR) with student/child discount of 200 CZK in advance (cca 8 EUR). We reserve the right to introduce special ticket prices and offers to boost overall sales – specific details to be included in the final contract issued in December.
Please take careful consideration of the finances before applying.
Other useful information
· Accommodation - Prague Fringe Festival does not provide accommodation for incoming companies. We do however cooperate with a number of hotel partners to offer a range of quality accommodation with Fringe discounts. More information to follow with your contract in November.
· Transport to Prague - Prague Fringe does not cover the cost of any travel expenses to the festival. We recommend www.skyscanner.net as a way of finding the cheapest airlines flying to Prague from your destination.
· Other costs - The general cost of living is still cheaper in the Czech Republic than in other EU countries. For example, 0.5 litre of beer or cup of coffee: 50 – 80 CZK. Main course in an average priced restaurant 200 CZK. Further information available here: www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living
· Prague Online - Prague www.prague.tv and the popular YouTube series ‘Honest Guide to Prague’ are good sources of local information in English.
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