Perform at Fringe!
Calling all performance artists!
The Fringe provides a platform for artists to present their work unconstrained by censorship, judgment, or the status quo.
You’re invited to share your work at the Fort Collins Fringe Festival, returning June 11 – 14, 2026.
The 2026 Performance Artist Application is now open!
how to apply
Be Part of the Fringe!
Applications are open January 6 to February 12, 2026. Please review the Artists Handbook and FAQ before you apply. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee.
Step 1
Read the Artists Handbook & FAQ
We share how ticket sales work, the production timeline, and more.
Step 2
Submit Application
Share your ideas with us! It’s ok if things evolve – tell us as much as you can.
Step 3
Pay $25 Application Fee
After you apply, you’ll receive an email to make your payment.
Artists Handbook
FAQ
What is FoCo Fringe?
FoCo Fringe is Fort Collins’ open-access performing arts festival. We uplift independent artists by providing venues, tech support, ticketing, and festival-wide promotion so you can focus on bringing bold, original work to the stage. The festival is non-juried and non-curated. If we receive more applications than we can accommodate, we use a lottery system and maintain a waitlist.
Who can apply to present their work?
Anyone creating original performance work that can adapt to our festival format. We welcome a wide range of genres including comedy, dance, devised work, storytelling, drag, clowning, puppetry, physical theatre, magic/illusion, cabaret, circus, kids’ theatre, solo performance, immersive work, and more.
If your piece doesn’t fit neatly into a category, reach out. We love creative experiments.
Anyone can produce a show in the Fort Collins Fringe Festival! There is no jury, lottery, or censorship. As many applications are accepted as possible as long as they follow the festival rules and meet participation deadlines.
What are the requirements for a FoCo Fringe show?
Your production must:
– Be original work
– Run between 45–60 minutes
– Use simple, flexible tech
– Be safe and effective in a modest venue
– Be set up and struck within 15 minutes
Artists can apply with only one show. Returning artists must submit a new piece each year.
What does FoCo Fringe provide to performers?
We take care of the festival infrastructure so you can create. Artists receive:
• A performance venue for a tech rehearsal and all scheduled shows
• Basic lighting and sound equipment
• Tech personnel to run your show and front-of-house staff at each venue
• Ticketing services and walk-up box office support
• Volunteers to manage audience flow and scanning
• Promotion of the festival and inclusion in the program and website
• Artist badges granting free access to other FoCo Fringe productions
• Seventy percent (70%) of net box office revenue (issued within four weeks)
We also host panels, meetups, and community events during festival week.
What is not provided?
Artists are responsible for:
- Audience turnout (though we’ll help get the word out!)
- Rehearsal space outside their scheduled tech
- Costumes, props, and set pieces
- Advanced or specialized sound and lighting gear
- Crew to build, load in, or strike your show
- Individual show promotion beyond your website listing
- Storage for sets, props, or costumes
When will I know if I’m accepted?
All applicants will be notified by March 2 whether they’ve been accepted or placed on the waitlist.
To finalize participation, artists must submit their Production Contract, Liability Waiver, and fees by March 15, 2026.
What materials do I need to submit if accepted?
By April 1, you must provide:
- Final show title
- Short and full descriptions
- Cast and crew bios
- Promotional images
- Optional trailer link
These materials help us build your show page, the program, and marketing content.
When is the performance schedule released?
Your venue assignment and performance schedule will be shared by May 1.
You will receive:
- 1–3 performance slots at the same venue
- A venue guide with layout and tech details
- A short tech rehearsal (usually up to one hour)
What does FoCo Fringe expect from artists?
We ask that you:
- Sign the FoCo Fringe Artist Agreement and Liability Waiver
- Submit materials and payments on time
- Secure rights to any music, images, or artwork used
- Actively promote your show
- Follow your performance schedule and venue guidelines
- Notify us by April 15 if you must withdraw
Do you host out-of-town performers?
We will do our best to match visiting artists with community hosts when possible. Availability varies.
Out-of-town artists should plan to be in Fort Collins for the entire festival, including our opening night event featuring “speed previews” of participating shows.
Where will we perform?
FoCo Fringe will be working with venues small and large around downtown Fort Collins. Artists can express interest in a small, medium, or larger venue when you apply to present your work in the festival. You may also Bring Your Own Venue (find your own performance space) as long as they meet the Fringe criteria.
How much does it cost to participate? What are the production fees?
Access and affordability is essential. The Fringe seeks to provide a platform for new and diverse artists to share their work.
Costs to the artist include a modest application fee, and a production fee ($150 – $500) based on the package and venue size you ultimately select. Artists who choose to Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV) still pay a production fee.
Fees depend on two factors: the type of venue and the number of performances you receive. Venue assignments and final performance counts are confirmed once artists are accepted.
Important: Missing deadlines or breaking contract terms may result in additional administrative fees or withdrawal from the festival.
Fringe Artists receive 70% of net ticket sales revenue for their shows as outlined in Artist Handbook and participation agreement.
What are the FoCo Fringe rules?
Our comprehensive artists guide, deadlines, and festival rules will be released alongside the 2026 application soon (est. fall 2025).
Is FoCo Fringe accessible?
We aim to make our festival accessible for artists and audiences. If you or someone on your team has disability-related needs, include that information in your application and we will take it into account when assigning venues. If you’d like assistance accessing the application, please reach out to us at artists@focofringe.org
Are there opportunities for local artists year-round?
Yes, after 2026 FoCo Fringe is building ongoing workshops, networking events, meetups, and pop-up performance opportunities to support Northern Colorado’s creative community all year long.
Can FoCo Fringe record or photograph my performance?
Yes. We may photograph or record shows for marketing, documentation, or archival use.
What types of performances are a good fit for the Fringe?
We’re excited to welcome performance artists of all kinds including theater, dance, comedy, clown, mime, movement, and more!
You’re encouraged to check out recent Fringe festivals to get inspired:
Apply to Perform!
You’ll be directed to the artist application. After you submit, you’ll be directed to pay your $25 application fee. We can’t wait to hear from you!
