Street Theatre
2027 Festival Lottery Opening October 13
Howdy, Artists. We’re happy you’re here!
The 2027 Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival will run August 12 – 22, 2027.
Artist Applications will open October 13, 2026. Find out all you need to know below!
PS. Are you an Indoor Artist? Let’s get you where you need to go.
Outdoor Artist Program
The Outdoor Artist Program showcases large-scale, donation-based Street Theatre Performances on two dedicated outdoor stages on Festival Grounds.
This program is intended for Artists producing all-ages shows that require substantial space – such as acrobatics, aerial work, or fire performances that need a wide audience buffer.
Outdoor Artist Shows are selected randomly through a lottery, allowing us to give as fair an opportunity to everyone possible. Shows are then scheduled by Festival Staff.
Each Outdoor Artist Lottery show receives scheduled performance slots, access to power, two technicians and technical support as needed, secure on-site storage, and Festival-wide show marketing strategies. access to power and a large performance area, suitable for big, bold acts.
TIMELINE FOR THE 2027 EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL LOTTERY PROGRAM
- Applications Open: October 13
- Applications Close: November 23
- Lottery Draw: November 30
- Festival Fees Collected: November 30 – December 7
Ready to Apply?
Indoor Artist Lottery applications are open until November 23. To apply for the Indoor Lottery:
3
2027 Lottery Artist Fees
| Fee | Amount | GST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (All Applications) | $45.00 | $2.25 | $47.25 |
| Indoor Artist Lottery Fee (Local, National, International) | $850.00 | $42.50 | $892.50 |
| Indoor Theatre for Young Audiences Lottery Fee | $700.00 | $35.00 | $735.00 |
| Outdoor Artist Lottery Fee | $700.00 | $35.00 | $735.00 |
If you’re waitlisted…
There’s still a chance!
If a spot opens in the Festival due to another show withdrawing, we’ll contact the next show on the Waitlist to fill the spot. If a waitlisted show is offered a Festival spot, they will have 5 business days to accept the spot by paying the Festival fee. If they decline the spot or do not pay the fee within that timeframe, we will reach out to the next show on the Waitlist. We will continue to fill any open Lottery spots until the week prior to the start of Festival.
Waitlist Artists will receive the same communication as Lottery and BYoV Artists to keep them up-to-date and in the loop. Artists can view their current spot on the Waitlist in Eventotron.
If you’re drawn for the lottery…
Congratulations!
You’re headed to the Edmonton Fringe Festival with technical support, marketing strategies, and more!
Fringe will require payment of the Outdoor Artist Lottery Fee within one week of the draw and will be in contact soon with all necessary forms, support services, resources for Lottery Artists and more.
Walk-By Busker Program
The Walk-By Busker Program animates Festival Grounds, with drop-in, donation-based Street Theatre Performances on small, designated pitches of space throughout Festival Grounds.
The program is designed to highlight smaller acts who benefit from close-proximity to their audiences, not requiring large safety zones or extensive movement – such as close-up magicians, living statues, or musical acts.
Each Walk-By Busker Show receives roughly 2-metre-diameter pitches to perform on, on-site coordination with our Outdoor Performance Manager, and the opportunity to engage with thousands of Fringers in high-traffic areas.
Want to apply? Stay tuned for more details in early 2027.
2027 Walk-By Busker Fees
| Fee | Amount | GST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (All Applications) | $15.00 | $0.75 | $15.75 |
| Festival Fee | $150.00 | $7.50 | $157.50 |
FAQs
Edmonton is home to the largest, longest running Fringe Festival in North America and one of the top five worldwide. Edmonton is also home to a vibrant year-round theatre arts community. We nurture engaged and discerning Audiences. Your show will be one of more than 200 productions available to Patrons over the 11 days of Festival. We encourage you to chat up Patrons on the Festival Grounds, appear at Fringe promotional events, and strategically use Artist comp and Pump Up the Volume tickets to help generate audience.
Our Festival is frequented by many a seasoned Fringer who chooses shows strategically based not only on reputation and reviews, but edge, creativity, and uniqueness. Each year, we also welcome new theatregoers who appreciate well-crafted, accessible shows.
Edmonton Patrons are loyal. Once you’ve recruited an Audience, you’ll find they are not only eager to follow you on your artistic journey for years to come, but they’ll also persuade their friends, too! With that in mind, make sure you include your social media handles on your promotional materials and engage with followers online.
Important Festival information, including all Artist forms, are found in Eventotron. Artist Updates are sent via email to the primary and secondary contacts listed in a show’s application.
Trouble accessing these emails? You may have unsubscribed by accident! Please e-mail: programming@fringetheatre.ca
Yes. We want to know as much as possible about your project from the very beginning! Don’t worry if your title isn’t finalized – you can change it later.
However, your lottery application is tied to the show you’re proposing. If you’re selected, you can’t swap your project for an entirely different production or transfer your spot to another Artist or company.
Be prepared to pay your Lottery Fee within a week of being selected!
Immediately upon being drawn, successful applicants will receive a welcome email with a unique reference number and instructions for paying the remaining Lottery Fee to confirm their spot in Festival.
We recommend budgeting for this expense before applying so you’re ready to go if your name is drawn.
Artist Updates Sign-Up
Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our Artist Update mailing list!
Contact Us
Questions? We have answers! Your Fringe Theatre team is here to support your Festival experience.
Murray Utas (he/him), Artistic Director, is here to support Festival Artists. Email him at any time at murray.utas@fringetheatre.ca