Dublin Fringe Festival 2026 Application Form

Dublin Fringe Festival 2026 Application Form
Before submitting make sure to read the guidelines in our 2026 Application Guide.

DEADLINE: This form and all supporting documents must be submitted by 2pm GMT on Thursday 22nd January.

Note on saving your application:
- To save your application as a draft, click 'SAVE DRAFT' and submit your email to send your draft application to yourself.
- Your draft will not be saved until your email is submitted.
- Do not close this window without submitting your email to save your draft.
This application form uses conditional logic, which means certain questions will appear or disappear depending on your answers to previous questions - please don't worry if a question disappears, it just means we don't need you to answer it!

Please note, we are happy to accept applications in different formats (like Word Doc, PDF and Video/Audio.) For detailed instructions on how to apply this way, please visit the Application Guide.

If you have any questions or trouble filling out this form, please reach out to our Programme Assistant Clíona Malin on artistic@fringefest.com.
SECTION 1: Basic Information about your Show/Event
1. Show/event title*
Exact spelling please and be clear if it's intended to be all caps or if there is unusual punctuation, etc. Examples: Nothing Personal, This-Topia, don’t copy me (copy).
2. Name of artist / company / act / collective*
Exact spelling please and be clear if it's intended to be all caps or if there is unusual punctuation, etc. Examples: Tony Cantwell, AGENTS & JUICE, Minaw Collective.
3. Who is the show/event presented by (if different from above)?
Exact spelling please and be clear if it's intended to be all caps or if there is unusual punctuation etc. Examples: Once Off Productions, THISISPOPBABY, Kundle Cru, etc.
4. Is this your first time applying to Dublin Fringe Festival?*

YesNo
Please give the year and show/event title of previous application(s)
5. As stated in the Application Guide, work presented in the Festival needs to be a Dublin premiere. Please confirm if your show/event is a:*

Dublin premiereIreland premiereOther
A Dublin premiere means that this specific show/event has not been presented in Dublin before.

Please note, work in progress showings and readings (like Scene + Heard, Playground, etc.) do not count as a Dublin premiere as they are not completed work, making them eligible for Dublin Fringe Festival.
6. Country you are based in*
County in Ireland you are based in*
SECTION 2: Contact Details

Please do your best to make sure this information is all correct! Double check the spelling, particularly of email addresses and contact numbers. We need to be able to get in touch with you quickly in case we have a question concerning your application. If any of this information changes through the application process, you must notify us on programming@fringefest.com.
7. Name of Main Contact*

First NameLast Name
Your main contact is the person who will be the key contact for the application. It is their responsibility to communicate with the rest of the team.
8. Role of Main Contact*
Examples: Lead Artist, Producer, Event Manager, etc.
9. Email address of Main Contact*
example@example.com
10. Phone number of Main Contact*
Please include country code if you’re not based in the Republic of Ireland.
SECTION 3: Your Show/Event Proposal

This is the most important section in the application. We advise you to be clear and concise, but make sure to give us enough information so that we have a clear sense of what you are proposing and what exactly will be happening during the show/event.
11. Is this a new show/event?*

YesNo
Where else has this show/event been on?*
12. Please select the primary artform that best describes your show/event*

Audio ExperienceCabaretCircusClubComedyCommunityCulinary ExperienceDanceDigital ExperienceDocumentaryDragFilmGigInstallationInteractiveInterdisciplinaryLectureLive ArtMusicPerformanceSpoken Word/PoetryStorytellingTheatreTraditional ArtsVisual ArtWorkshopYoung AudiencesOther
We’re a multidisciplinary festival so we love to see work in any and all artforms.
Please select any other artforms significantly involved in your show/event

Audio ExperienceCabaretCircusClubComedyCommunityCulinary ExperienceDanceDigital ExperienceDocumentaryDragFilmGigInstallationInteractiveInterdisciplinaryLectureLive ArtMusicPerformanceSpoken Word/PoetryStorytellingTheatreTraditional ArtsVisual ArtWorkshopYoung AudiencesOther
This is giving you space if your show/event is across multiple artforms as we celebrate a breadth of artforms and interdisciplinary work. Don’t worry if you have nothing to tick here - we also love gigs, new plays, and straight up stand-up comedy!
13. The Young Radicals programme at Dublin Fringe Festival presents work specifically created for and/or by young people (defined as people under the age of 18). Please tick the box that applies to your show/event*

I would like my show/event to be considered for the Young Radicals programmeI would NOT like my show/event to be considered for the Young Radicals programmeOther
14. Please describe your idea - tell us about the show/event you would like to present in Dublin Fringe Festival*

Please consider the subject matter, the form, the context, the key themes, the style, etc. These are just some ideas and not all of these will apply to everyone, so be as creative as you want to be! 0/500
15. What happens in the show/event?*

Please consider what happens in the work, the arc and journey, what is happening in the space, what the audience experiences throughout the event, what are they seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, tasting, etc.0/500
16. Where are you in the process of making the show/event and what are the next steps?*

If you’re still making the work, tell us what you need to be able to present it in September. Examples include: There is an early draft of a script so the next steps are rewriting and table work. It’s a touring show that has been on the road for two years so it’s completely ready to bring to Dublin in September. I have a musical score, but need to callout for musicians at the start of the summer. I have yet to cast my show / secure my team.0/250
17. Why does this work need to be presented in Dublin Fringe Festival and meet an audience now? *

This is an opportunity to speak to the urgency of your show/event, contemporary resonance, how it relates to the Dublin Fringe Festival 2026 curatorial callout, etc.0/200
18. Please list the roles and names of the main artist(s), creative and production team involved in you show/event*
We don’t just mean performers - if you have Lighting Designers, Production Managers, Composers, Movement Directors, Technicians, or other key roles confirmed please list them here. If your full team isn’t confirmed, include a line for the role and under the name write ‘To be confirmed’ (i.e. Sound Designer - TBC). Please make sure to include CV/Bios for all team members in the Supporting Documents section.
19. What is the funding status of your show/event? Please tick all that apply*

UnfundedWaiting on funding newsFunded - less than €5,000Funded - between €5,000 and €15,000Funded - between €15,000 and €30,000Funded - more than €30,000Funded through an Arts Council Project AwardFunded through another Arts Council SchemeFunded through Local Authority FundingFunded through another funding bodyOther
We ask this to understand the level of resources - this will not impact if your work is programmed. We are only considering actual funding here, and not other supports (like space in kind, mentorship, etc). In the case that you are ‘waiting on funding’, please let us know the outcome of your funding the status of your funding by mid-march by emailing programming@fringefest.com. We fully understand if you need to withdraw your application if you don’t receive funding.
In the case that you are waiting on funding, let us know if you would want to go ahead with your show/event if your funding is unsuccessful*

YesNoOther
20. Do you have any other organisation(s) helping you make the work? If so, please include below the name of the organisation and the type of support

This could be rehearsal space, mentorship, marketing support, etc.0/100
SECTION 4: Programming and Venue Information

If you are programmed, this section helps us start to make informed decisions about how you see your work being presented in Dublin Fringe Festival. Make sure to read the Application Guide so that you understand the difference between a Dublin Fringe Festival assigned venue and an own venue (that you find and manage yourself). We are open to unusual venues and have a huge wealth of experience in this area, make sure to let us know where you might need the Fringe Team’s assistance in sourcing or securing a venue - be as detailed as possible about what you need and where you’re at! If you are presenting in an unusual venue not intended to present live performance, you could also consider putting yourself forward for our Make Space For Art Fund in the Additional Support section of this form (see the Additional Support Guide to learn more about this).
21. Are you applying for a Dublin Fringe Festival Assigned Venue or with your Own Venue?*

Dublin Fringe Festival Assigned VenueOwn Venue – sourced and confirmedOwn Venue – sourced and in conversationOwn Venue – still sourcing and not confirmedOwn Venue – need support in finding the right space
Please note that Own Venue also includes site specific, outdoors, and remote art experiences where the location/site is managed and hosted by you. In the section below, please let us know where you need Dublin Fringe Festival’s support in having a conversation with the city/local authority or host.
Dublin Fringe Festival Assigned Venue

Please make sure you have read the technical specifications of the venue(s) you’re selecting below to ensure you’re making an informed decision. Dublin Fringe Festival assigned venues operate predominantly in a shared venue model (meaning there are usually 2-3 shows running concurrently per week with average runs from 5-7 performances). Please note: This is not an exhaustive Dublin Fringe venue list, it is a sample of the venues we frequently use. There are multiple performance slots available in each of these venues.
A1. Please use the dropdown menu on the left below to select the venue(s) you wish to be considered for, and the dropdown menu on the right to register your preference (i.e. Smock Alley Theatre: Boys’ School - 1, The New Theatre - 2, etc.)*
A2. Please let us know the practical reasons why you prefer your top selected venue(s)*

This will help us match you with the right venue. Please give us a comprehensive and clear indication of why you have chosen these venues for your proposal. Think about capacity (what you can sell), size (how big a stage/area you need), location, technical facilities, as well as the creative reasons you would like to prioritise these spaces. 0/200
A3. What type of seating configuration(s) would work for your show/event? Please tick all that apply*

End-OnIn the RoundOther
Please note: the standard seating configuration of almost all venues is end-on, so facilitation of alternative options is possible but requires flexibility and early communication, particularly given the shared nature of our venues.

Check out the Glossary included in the Venue Technical Specification documents if the language above isn’t clear to you. If you absolutely need a specific set up in the venue, please include the rationale for this in Q27 about the production/technical needs of your show/event.
A4. Dublin Fringe Festival assigned venues operate predominantly in a shared venue model - which means other shows/events will be sharing your space, usually meaning short turnaround times and limited storage for large sets. Please select which option best applies for you*

I am happy to share a venueI cannot share a venueI would prefer not to share a venue, but would find a way to if programmedOther
Please be aware that if you cannot share a venue we may need to discuss the Own Venue model with you.
Own Venue
B1. If you’re applying with your own venue, we ask you to confirm that you have read the Own Venue Information Document in the How to Apply Page on our website*

Yes
B2. If you’re applying with your own venue, please give details on the venue (location, if an agreement is in place, where it’s hosted, if you need any help from Dublin Fringe Festival in securing the venue, etc.) and why this venue is suitable for your show/event*

Please note that this includes site specific, outdoors, and remote art experiences where the location/site is managed and hosted by you (e.g. on-the-street, hotel rooms, online platforms, in the post, on the radio, etc.) If you are looking at various possibilities or types of spaces, please list them - we might be able to help! Please check the ‘How to Apply’ page for a list of some alternative or offsite venues. 0/500
22. What is your ideal number of performances?*
This is led by you, but the standard number for us is usually 5-7.
23. How long is the duration of the show in minutes (i.e. 60mins)?*
We know this is subject to change, but we need a rough idea to be able to accurately programme your show/event. It’s always better to overestimate here!
24. Do you or your team have any availability issues during the festival or in the lead up that would impact your ability to present your show/event?

This is really important information for us, as making changes to our programme schedule after we've put it together is extremely tricky. For reference the festival runs from 5 - 20 September 2026, but some venues might get in or start tech earlier.0/100
25. Is there anything else we need to know about the logistics of programming your show/event?

Is there an unusual audience capacity? Does it need to be at a specific time or day, or in a specific timeslot? Do you intend for it to be a free event?0/150
SECTION 5: Production and Technical Information
26. Do you have someone confirmed who will be managing the technical aspects of your show/event?*

YesNo
If you don’t have this team member in place, our technical team will use the Main Contact details supplied on this form.
Name of Technical Contact*

First NameLast Name
Role of Technical Contact in your show/event*
i.e. Production Manager, Designer, etc.
Email address of Technical Contact*
example@example.com
Phone number of Technical Contact*
Please include country code if not based in the Republic of Ireland.
27. What are the production/technical needs of your show/event?*

This is your chance to outline the technical needs of your show/event, and will help inform us about which venue and slot will be best suited for you. This could include: specific technical equipment, ideal stage dimensions, tech time required in the venue, scale of production, warm up space/dressing room requirements, details of design (set, sound, lighting, video, etc.), schedule, if you need a dance floor (sprung or not), and any other pertinent details. Please make sure to let us know if you have this equipment to hand, need to rent it, or would be looking for it through the venue/Festival. 0/300
28. What is your estimated get-in time (in hours)?
This is the time in which you ‘get in’ to the space, and should include loading in your equipment/set, rigging, and set build. Please note the average amount of time available in a Dublin Fringe Festival assigned venue is 1-4 hours.
29. What is your estimated tech time (in hours)?
This is the time you have to run your show/event with performers in the space, and to have a dress rehearsal/sound check. Please note the average amount of time available in a Dublin Fringe Festival assigned venue is 6-9 hours.
30. What is the minimum amount of time you would need to turnaround your show/event if you were to share a space (in minutes)?
This is the time you have to clear and reset your space (including set/lights/sound) between your show/event the next one, usually on the same day. Please note, the average amount of time is 25-30mins per show/event in a Dublin Fringe Festival assigned venue.
31. What are your ideal stage dimensions (in metres)?
32. What are your set requirements (if you have one)?

Consider these elements: what is the scale of your set (including likely dimensions), do you need storage for it, how will you load it into the venue, etc. 0/100
33. What are your lighting, AV/projection, and audio requirements?

0/200
SECTION 6: Marketing and Audience

This section is for us to understand how you will sell your show/event because as we are a very large Festival, it will be your responsibility to sell your own show. Of course we will be here to support you along the way! If programmed, we will ask for a dedicated Marketing Contact and as the Festival moves very quickly, you will have a three-week turnaround for your blurb and show image - so we would need you to be ready to go.
34. Do you have prior experience in marketing a similar show/event?*

YesNoOther
Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience – this is just so that we know how much support you might need in selling tickets!
35. Please include any links to your website and/or social media channels you would be using to promote your show
This can be for you individually and/or your company / act / collective.
36. Please provide a sample blurb for your show*

Here’s an example from our 2025 Festival for Don’t Tell Dad About Diana: Dublin, 1997. Two friends prepare to compete for the crown of Alternative Miss Ireland with their Princess Diana drag act, under the noses of their hardline nationalist families. As they race through the city towards competition night, Diana’s death sparks the unravelling of their secret, their friendship and their plans to leave Ireland.  A high-energy, fast-paced two-hander packed with comedy, courage, and coming-of-age chaos. 0/100
37. Who is your target audience and how will you reach them?*

Please be specific - for example: My audience is adults aged 25–40 with an interest in contemporary dance, experimental performance, and visual art. I intend to reach them through Instagram ads targeted at dance fans, flyer drops and postering at arts spaces like Project and Dance House, and direct outreach to dance networks and communities. / My audience is predominantly female, aged 18–30, who attend spoken word, drag, and storytelling nights in Dublin. I’ll reach them by collaborating with local spoken word nights and collective (i.e. The Circle Sessions), using IG Reels to showcase short clips of work, and flyering and postering in creative spaces and cafés.0/200
SECTION 7: Accessibility for you and your audience

Dublin Fringe Festival is committed to increasing accessibility across our Festival programme. For artists, we have resources to support certain access requests around ensuring you’re able to present your work in the Festival. For audiences, we are generally able to support a limited number of shows through ISL Interpretation, Audio Description and Relaxed Performances. Please refer to the Application Guide to understand what you would need to have in place to be considered for these.
38. Please tell us if you or anyone on your team has any access requirements or is facing any barriers to access, and what support Dublin Fringe could provide through the Festival process.

For instance, if you’re working with performers who have disabilities do they need an increased get in time, shows programmed at specific times, placement within specific venues, a minimum temperature within the venues, etc. 0/150
39. If you would like your show/event to be considered for audience accessible performance(s), please select all that you would like to be considered for below:

Irish Sign Language (ISL)Audio Description (AD)Touch ToursRelaxed Performances
In order for ISL and Audio Description to be incorporated into your show/event by a Dublin Fringe Festival provided service, you would need to have a finalised script/video by early July so please consider this when making your selection.
40. Finally, you are about to move onto supporting documents but before you do - is there anything else we really need to know that has not been covered?

0/200
SECTION 8: Supporting Documents

You must supplement the above application form with supporting documents. Applications with no supporting documents are considered to be incomplete.
Please be concise and considered with the supporting documents you send, curate these for us to get the best sense of your work from a streamlined collection of materials. Please note applications with no supporting documentation will be considered incomplete and will likely not be assessed.

Please name each file like this: title of show, title of company/artist name and title of file (i.e. Fleabag Phoebe Waller-Bridge Script).

The maximum file size is 1GB per item uploaded. If you have files larger than this, we recommend that you save them to a host service (i.e Vimeo, YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) and upload a word document with the link to access. If you do this, please make sure to offer us the access we need to see the materials there.

If you have any issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to artistic@fringefest.com.
Is your show/event a new piece of work or has it been presented before?*

My show/event is a new piece of workMy show/event has been presented before
A. If your show/event is a new piece of work, the following documentation is mandatory:

1. Short Biographies/CVs of your team

2. Draft budget - showing income and expenditure. This will give us a sense of the scale of the event you're proposing. You can access a template budget here.

3. Show/Event Artistic Samples - this could be a draft script, a video of a work in progress showing, storyboard, or an expanded description of what happens in the show/event. It's OK for these to be in draft stage - just flag that within the document. If your work is a piece of new writing, you must submit a draft script. Think of this as anything to help us in understanding the concept outlined in the application.
1. Short Biographies/CVs of your team:

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2. Draft budget:

Cancelof
3. Show/Event Artistic Samples:

Cancelof
Additionally, we would also like to see the following, but they are not mandatory:

1. Design Ideas (if relevant)

2. Link to Video Materials from this work or a previous work - preferably with easily identifiable timestamps to watch from and to. For this show/event, this could be from a work-in-progress showing or rehearsal. For previous work, this would be from a different previously presented show/event.

3. Images of your previous work or of a work in progress of this show/event
1. Design Ideas:

Cancelof
2. Link to Video Materials from this work or a previous work:

Cancelof
3. Images of your previous work or of a work in progress of this show/event

Cancelof
B. If your show/event has been performed before, the following documentation is mandatory:

1. Short Biographies/CVs of your team

2. Draft budget - showing income and expenditure. This will give us a sense of the scale of the event you're proposing. You can access a template budget here.

3. Images (i.e. from production, publicity images, etc.)

4. Link to Video Materials (preferably with easily identifiable timestamps to watch from and to)

5. Technical Documentation - this could include a tech rider, lighting plan, technical specifications, crew needs, etc.

6. Set and Building Information - this could include scale drawings of set/build, an outline of your plans, necessary equipment transportation, etc.

7. Risk Assessment

8. Any other relevant information not outlined above
1. Short Biographies/CVs of your team:

Cancelof
2. Draft budget:

Cancelof
3. Images:

Cancelof
4. Link to Video Materials:

Cancelof
5. Technical Documentation:

Cancelof
6. Risk Assessment:

Cancelof
7. Set and Building Information:

Cancelof
8. Any other relevant information:

Cancelof
Good news - you have completed the main part of the application! Only a little more to go...
Are you interested in applying for any of our Additional Support options for your show/event?*

YesNo
Our Additional Support includes the Break New Ground bursary, Make Space for Art Fund, Box Office Pre-payment Scheme, Flexible Funding Pot and mentorships.

Note on saving your application:

To save your application as a draft, click 'SAVE DRAFT' then scroll up to the pop-up notification and submit your email to send your draft application to yourself. Your draft will not be saved until your email is submitted. Do not close this window without submitting your email to save your draft.

SECTION 9: Additional Support for Shows/Events

This section is for shows/events that would benefit from additional support to make your vision happen -this is mainly through various mentorships, financial supports and partner schemes. Please read the Additional Supports Guide to ensure you understand what you’re applying for.
Break New Ground Bursary

Break New Ground is a €5500 bursary which supports an artist who has not led a project at Dublin Fringe Festival before towards developing an ambitious new idea for live performance in 2026. Break New Ground is ideal for artists who want to make work that blends disciplines or artists working professionally in one artform that want to try something new. We’re especially interested in supporting artists whose backgrounds are in visual art, circus and aerial, music, cabaret and drag. This bursary is not suitable for Dublin Fringe Festival editions of existing work, it is to support the development of an idea for a new, full length live performance work. For more detailed information and criteria on Break New Ground, please check the Application Support section of the Application Guide.
If you'd like to be considered for Break New Ground and fit the criteria, please tick the box below and answer the following two questions

Yes
Could you please outline the how this bursary will support and enable the creation of the work in this application?

0/150
Tell us how this application fits the criteria for the Break New Ground Bursary

Please consider the criteria in the Additional Supports Guide.0/150
Make Space for Art Fund

This is a fund of €5000 to support events made for unconventional performance spaces in Dublin and can cover any associated venue/site costs - the maximum you can apply for is €3000 as it needs to support more than one show/event.
If you'd like to be considered for the Make Space for Art fund and fit the criteria, please tick the box below and answer the following two questions

Yes
Please tell us the exact amount you are requesting and what it is for
Please keep in mind this is a small and flexible pot which we try to utilise to make as many projects viable as possible.
Please tell us why you are eligible for this fund and what venue related costs it would cover in your Draft Budget

Make sure to identify what this will be used for in your budget in the Make Space for Art line (if using the template), and if not, identifying it within your own one.0/200
Box Office Pre-payment Scheme

The Box Office Pre-payment Scheme supports artists facing barriers to funding, particularly those who rely on future Box Office income to fund the creation of their work. It means that Dublin Fringe Festival will pre-pay a portion of your projected Box Office income following signature of your contract. It is only available to those artists applying to a Dublin Fringe Festival Assigned Venue, and not to those in an Own Venue model.
If you'd like to be considered for the Box Office Pre-payment Scheme and fit the criteria, please tick the box below and answer the following question

Yes
Could you please outline the how the advance payment will enable the creation of the work in this application?

0/150
Flexible Funding Pot

Dublin Fringe has a small, flexible funding pot for shows/events that need specific support to cover something slight but important for your show in amounts from €200 to €800. In the past, this has included things like: rigging support for aerial work, piano rental, technical support for a show, and contribution towards set design/dressing.
If you'd like to be considered for the Flexible Funding Pot, please tick the box below and answer the following two questions:

Yes
Please tell us the exact amount you are requesting and what it is for
Please keep in mind this is a small and flexible pot which we try to utilise to make as many projects viable as possible.
Can your show/event happen without this?
Make sure to identify what this will be used for in your budget in the Flexible Funding Pot line (if using the template), and if not, identifying it within your own one.
Mentorships and Partnerships

Previously, this has included mentorship from: Fishamble: The New Play Company, Pan Pan Theatre, field: arts, Circus Factory, Gorilla Design, and specific mentorship from artists and industry experts identified by the Programming Team through the Festival process.
Would you like to be considered for mentorship opportunities through our partners' schemes and/or from Dublin Fringe Festival facilitated mentorships?

YesNoOther

Dublin Fringe Festival 2026 Application Form

SECTION 1: Basic Information about your Show/Event

SECTION 2: Contact Details

SECTION 3: Your Show/Event Proposal

SECTION 4: Programming and Venue Information

Dublin Fringe Festival Assigned Venue

Own Venue

SECTION 5: Production and Technical Information

SECTION 6: Marketing and Audience

SECTION 7: Accessibility for you and your audience

SECTION 8: Supporting Documents

SECTION 9: Additional Support for Shows/Events

Break New Ground Bursary

Make Space for Art Fund

Box Office Pre-payment Scheme

Flexible Funding Pot

Mentorships and Partnerships

SECTION 10: About You