by Allison Pitts
We have gone to several informative workshops this year at the Fringe that have been very helpful for Fringe first-timers. On August 5th we all attended the workshop: How to Get Your Show Seen by the Right People. At the workshop, there was a panel of people who work in different areas of the Fringe. They discussed several key things to do and not to do in order to get attention at the Fringe. To start off, the panelists emphasized the importance of the arts industry office at the Fringe. The Arts Industry office is available to help give you contacts to people who may be interested in your show. They can help you get the “right people” to see it.
The part of the workshop that I found to be most helpful was the part when all the panelists stated their “do’s” and “don’ts” of the Fringe. “Do’s” included: hanging out at the right places, doing as much as you can and being nice to everyone you meet. Hanging out at the right places can lead to meeting important people who could possibly show interest in taking on your show after the Fringe. There are so many things to do at the Fringe that the panelists suggested to take advantage of your time and do as much as you possibly can. I have heard many people state that “sleep is for September.” Finally, you never know whom you are speaking with. It could be an important producer or someone who could put you in touch with someone that could help your career, so you should always be nice to everyone. The panelists’ list of don’ts included: don’t stress, move on when things don’t work, don’t worry about being over professional and don’t stalk people. Above all, the Fringe is supposed to be a fun and exciting experience. The panelists stressed that if you enjoy yourself, and perform your best work, an audience will come. They also stressed the importance of not stalking the people you want to get in contact with. Producers and reviewers are very busy. It is okay to send them a few emails asking them to attend your show, but it is not okay to call and email them constantly.
Overall this workshop was very helpful. Although Fringe University students are not putting on a show here, learning all the ins and outs of the festival will be so helpful for us in the future. Whether we are back at the Fringe one day, or managing a show touring in the US, the information we have been given at these workshops can be applied to all aspects of the entertainment industry.
We have gone to several informative workshops this year at the Fringe that have been very helpful for Fringe first-timers. On August 5th we all attended the workshop: How to Get Your Show Seen by the Right People. At the workshop, there was a panel of people who work in different areas of the Fringe. They discussed several key things to do and not to do in order to get attention at the Fringe. To start off, the panelists emphasized the importance of the arts industry office at the Fringe. The Arts Industry office is available to help give you contacts to people who may be interested in your show. They can help you get the “right people” to see it.
The part of the workshop that I found to be most helpful was the part when all the panelists stated their “do’s” and “don’ts” of the Fringe. “Do’s” included: hanging out at the right places, doing as much as you can and being nice to everyone you meet. Hanging out at the right places can lead to meeting important people who could possibly show interest in taking on your show after the Fringe. There are so many things to do at the Fringe that the panelists suggested to take advantage of your time and do as much as you possibly can. I have heard many people state that “sleep is for September.” Finally, you never know whom you are speaking with. It could be an important producer or someone who could put you in touch with someone that could help your career, so you should always be nice to everyone. The panelists’ list of don’ts included: don’t stress, move on when things don’t work, don’t worry about being over professional and don’t stalk people. Above all, the Fringe is supposed to be a fun and exciting experience. The panelists stressed that if you enjoy yourself, and perform your best work, an audience will come. They also stressed the importance of not stalking the people you want to get in contact with. Producers and reviewers are very busy. It is okay to send them a few emails asking them to attend your show, but it is not okay to call and email them constantly.
Overall this workshop was very helpful. Although Fringe University students are not putting on a show here, learning all the ins and outs of the festival will be so helpful for us in the future. Whether we are back at the Fringe one day, or managing a show touring in the US, the information we have been given at these workshops can be applied to all aspects of the entertainment industry.
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