Asheville Fringe Arts Festival

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About

The Asheville Fringe Society is dedicated to cultivating strange and wonderful work that lies outside the mainstream. The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival provides artists with opportunities to explore the edges of their work, to collaborate across genres and to bring new and innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Our continual goal is to curate experiences that expand the minds and hearts of our audiences and to be inclusive of artists who work within a myriad of genres, styles, and forms to create truly unique and original pieces in our community.

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Submission Requirements

The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival offers opportunities for artists to present their work in various formats. Performances can range from short pieces to full-length productions, each with specific presentation options. Pieces that are 5-15 minutes long may be featured in a showcase or selected as a free Random Act of Fringe, providing exposure in a curated setting. Works between 20-40 minutes may be paired with another show, while performances lasting 45-60 minutes are presented as ticketed, theater-style events. Site-specific pieces, which can be of any length, are performed in nontraditional locations and may be designed for intimate audiences, sometimes engaging just one viewer at a time.

For filmmakers, the festival includes a dedicated short film showcase. Films should be under 20 minutes in length and can span any genre. Selected films will be screened at the Grail Moviehouse on Monday, March 17, 2025, at either 7pm or 9pm. Submissions for this category open in Winter 2025.

As a juried festival, Asheville Fringe carefully reviews all applications to ensure high-quality, innovative performances. Artists must present their work or a fully developed concept at a short virtual or in-person adjudication session in October or November. Festival staff will notify applicants of their acceptance in December.

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Finances

The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival does not charge any application fee. If accepted into the festival, there is a $35 Participation Fee, which is paid when you sign your Artist Contract and turn in your W-9. Artists who submit films through FilmFreeway.com ($5) do not need to pay the $35 participation fee.

Artists participating in the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival receive a range of benefits designed to support their work and enhance their experience. Performers gain access to a vibrant and engaged audience, providing a unique platform to showcase their creativity. Artists receive 50% of ticket sales, ensuring a direct financial return for their performances. Each member of the creative team is given an artist pass, allowing stand-by access to most festival shows.

Additional perks include four complimentary tickets to the artist’s own show for guests of their choice. Productions are featured in the festival’s printed guide, website, and local publications, offering valuable exposure. In most cases, artists will also receive professional photographs of their performance. The festival provides box office support, ensuring smooth ticketing operations, as well as professional sound and lighting services to help bring each production to life. Social media promotion further amplifies visibility, helping artists connect with audiences beyond the festival

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Volunteer Information

The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help bring this dynamic event to life. Opportunities are available in several key areas, allowing volunteers to engage with the festival in ways that match their interests and skills.

Those with a knack for digital engagement can assist with social media and promotion, helping to spread the word about the festival’s performances and events. Photography and videography volunteers will play a crucial role in capturing the energy and creativity of the festival, documenting performances and behind-the-scenes moments.

For those who enjoy community outreach, the Street Team is a great way to get involved by distributing flyers around town, typically during a single afternoon. Volunteers can also support the festival’s operations by working at the Box Office, where they will check in patrons, sell tickets at the door, and assist attendees. This role requires Box Office training and a smartphone, with a Fringe Venue Director on hand to provide support.

At Fringe Central, volunteers will assist the festival staff at the LaZoom Room, helping with check-ins for artists, Freak Pass holders, and other volunteers, as well as handling various organizational tasks. Those interested in festival parties can assist with merchandise sales, food distribution, and general event support.

For those who can offer accommodations, the festival also seeks volunteers for artist housing (billeting). Interested individuals can indicate their availability in the volunteer form, and festival staff will follow up. Volunteering with Asheville Fringe is a great way to connect with the arts community while contributing to a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.