Location: Providence, RI
Dates: July 13, 2025 to July 26, 2025
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025
Website: https://www.fringepvd.org/
The Providence Fringe Festival (FringePVD) is a two-week celebration of bold, innovative, and unconventional performance art. Founded in 2014 by The Wilbury Theatre Group, the festival nurtures both emerging and established artists while providing the Providence community with fearless and affordable theatre experiences. FringePVD serves as a platform for artists to experiment with new works, pushing creative boundaries across theatre, dance, music, and other performance genres.
FringePVD creates strong connections between artists, audiences, local businesses, and organizations, reinforcing Providence as a vibrant cultural destination. The festival is open to anyone who wants to produce their own show, offering a space for both seasoned performers and newcomers to showcase their work. Performances take place in multiple venues across the city, with a mix of in-person and online presentations.
FringePVD is a non-juried, lottery-based festival, meaning all applications are accepted without prior review, and participants are chosen at random. The 2025 festival runs from July 13-26 and features both in-person and online performances. Artists must choose between in-person or online/streaming categories; they cannot do both.
Applications open on January 15, 2025, and close on April 15, 2025, with two fee structures:
To apply, artists must complete an online application form and submit payment via the OvationTix system. Payment must be made in a separate browser window to ensure the transaction is processed correctly. Applications without payment will not be considered.
Performance slots are assigned through a lottery system after the application period closes. All performances must run between 45-60 minutes, and selected shows will be placed in a venue based on schedule availability and technical requirements. The festival strongly encourages the presentation of original works rather than previously produced scripts from regional and community theatres.
Artists selected for FringePVD receive 100% of their ticket sales, making it a financially accessible platform for independent performers. In addition to the application fee, accepted participants must pay a one-time production fee to confirm their spot in the festival.
Artists are responsible for their own production costs, including set design, props, and any additional technical needs. Venues provide basic lighting and audio playback, but storage space for sets and props is limited. Performers must set up and strike their shows within 15 minutes before and after their performance.
Volunteers play an essential role in making FringePVD a success. Opportunities include assisting with ticketing, ushering, event management, and artist support. Volunteering offers a unique chance to engage with the arts community while helping produce a festival that amplifies independent voices and creativity. More details on how to volunteer will be available closer to the festival dates.
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