The Site-Specific Category

Update on Fringe 2021 Applications and COVID-19

Want to think outside of the black box? The Site-Specific Category at Fringe is a patron favourite. We've had shows in school buses, bars, pools, shops and more. What will you come up with next?

What is the Site-Specific Category?

The Site-Specific category is a bring-your-own-venue category for individuals who want to produce a show in an accessible, non-conventional theatre space. It is not a lottery category, it is filled on a first-come, first-served basis, based on approval of an eligible venue. Applicants must submit a venue proposal that demonstrates an inherent significance or connection to the show that will be presented.

Applications to the site-specific category open in the fall and remain open until 20 spots are filled. 

Eligibility:

• The show must not exceed 90 minutes in duration and should not be less than 45 minutes.
• The venue must meet the accessibility standards of a Fringe venue.
• The venue must be safe to the general public.
• The venue must be located within the City of Toronto Limits.
• The venue must be accessible by TTC.
• The show must not be in a Toronto public park – their permits do not allow private ticketed events without enclosures.
• The company must be able to provide the Festival with a table, chair, safe and accessible place to set up a Box Office booth, and a secure storage space for a tote bin of supplies and an A-frame. This secure storage and the Box Office area need to be accessed by Festival Front of House staff at least 90 minutes before the first show of the day.
• The venue seating capacity will be capped at 215 seats (per show).

The applicant is responsible for:

• All rental expenses and negotiated agreements with the venue directly.
• Providing any on-site technical support that is required to run the show.
• Creating and submitting the performance schedule. 

Other details:

• Single tickets are sold at general admission price.
• The Fringe’s liability insurance extends to all site-specific venues to protect the general public seeing a show in the space, but does not extend any coverage to damage done to the venue incurred by a company’s activities in the space.
• If more than one company submits an application with the same proposed performance venue, only one will be accepted. Applications will be processed in order of submission.

View a sample Site-Specific application from 2020.  Subject to change.

View a sample Site-Specific "Definitions and Standards" document from 2020. Subject to change.