Friday is Deadline to Apply for 2012 Cincy Fringe

If you’re thinking of submitting a production for the 2012 Cincy Fringe Festival, now is the time to solidify your thoughts and get your application in to Know Theatre, the Fringe’s organizer. Friday Dec. 16 is the absolutely final day to do so. Follow this link for details, but don’t dally — this is a firm deadline.

The Fringe typically offers about 35 productions during its two-week run, May 30-June 9, 2012, this year. The Fringe is a juried festival that employs a selection committee composed of local artistic directors, actors, writers and producers to select which acts will be included. They study the sample material submitted with applications, then make recommendations based on several key factors: 

• Will this work be unique to our region?
• Can the proposed project be produced within the Fringe structure?
• How does the proposed project fulfill the goal of the Fringe to present diversity, creativity, innovation, inspiration, and passion? 
• How will a specific production benefit by being included in the Fringe?

They’re not seeking any specific type of production — past festivals have included puppet and mask shows, improv, melodrama, comedy, musicals, street performances, aerial dance — and some that defy description. Know Theatre stresses that there is no specific formula for a Fringe show. In fact, the element of surprise is highly valued.

I know you’re probably all tied up with holiday stuff, but if you have the slightest inkling that you want to be involved in the 2012 Fringe, check out this web site and get your application in by the end of the day on Friday.

If you want to familiarize yourself with what kinds of shows work at Cincy Fringe, see CityBeat's coverage of the 2011 festival here.