Holden Street Theatres' Edinburgh Fringe Award Criteria

Applications are open now.

Find the application form Here.

Every year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Holden Street Theatres select a recipient for the Holden Street Theatres' Edinburgh Fringe Award. The winner receives an invitation, as well as touring support, to perform at Holden Street Theatres in the Adelaide Fringe as the headline act of our program. The company is required to sign a contract supporting this in order to receive the award.

Take a look at our Technical Specifications to see if Holden Street is the right fit for you and your show.

Support is offered in the following areas:

  • Flights;

  • Accommodation;

  • Venue Hire;

  • Production Costs;

  • Fringe Registration;

  • Visas and sponsorship;

  • Administration;

  • Marketing & Publicity.

Judging

Productions will be selected both through application and from the Edinburgh Fringe Guide by the Holden Street Theatres Awards team.

A Holden Street Theatres’ representative, supported by a selected panel of international producers and arts practitioners, views the productions selected; if needed, the HST representative may contact the production company for further discussion. During this process the contract is discussed and agreed on under a Memorandum of Understanding. Your company is given a very clear outline of the level of support offered and of the facilities at the venue.

We focus on artistic merit, production values, touring possibilities, venue compatibility, marketing, and the production's viability based on the target audience of Holden Street Theatres.

The winner will be announced and an award presented at the Scotsman Award Ceremony in the final week of Edinburgh Fringe. Following this presentation, a meeting is arranged to sign a contract and the process begins!

Productions are advised that any additional support they can offer may assist in the decision process.

In the event the company is unable to accept, the offer of performance may be extended to another production.

The award title can be retained by the winner for further marketing use under agreement with Holden Street Theatres. In the event that more than one production stands out, further awards or offers may be presented.

Important

As a marketplace, the Adelaide Fringe presents different obstacles but is every bit as tough as Edinburgh. This is an incredible experience and a great networking opportunity for you - it is not a holiday in the Australian sunshine. So, please ONLY apply if you are prepared to work as hard as we do on selling your show and making it a successful run - and of course we love to have fun doing it!

CRITERIA

  • The winning decision is final and negotiation will not be entered into with any company;

  • The contract offered is not negotiable or redeemable for cash – (Contracts based on Arts Law Centre of Australia Performance Agreements, Media Entertainment Arts Alliance (of Australia) Agreements, and Venue Performance Contracts);

  • Any company or individual who has applied may be eligible;

  • If a work is deemed ineligible, the panel reserve the right not to view it;

  • Shows will be viewed by representatives selected by Holden Street Theatres.

The Production / Company:

  • Must show a high level of artistic merit and production values;

  • Must have a strong marketing campaign and be prepared to do street marketing, publicity appearances, interviews and other such initiatives as set out by the theatre on a daily basis;

  • Must have a proactive and positive approach to Fringe performing;

  • The production must not have been previously presented in Australia;

  • Must be available to tour to Australia from mid-February to mid-March;

  • Must be able and prepared to present a minimum of 33 performances with a usual season of up to 35 performances within these dates;

  • Must be suitable for touring to one of the Holden Street Theatres venues;

  • Must carry the Holden Street Theatres Award logo on all advertising material where the award is mentioned;

  • Must list the Holden Street Theatres' Edinburgh Fringe Award as the primary presenter (top billing) for the production during the Adelaide Fringe period;

  • Holden Street Theatres will have first option on further touring rights in Australia for twelve months following the production at Holden Street for the Adelaide Fringe;

  • Companies may have other funding sources supporting the production and include logos, billing, and information on other partners.

The Artist(s):

  • Must be over 18 years of age or be accompanied by an adult(s) (accompanying adults are at the expense of the artist);

  • Must be willing to work within guidelines set out by the theatre during their season;

  • May be required to supplement any further costs needed over and above the award.

How to be seen

If you would like us to see your show please email the Application Form to manager@holdenstreettheatres.com

Kind regards,

Martha and the HST Team