Your opportunity.
Last year, we welcomed performers from all backgrounds: theatre companies, poets, comedians, singer-songwriters, musicians and many more... and we're doing it all over again from 30 May - 14 June 2026. We'd love to get you involved. Keep reading to find out what taking part could mean for you.
Not sure who we are?
We're on a mission to make performing accessible for all, without a cost barrier. That's why we won't charge you to take part in Chichester Fringe.
IMAGE: Ian & Julia Roberts. Potted Pride & Prejudice.
How do I apply for Chichester Fringe?
What do I need to submit?
An act, show or set and a lot of enthusiasm!
Taking part in Chichester Fringe is free (yes, really). We don't charge our performers for use of the space - we're a community organisation wanting to make arts accessible for all so it's only right you get to use our partner spaces for free (and, potentially, make some money).
You’ll need to fill out our online form below.
Here’s what you’ll need to tell us in the first instance - don’t worry if you don’t have/know everything right now, we'll help with the rest as best we can:
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Information on your production (including content, technical info and staging),
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Your availability throughout the Fringe (30 May - 14 June 2026),
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A bit of background about you including past material and social media links.
You'll also need to submit your preferred venue - don't worry, all the information is in the application form. Have a think which venue would suit your show or act best; if you're performing a more intimate piece, a smaller venue may be more appropriate.
If you have any questions, you can contact the team on production@chichesterfringe.co.uk. We'll work to help you but, please note, Chichester Fringe is volunteer run so it may take us a couple of days to respond.
IMAGE: David Richardson Photography. New Act of the Year - Epic Comedy.
Applications for 2026 open now and run in two waves:
First wave applications open Mon 13 October 09:00am and close Sun 30 November at 22:00.
Second wave applications open Mon 05 January 09:00am and close Fri 23 January 22:00.
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The Chichester Fringe Commissioning Grant opens Mon 01 Dec and closes Fri 02 Jan ‘26. More information will be announced in due course; the grant is for £250 and is designed to support applicants to performing with us who otherwise may face financial barriers.
How do you decide who gets to perform?
Our producers review applications regularly and we welcome up-and-coming and established performers alike. Your experience doesn't matter but your enthusiasm does; we expect our artists to fully immerse themselves in marketing and promoting their show, just as we will.
If I miss the first wave, can I still apply?
Yes! Although we programme Chichester Fringe on a rolling basis and a slot is not guaranteed, we encourage you to apply as soon as you're ready to better get the date, time and venue you'd prefer.
Why do we have two waves of applications?
Because we know not everyone will have cooked their ideas this far in advance or, similarly, won't have discovered us until 2026 hits. We want to make performing with us as easy and open as possible so, if you're only just discovering CF and are still honing your ideas, don't worry, there'll be opportunities for you to apply later...
We don't expect everyone to have production-ready performances right now, so don't hold back... get creative and get applying!
When do applications close?
How do they work?
Get paid to perform.
We run a profit share system - all the details are in our Artist Agreement and will be explained to you. Essentially, Chichester Fringe is a community interest company, meaning we're volunteer run. We will provide you: the venue and front of house team, ticketing, production support, marketing and more, in exchange for a portion of any ticket profits. Taking part is free, but the more people coming to your show, the more you could get paid - so it's important you're prepared to promote your production.
I'm not sure Chichester Fringe is right for me...
You won't know until you try. Don't be shy, if you're creative and passionate about performing (pro or just-starting-out), you're welcome at Chichester Fringe.
IMAGE: David Richardson Photography. Epic Comedy.
Will you help me market and sell my show?
What if I need extra support with applying?
If selected, you'll feature in our 2026 Brochure and we'll post about your show on our social media.
...but, it's really important you make time to promote your own piece. As part of your Artist Agreement (which you'll need to sign before we can officially include you on our line-up), you agree to send us promotional material for your act. This will range from still images to videos, blurb information to flyers and more.
To get the most out of performing with us and, ultimately, get the most people watching, you should be marketing your own show in your own, unique way. Please make sure you're prepared to do this, otherwise you may be performing to the wall or we may decide to pull your show (and we really don't want that).
We will also create and control the ticketing for your show through our website (so you don't have to worry about that).
The Chichester Fringe team will create a bespoke 'event page' for your show which gets released to the public (so they can buy tickets) in Spring 2026. Don't worry, we'll only place on your event page what you tell us about your show, so the more information we have, the better.
If you have need help with your application, you can contact the team on production@chichesterfringe.co.uk. We'll do our best to help but, please note, Chichester Fringe is volunteer run so it may take us a couple of days to get back to you.
Bring ideas to life.
Whether you're a professional on a tour, or brand new to the arts and just want to have fun, Chichester Fringe is a safe space for you to perform and we'll provide the venue - at no cost. Our volunteers will help you every step of the way.
What if I don't want to perform, can I still take part?
Absolutely yes! We welcome new volunteers. If you're local to the Chichester area, passionate about the arts and can commit some time in spring and summer 2025, email info@chichesterfringe.co.uk and tell us what you can bring to the Fringe.
IMAGE: Oving Folk. Andy Dulson.