Apply for the Next Stage Theatre Festival

 

2011 marks the fourth installation of The Next Stage Theatre Festival, presented by The Toronto Fringe.

 

NSTF showcases new and reworked productions by eight of the hottest independent theatre companies who have previously produced an artistically successful production at a Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals member festival. In three years, Next Stage has received critical acclaim and established strong resources for independent companies looking to reach a wider audience and present their work in a more professional light than the summer festival model. The 2011 Next Stage Festival will take place in January, (Jan 5 - 16, TBC)

 

Next Stage Theatre Festival Eligibility

 

• Applicant(s) (company, primary contact or playwright) must have previously produced an artistically successful production in a Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals’ member festival.
• New original plays, remounted or reworked productions, original adaptations and site specific proposals are eligible BUT proposals of work by renowned international playwrights (eg. Beckett, Shakespeare) are not eligible.

 

NSTF is interested in projects from emerging and established theatre artists who are developing new work and/or exploring new artistic avenues. Preference will be given to artists who have received artistic or critical success with a previous production and could use this performance opportunity to maintain their artistic momentum. We welcome applications from artists who are including a variety of genres such as movement, musicals, opera, etc.

 

 

Next Stage Theatre Festival Terms and Conditions

 

• Proposals of work by renowned international playwrights (eg. Beckett, Shakespeare) are not eligible.
• Only one application can be submitted per individual / company.
• Applicants must submit a completed script or detailed project description for non-text based works.
• Companies accepted into The Next Stage Festival cannot sell or transfer their spot to another company.
• Selected companies will receive a participation agreement outlining all of The Festival’s policies and will need to sign the agreement to confirm their participation in the festival.
• If an application reading fee payment is returned NSF the application will be removed from consideration.
• If a company/individual is found to be in violation of any of The Festival’s policies the applicant may be removed from the application process or from participant status.
• Companies will receive 70% of the box office revenue generated by their performances (less any applicable taxes or service charges).

 

What Companies will HAVE TO PROVIDE if accepted into the Festival

• All elements of the completed production including all costs for sets, costumes, cast, production staff, etc.
• A production with a maximum running time of 90 minutes.
• A production that can be set-up and struck in 15 minutes.
• Accommodation for all company members if required (the Fringe will do its best to assist with billets for participants)
• Obtaining the necessary permissions/rights for their work and for their artists.
• Monthly production meetings with Fringe of Toronto staff (as a resource to you)
• Provide poster and program content designs (Fringe will provide printing of house programs)
• $30 printing fee for foamcore poster which will be hung in The McAuslan Beer Tent (Fringe will provide printing of this poster)

 

What will Companies GET If Accepted into the Festival

• 9 performances over the course of the festival (making productions Dora Award eligible for TAPA members).
• A venue (100 or 200 seats) equipped with basic lighting and sound.  Each company will have a maximum of four lighting specials.
• The festival will provide one technician who will operate the lighting board. We require companies to supply a stage manager to call their show and run sound.
• A five hour technical rehearsal.
• All front of house, box office and festival event publicity services.
• Some financial assistance for rehearsal space and access to a professional lighting designer.
• Limited travel assistance for national or international artists.
• There is no participation fee for successful candidates (only a reading fee of $30 is required for all submissions)
• Participating companies will receive 70% of the box office revenue generated by their performances (less any applicable taxes or service charges). Ticket prices range from $12-15 with some festival pass options.

 

After Completing the Online Application Form, Applicants Should submit by e-mail:

 

• Section A - A completed script or detailed description for non-text based productions
• Section B - A Project Description (3 pages max.) including
1. Artistic mission statement,
2. Outline of the project’s current state of development,
3. Why you feel your project is best suited for the Next Stage,
4. The benefits you perceive from taking part in this initiative            
5. An overview of proposed technical requirements.
   
• Section C - Support materials, as available and relevant to your proposal, including:

1. Resumes, bios or profiles of participating artists and key personnel (as one combined document).
2. Press kit with reviews, photos, etc. if available.
3. Video documentation of your current or past work if available (dvd or .mov formats).

 

SUBMISSION NOTE: In order to reduce the number of copies needed for the selection panel, we require that Sections A, B and C, be submitted digitally. File formats acceptable are PDF, MS Word (Read-Only if possible) or a plain text file. All digital application files must be submitted via email to general@fringetoronto.com with NEXT STAGE in the subject line by the application deadline. In the e-mail include your company name, primary contact, and phone number. Only send complete applications.

APPLICATIONA ARE NOW CLOSED

The Application Deadline wasMonday May 24th 2010, 5:00 PM

For more information please call 416-966-1062 or email renna@fringetoronto.com