This isn’t my own list of Edinburgh advice, as I’m a relative newbie, but as others have been generously sharing advice and tips, and as there are a number of events happening, I thought I’d gather them into one handy place for people producing, presenting or performing works at the Fringe - or even those who are simply here to watch and support those who are.
Blogs
Jake Orr has written a blog with key advice on how to make the most of the Fringe - and how to survive - as a producer, with a generous offer of advice and/or a chat if you need; you can read it here: www.jakeorr.co.uk/writing/2017/07/survival-tips-for-producing-at-the-edinburgh-festival-fringe
David Byrne of London’s New Diorama Theatre has written his own blog for artists on how to survive Edinburgh Fringe, with a very valuable reminder to support and look out for each other; you can read it here: twitter.com/mrdavebyrne/status/893500003527778304
Considering the number of solo shows addressing sensitive and painful, often autobiographical material, Lyn Gardner has written a blog about taking care to look after yourself and each other as sanity can be fragile considering the pressure the Fringe puts people under, and you can read it here: www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2017/lyn-gardner-fringe-can-lonely-place-lets-look/
On a completely different topic altogether, if you want to see some dance at the Fringe and don’t know where to start, I’ve written a roundup here: http://www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk/magazine/what-to-see/dance-at-edinburgh-fringe.html
A few weeks ago, I saw a friend's tweet which recommended multivitamins and echinacea as his own EdFringe survival tip. After less than a week here, I'd add the following: water (being flyered is thirsty work), comfy shoes and please leave any lurking injuries to lower limbs behind. And some sweaters (bring, not leave behind).
There are also a number of free events, talks, workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and networking events which it would be great if you can attend, if you’re in Edinburgh and have the time, as there’s a wealth of knowledge on offer and being shared, not to mention the social and professional contacts to be made and nurtured. Most are held at Fringe Central, which is at Appleton Tower, Corner of Windmill and Chapel Streets, EH8 9LE.
Events
21 August, 10am - 5pm: Fringe Fair. An opportunity to meet key organisations such as funders, arts councils, training providers and agencies.
Venue: Fringe Central
All other events below are held at Fringe Central unless specified elsewhere.
Arts Council England:
23 August, 10am - 12pm: ACE South East is offering 20-minute 1-to-1 sessions on GFA for individuals based in London and the South East (which will probably cover the vast majority of this year’s Fringe).
More info: housetheatre.org.uk/meet-the-arts-council-at-edinburgh-festival/
Venue: Brooke’s Bar, Pleasance Dome
Booking details: send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with 'Fringe surgery' in the subject line, including your name, company name, region (London/SE), and any time preference, by midday 17th August.
Equity:
Equity has a week of events and sessions, detailed here: https://www.equity.org.uk/branches/toronto-network/events/equity-edinburgh-2017-1756/
20 August, 11.00 - 17.00: The Sanctuary, including a neck and shoulder massage therapist.
20 August, 1 - 5pm: Disability in the entertainment industry
22 August, 12 - 2pm: Drop-in advice sessions
22 August, 6 - 7.30pm: Unpaid / low paid work, and how you feel about it
22 August, time not specified: best practice in employment for emerging producers
23 August, 2.30 - 4.30pm: Drop-in advice sessions
23 August, 4.30 - 5.30pm: Looking after your feet
24 August, 11am - 1pm: practical information and tips for those starting out
24 August, 2.30 - 4.30pm: Drop-in advice sessions
25 August, 11.00 - 17.00: The Sanctuary, including a neck and shoulder massage therapist.
25 August, 2.30 - 4.30pm: Drop-in advice sessions
Please check the link above for full details and booking details
ITC:
21 August, 6 - 7pm: Contracts - The Why, What and How
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-edinburgh-fringe-contracts-the-why-what-and-how
22 August 10.30am - 12.30pm: 1-2-1 sessions
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-edinburgh-fringe-1-2-1-with-the-independent-theatre-council
22 August 3.30 - 5pm: The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Performing Arts Company
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-edinburgh-fringe-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-starting-a-performing-arts-company
22 August 5.30pm - 7.30pm: ITC & FST Edinburgh Festivals Reception
Location: Our Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-fst-edinburgh-festivals-reception
23 August 10.30am - 12.30pm: 1-2-1 sessions
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-edinburgh-fringe-1-2-1-with-the-independent-theatre-council
23 August 4 - 5.30pm: Meet the Producers
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-edinburgh-fringe-meet-the-producers
23 August 6 - 7pm: Your Organisation Structure
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-edinburgh-fringe-your-organisation-structure
24 August 10.30am - 12pm: The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Performing Arts Company
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/86-itc-edinburgh-fringe-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-starting-a-performing-arts-company
24 August 4 - 5pm: An Introduction to Copyright & Intellectual Property Issues
Details: www.itc-arts.org/events-and-campaigns/events/itc-edinburgh-fringe-an-introduction-to-copyright-intellectual-property-issues
Producers Gathering
14 August, 1 - 3pm: Producers’ Gathering, the network founded by Xavier de Sousa and Sally Rose, is hosting an event for producers in partnership with Sick Of The Fringe, providing an open space for producers to gather and talk. This event will be hosted by Xavier de Sousa and Jen Smethurst.
Location: Traverse Bar Cafe
Booking: www.eventbrite.com/e/tsotf-producer-gatherings-edfringe-2017-tickets-36552139433
We are co-hosting a Producers Gathering event in the final week (British Council week) with Unlimited (with our former Chair, Clara Giraud); it will be held on Friday 24 August from 1-3pm at Traverse Theatre, and you can RSVP using the link above. Please do also follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates.
Chris Grady
17 August, 10am - 3pm: One-on-One Surgeries for Creative Artists (50 minutes each)
17 August, 4 - 6pm: Surviving & Moving Forward from the Fringe
18 August, 4.30 - 7.30pm: One-on-One Surgeries for Creative Artists (50 minutes each)
19 August, 3.30 - 4.30pm: Creative Producing: A Workshop
Details are in the Fringe Central events brochure: Fringe Central Events 2017
National Rural Touring Forum
23 August, 11am - 1pm: Rural Touring Introduction & Update Session; this is an opportunity to hear and ask questions about how rural touring works. Get up-to-date news featuring a panel of touring schemes, producers, funders and artists, followed by an informal networking session with touring scheme staff from England, Scotland and Wales.
Details: www.ruraltouring.org/work/edinburgh-village-hall-project
Fringe Central
In addition to offering an enormous amount of support for Fringe participants, Fringe Central also hosts over 100 events each August, delivered by a very wide range of organisations including those listed below. Events cover most facets of working in the arts, including sessions on performing abroad and specific international festivals. For a full list of events and their details, you can download the events schedule from here: Fringe Central Events 2017
Highlights include
"EU Funding is Still Available…" (12 & 16 August)
"Fringe Festivals Around the World" (19 August)
"How to be an Industry Leader" (14 August)
"Freaking Out and F*cking Up" (building a sustainable career; 12 August)
"Locating Your Inner Oomph" (How to locate energy and build resilience; 26 August)
"An Introduction to Critical Response Process" (12 August)
"CreativeMornings" (25 August)
"Fringe Guide to Running a Venue" (27 August)
"How to Do a Show at the Fringe" (26 August; probably a bit late for those actually doing it!)
"Creative Solutions for Creative Careers" (25 August)
Exercise
As we all need to stretch and exercise, here are some Fringe-friendly options available:
Yoga & Pilates at/very near Summerhall: www.summerhallyoga.com/schedule/
Pro class: Dance Base is holding regular pro class with a range of teachers including Stephen Pelton. Check out the list here: www.dancebase.co.uk/classes.php?style=&day=Day&level=195
Health Services
For details of more health services and practitioners, do check out Fringe Central's recommendations: www.edfringe.com/take-part/services-directory/health-and-wellbeing
And Finally...
At least two IDMN members are in Edinburgh throughout the Fringe, so if you want to meet for a coffee, please do contact us via Twitter, Facebook, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.