Basic Technical Hints:
If you use a Mac computer, you will need to use Firefox as your browser in order to fill out the application online. Safari, which is the default browser on Mac computers, is not compatible with this type of sql database. You can download Firefox for free here.
You will need to use the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat. If you have an old version, you can download the most recent version for free at the following here.
You will need to be online in order to submit your application. If you have downloaded the application and gotten offline while you fill it out, you'll need to get back online and actually cut and paste the answers to the questions into a new, active, connected application form and then print it out and press "submit" per the instructions.
In other words, a live application on a live internet connection are required.
Technical Questions
Q: I am experiencing difficulty in submitting my application online. What do I do?
A: Due to heavy volume on our site prior to the application deadline, some applicants have experienced difficulty in submitting their application online and getting an application number. It is not NECESSARY that you get an application number in order to be considered for the festival, just preferred. If you experience difficulty when you press "submit", please make a note of it (include any error message you receive, if possible), and mail or drop off your application, support materials, and application fee per the instructions. We will either match up your application with the copy that is likely in our database or create an application number for you. It is not necessary for you to know your application number. The number is only used internally.
Q: I hit “submit” and nothing happened. When I hit “submit” again, I got an error message that said “DUPLICATE SUBMISSION ERROR: We have already received and processed an online application for this project, and therefore cannot accept a duplicate online application submission. If you need to make a change to one of the answers you provided to an application question in your prior submission, please do so by hand on BOTH hard copies of the application that you printed out to mail in with your support materials. IMPORTANT: Please make a note that this is a CORRECTION TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION DATABASE so that our administrators can match up the information and make the same correction for you in the database.” But I still don’t have my application number. What do I do?
A: Our system is set up to avoid having the same application in our database multiple times. In all likelihood, what happened is that your application went through just fine the first time you hit “submit”. Unfortunately, your browser timed out before the confirmation and application number were returned to you. Remember, it is not NECESSARY that you get an application number in order to be considered for the festival, just preferred. Please just make a note that you did not receive an application number, and mail or drop off your application, support materials, and application fee per the instructions. We will match up your application with the copy that is likely in our database or create an application number for you if necessary. It is not necessary for you to know your application number. The number is only used internally.
Acceptance Status
Q: Will I be notified whether I have been accepted or not and when will I find out this information?
A: All applicants will receive acceptance status notification (i.e. accepted, alternated, or declined). Notification of acceptance status will begin to be mailed on or about April 26th. However, it takes up to a week to mail notifications to each of our 800+ applicants. You should not be concerned unless you have not received your notification by May 3rd. If you are reading this and it is May 3rd or later you may send an inquiry regarding your application status to
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. Please include the title of your show and your application number (if available). NOTE: Inquiries regarding acceptance status which are received prior to May 3rd will not be answered, as doing so would prevent us from attending to the important business of sending out notifications.
Insurance
Q: If accepted as a participant in FringeNYC, what are the insurance requirements, particularly if we are going to do the show under the Actors' Equity Showcase code?
A: Details about required insurance for participants will be addressed in the Participant package mailed upon acceptance to the festival. FringeNYC does require the same insurance coverage as Actors' Equity Association's Showcase Code.
Application Number
Q: I am unable to get an application number when I try to submit my application, what should I do?
A: If you are unable to get an application number, it is fine. As we've said, just send in your applications, support materials, and application fee. An application number is not REQUIRED, just helpful. However, here are a couple of potential solutions to the problem:
Make sure you are actually online when submitting the application in order to connect with the FringeNYC application database. Many people have downloaded the application, and then gone offline to complete it. If you've done this, you'll need to get back online and actually cut and paste the answers to the questions into a new, active, connected application form, complete it, and then print it out and press "submit" per the instructions.
Make sure you are using the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (7.0). Some older versions of Acrobat won’t let you type into the application.
Mac users in particular may experience problems because of a pre-installed program that will let you view the PDF file but won’t let you submit it (or type into it). You’ll need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader and use it to view and submit the PDF form.
Additionally, the default browser of some Mac users, Safari, can’t fill out online forms. You will need to use Firefox as your browser, which you can download for free here.
The online submission process, new in 2003, helps us tremendously with timely application processing and adjudication. But the most important aspect of applying is to get your complete package postmarked by the deadline. If after a reasonable attempt you are unable to get an application number, please mail in your application package as directed (including a short note explaining the technical issue so that we can try to solve it in the future), and we will match up your materials to the entry in the data base, or assign an application number for you. The application number is for internal use, so it is not essential for it to be on your application. You do not need to know your application number.
Support materials
Q: What about a video or DVD representation, should it be the whole show, just an excerpt or highlights?
A: You should send any support materials which you feel enhance your application package. Video is not required. If you do choose to send a videotape or DVD, you can send either a whole performance or excerpts. For work without a "script" per se (i.e. dance/movement) video is an important way to convey information to the adjudication panel about your work. A cued-up excerpt/highlights tape can be helpful. If you send video, MAKE SURE THE TITLE OF THE SHOW YOU APPLIED WITH (from Question #1 on the Application) is on the spine of the tape or label of the DVD. Include a note to the adjudication panel letting them know what is on the tape so if they want/need to see more than the excerpt they have that option. As far as quality of video recordings, we understand resources are limited. We don't critique your budget. We're much more interested in the quality of the work.
Q: My script is at a workshop stage/not complete right now, is a completed script required?
A: A completed script is not required, some of the work submitted is still in progress. But keep in mind the Adjudication Panel doesn't know anything about you...so it is important to provide them with an informative package. Some sample writing and a clear explanation of what else is planned for the work are important.
Other General suggestions
Please do not suggest that we call or write to someone for a reference for you or your work. The adjudication panel does not have time or resources to make calls about the 800+ applications. We will adjudicate your application based solely upon the materials actually included.
Be kind to your adjudicators. Number the pages of your script, use a font size of at least 10 pts, do not include any watermarks or logos in the page(s) or other items which might prove difficult for review, especially in the context of looking at many projects.
Include materials that you feel best represent your planned production. For example: for musicals, if no recorded representation of the work is available, you may include selections from the score (highlights of the show). Please do not include entire printed scores. A recording may include either highlights or the entire show.
Theater types
Q: I'm confused about theater types. What are the differences between a studio theater, a black box and a proscenium? Is it a question of size, layout or technical capacity? Or is it something else entirely?
A: These are types of venues, and do not make reference to size or capacity. The stage size and capacity for each of those theater types vary. Keep in mind the technical section on the application is the preliminary gathering of information for us, to make sure a show can be done within the structure of the festival and to enable us to begin to secure venues based upon this preliminary information. If you're planning something we really need to keep in mind (spewing volcano on stage, etc.) let us know that. This preliminary question helps us to get an idea of the number and types of spaces we need. Upon acceptance, shows will fill out a very detailed technical survey form and will be assigned to a venue based on shared technical needs; so you should put down the kind of space that best suits your show.
In general, a STUDIO theatre refers to a converted space. It might be a space which can also serve as a classroom, gallery or rehearsal studio, and is generally more intimate in size. They often have light walls and floors. A BLACK BOX may be similarly shaped, but generally has black walls, ceiling, and floor. A PROSCENIUM generally has a separation between the audience and performers, and sometimes has a proscenium arch. Proscenium spaces tend to be less intimate (from 100 to 500 seats). ALL venues have theatrical lighting and seating. We do not have performance spaces with seating “in the round”.
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