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The Participant Guide

to All Things Fringe

2021 Participant Packet

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The Participant Guide
to All Things Fringe

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALL CONTENTS BELOW ARE HYPERLINKED TO THE PAGES LISTED

ABOUT THE FRINGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

MARKETING & PROMOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

LET’S CHAT LIVESTREAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

DURING THE FESTIVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

WHAT’S NEXT & CONTACT US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

All photographs in this packet are by Matt Kamimura

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The Participant Guide
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Welcome, 2021 Fringe Participants!

Congratulations! You are now a part of our first-ever digitally-driven Hollywood Fringe Festival.
We are proud to work with you talented artists and producers. We admire and acknowledge your
bravery and flexibility as you forge ahead and embrace a new medium to share your stories with the
world.

We hope #hff21 provides you ample opportunity to have fun, build your craft, and challenge
yourself with new experiences. Remember - we are here for you! We believe in your unique voice
and the bold endeavor you’ve begun; we’ve got your back.

At Fringe, community is king, queen, and everything in between. We are a collective of artists,
entrepreneurs, and dreamers. Though we are made up of individuals, we are bound together by
our pursuit of art. Connections made at Fringe have led to incredible friendships and astonishing
collaborations. We’ve seen it happen time and time again; this community can help evolve your
artistry and your soul. It is, of course, your choice to partake or abstain from socializing with our
symphony of storytellers. Our take: dive in headfirst and don’t look back.

The year 2010 saw the inaugural Hollywood Fringe Festival. In many ways, we embark upon #hff21
in a similar fashion. The digital platform offers new challenges: not all of us are tech-savvy, and
that’s ok. While many of us are versed in filling a stage, not all of us have had practice filling a frame.
We invite you to learn from those around you and share your wisdom in kind. Help foster the art
community in these (ahem...) unprecedented times.

This year’s Fringe also offers a wealth of opportunity: to grow as an artist, to reach an infinitely wider
audience, and to take bigger creative risks. There’s no better place to jump out of your comfort
zone; the Fringe community is your net and your jump is celebrated no matter the outcome. So risk
big; you have a safe place to fall.

Now, more than ever, the world needs art. We need to challenge thoughts, seek to understand, to
heal, and dream what this world will look like in the future. We need to examine the past, learn from
it, and grow. We need to laugh. We need to weep. We need you. Your story will be what someone
needs to hear, or what makes them feel heard.

This Hollywood Fringe participant packet is chock full of tips, tricks,


and discounts to lighten the intellectual and financial load of the
Fringe journey and beyond. We know there is a ton of information
to wade through during Fringe; this packet is intended to help guide
your path and reconcile the adventure ahead with a configuration of
doable steps.

Just don’t forget to have the time of your life—after a year in hiatus,
it’s officially time to FRINGE!
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IMPORTANT DATES
Tickets go on sale: July 16th, 2021
Official Previews: August 5th-10th, 2021
Opening Night Digital Event: August 11th, 2021
Festival Run: August 12th-29th, 2021
Awards & Closing Digital Event: August 29th, 2021

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ABOUT THE FRINGE


The Hollywood Fringe Festival is an annual, open-access, community-derived event celebrating
freedom of expression and collaboration in the performing arts community. Each year during the
Hollywood Fringe, the arts infiltrate the Hollywood neighborhood: fully equipped theaters, parks,
clubs, churches, restaurants, and other unexpected places host hundreds of productions by local,
national, and international arts companies and independent performers.

Participation in the Hollywood Fringe is completely open and uncensored. This free-for-all approach
underlines the festival’s mission to be a platform for artists without the barrier of a curative body.
By opening the gates to anyone with a vision, the festival is able to exhibit the most diverse and
cutting-edge points of view the world has to offer. Additionally, by creating an environment where
artists must self-produce their work, the Fringe motivates its participants to cultivate a spirit of
entrepreneurialism in the arts.

The Hollywood Fringe Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit. The festival gives 100% of box office revenue
back to participating artists and venues— over 3.4 million dollars since the inaugural festival in 2010.

PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL

HOW TO FRINGE SAFELY DURING COVID

As a registered participant, you must follow all local regulations and guidelines through every step
of your Fringe process. To help you keep up to date, we will keep this page updated with guidelines
and best practices provided by the county. Follow this blog post for the most up to date information.
We recommend that you check this often to keep yourself and those you choose to work with
accountable.

PREVIEWS (August 5th-10th, 2021)

Think hard about how you want to use this time! Whether you plan to use previews to get an early
review or simply as a way to provide a soft opening for your production, we recommend you book at
least one slot during this week (pick your slot carefully - the prime time slots can be very competitive).
Remember, the Fringe doesn’t sell tickets to performances on August 11th—that’s the day of the
Digital Opening Night Party!

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TOWN HALLS & WORKSHOPS

We’ve already conducted one Town Hall and several Workshops this festival season. If you couldn’t
attend, don’t worry! They have been recorded and can be watched on FringeTV’s Youtube Channel.
(We recommend you watch previously recorded & upcoming workshops, especially if this is your
first HFF). Details and tickets can be found in the links below.

HFF Workshop: Ask a Venue


Facebook Live recording

HFF Workshop: Marketing


Wednesday, June 16th 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Zoom & Facebook Live

HFF Workshop: Festival Expectations


Saturday, June 26th 12:00pm – 2:00pm | Zoom & Facebook Live

HFF Workshop – How to Tech Your Fringe Show


Saturday, July 10th 12:00pm – 2:00pm | Zoom & Facebook Live

Town Hall #2: Welcome to Fringe


Saturday, July 17th 12:00pm – 2:00pm | Zoom & Livestreamed to Youtube

Not only that, but all of the previous Workshops and Town Halls from Fringes past can be watched
on our Youtube Channel found at youtube.com/hollywoodfringe.

IMPORTANT WEBSITE TOOLS

Every year at Fringe there is a wealth of information that goes out. From important e-newsletter
announcements to Festival policy, everything we send out is available at www.hollywoodfringe.org.
To make your navigation of the website a bit easier, here are some important sections!

• Fringe Blog (e-newsletter announcements and more!)


• Participant Supportal (Festival how-to’s, official policy and more!)

Important Blogposts/Support Articles

• 2021 Fringe Event Listings


• Code of Conduct
• COVID Safety Pack
• Participant-Specific Support Articles
• Sample Fringe Budgets
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Marketing &
Promotion
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ALL ABOUT FLYERS

Distributing postcards, posters, and/or other creative marketing products is a great way to market
your show. Here are some rules (and tips!) regarding your printed goods. Even if your show takes
place in a digital space, printed advertisements can still prove fruitful.

You MUST...
• Print the Hollywood Fringe logo on your materials.
• You can download the logo at hollywoodfringe.org/branding (if you forget to do this, you can print
stickers of the Fringe logo and place them on the flyers).

You MUST NOT...


• Leave or adhere your promotional materials anywhere without permission, especially in public
places. The city can issue a fine for unauthorized posters/fliers.

You SHOULD...
• Use creativity to make your materials stand out from the crowd!
• Make sure the main text is legible, even from a few feet away.
• Include essential info: What, Where, When, and How Much are the most important details. Don’t
leave this out, but also don’t include so much text that it overwhelms your materials.
• Spell check, spell check, spell check!
• Offer your materials to people you don’t know, but make conversation first. Be engaging!
• Place your postcards in other Fringe venues & Hot Spots (make sure to talk with the venue manager
first). Let them know you are part of the Hollywood Fringe and they’ll let you know where you can
display your materials if they have space.

You SHOULD NOT...


• Move or cover up other people’s postcards with your own. The Fringe staff won’t hesitate to remove
your flyers if you do this. If you’re having trouble finding room for your materials, consult with the
venue’s manager.
• Litter!
• Hand out postcards to an audience walking out of a show unless you have permission.
• Print more flyers than you need - please be mindful of the environment.
• Leave flyers at any business without permission.

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ALL ABOUT ONLINE TRAILERS & MEDIA

This year’s Digital Fringe also brings about the exciting opportunity to explore Fringe Trailers! A great
way for audiences to preview your show, and decide what to see at the Fringe!

Digital Flyers
• Include the Hollywood Fringe logo on your materials.
• You can download the logo at hollywoodfringe.org/branding.
• You’ll be able to upload your digital flyer in multiple places to advertise at #hff21, including Fringe
Central! More on this in upcoming newsletters.

Bumper Ad (5-6 seconds, social media ads or gifs)

• Include the Hollywood Fringe logo on your materials.


• You can download the logo at hollywoodfringe.org/branding.
• Tag @hollywoodfringe and #hff21 for the opportunity to be reposted on our channels.
• For video formatting, you’ll want square videos for Instagram, vertical videos for stories, and
landscape for everything else.

Teasers (30 seconds)


• Include the Hollywood Fringe logo on your materials.
• You can download the logo at hollywoodfringe.org/branding.
• Tag @hollywoodfringe and #hff21 for the opportunity to be reposted on our channels.
• For video formatting, you’ll want square videos for Instagram, vertical videos for stories, and
landscape for everything else.

Trailers (1 minute - 1 minute 30 seconds) for Fringe Central


• We want your show trailers! Our new digital Fringe Central (details coming soon) will feature #HFF21
show trailers on loop. A great way to pique the interest of potential ticket buyers. To be included in
this new theatrical flight board, submit your registered show’s trailer by filling out this form: https://
forms.gle/Ei4htoKkoPMyJVZg7.
• Use as a preview of your show by putting a link or uploading to your project page.
• For video formatting, you’ll want square videos for Instagram, vertical videos for stories, and
landscape for everything else.

You SHOULD NOT...


• Forget to include all the key info you’d include on a flyer: HFF logo, description of show, dates,
ticketing links, etc.
• Use footage that is not yours, or include any footage that hasn’t been approved/provided consent
to use from your team.
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DISCOUNT TICKETS

Discounts are a great way to get butts in seats—and participant discounts in particular help entice
other festival folks to come to see your show. Your project’s administrators can add discount codes
through your project dashboard on the Fringe website. Codes are applied per performance, so if you
want to use the same code for all your performances, you will need to apply it to all of them. Your
patrons can enter their codes when purchasing tickets online. For example: if you’re marketing to your
college, you can create a unique discount code just for them to use on the Fringe website (“IOWA”, for
example).

This is also an excellent way of tracking how patrons hear about your show. Keep in mind that shorter
discount codes are always easier to remember, thereby more effective. For more talk about ticketing
best practices, make sure to attend our Marketing Workshop.

VOLUNTEER DISCOUNTS

One of the perks of volunteering for Fringe is access to a list of shows offering discounts specifically
for festival volunteers. You are under no obligation to be on this list, but it is a lovely thing to offer
to volunteers and a great way to get enthusiastic audience members who will spread the word about
your show! To get on the list, please fill out this form and/or email Volunteer Director Stina Pederson
(stina@hollywoodfringe.org) with any questions about the program. This list is shared only with active
Fringe volunteers (usually around 50 people).

PARTICIPANT DISCOUNTS

In addition to other discount codes you may work into your ticketing scheme, you can set special
pricing for participants in the ticketing settings for each performance. One key to success at Fringe
is luring the right people to see your production, especially the members of the community that see
a lot of shows and talk about them. More often than not, this group consists of a lot of participants.
One highly publicized night of cheap tickets for participants can lead to a successful Fringe run.

THE SMALL STUFF

Even the smallest detail can make an impact in your marketing efforts. If your show is geared toward
families and contains no adult themes or language, you can mark your project as family-friendly. You
can also specify that your show is a solo show, a world premiere, or whether it has nudity or flashing
lights. You can mark these details by navigating to “edit” under the admin tab of your project on the
Fringe website and checking the appropriate box (you must be logged in as a project admin). Keep in
mind that misleading your audience by making these specifications and not delivering can backfire.

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PRINTING SERVICES
Arnold The Printer
Arnold is offering discounts on his normal pricing for Fringe participants. Postcards require a 3-4
(4x6) or 4-5 (5x7 or 6x8) day turnaround. Combo deal with any postcard order Includes (1- 24”x36”
poster (printed on 9 mil photo glossy material) and 100 11x17 posters (printed on 70 Lb. laser non-
bleed) for $100.00 additional) saving of $26.99. All of the above rates do not include tax. Files needed
for each postcard side and a separate file for posters. .125” bleed on all sides for postcard files (not
necessary for poster files) and 300dpi. PDF, jpeg, tiff, png or eps files only. Glossy, matte, color, b&w,
1 or 2-sided all on 16 or 14pt stock. Contact: arnoldtheprinter@dslextreme.com or 818-487-9600. You
must mention that it’s for your Fringe Festival show. More specifics are posted at hollywoodfringe.
org/arnoldtheprinter

FRINGE PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES


REGISTER EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

If you have already registered for a show during the Festival and have paid your registration fee, then
you can register an educational event (workshop, class, instructional endeavor, etc.) at no additional
charge. Those not already taking part in the festival can register to hold one of these events for only
$50. To learn about the benefits and what to consider before registering, please visit this page.

FRINGE ADS

You can purchase ads on the Hollywood Fringe site with special participant rates (up to 50% off the
normal rate). This is an effective and inexpensive way to draw a wider audience to your show. Visit
hollywoodfringe.org/market to check out your options. There are no deadlines for online ads.

FRINGE CABARET

Virtual Fringe Cabaret provides Fringe participants with the opportunity to promote their show on the
Official Hollywood Fringe YouTube channel!

We are looking for landscape (horizontal) videos that have been created in the past few months, not
archival footage. Virtual Fringe Cabaret is open to all artists from all parts of the world. Your video
must not include copyrighted material, including but not limited to music, audio samples, images, and
other media.

Get all the information on how to apply & watch by visiting hollywoodfringe.org/cabaretapps

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MEDIA DISCOUNTS AND OPPORTUNITIES


NoHoArtsDistrict.com is San Fernando Valley’s #1 source for theatre - averaging 300,000 visitors
per month with 33,000 social media followers. NoHoArtsDistrict.com has successfully promoted the
Valley’s 25+ theatres for 14 years. They have been a media sponsor for the Hollywood Fringe Festival
for 10 years. They bring the San Fernando Valley Theatre-goers to the Fringe virtually or in person!

This year they are offering Fringe Theatre companies an affordable and effective way to publicize their
shows.

What You Get:


• 30 Day Theatre Box Ad on the NoHoArtsDistrict.com home page
• Full page listing in our Theatre Guide including description, box office info, artwork, details about
performers/director/producer etc.
• Social Media posts to our 33,000 followers (Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram)
• Listed in Enews Blast to 10,000 subscribers
• Feature article about your show, cast, director, producer
• Price: $170

Interested? Email samantha@nohoartsdistrict.com or text her at 818-263-7032.

OTHER PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES


The LA Female Playwrights Initiative (lafpi.com) is interested in partnering with shows written by
female-identifying playwrights or helmed by women+ for support and cross-promotion.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please contact lafpi.updates@gmail.com, visit their “How To”
page for Fringe Femmes (http://lafpi.com/fringefemmes) and connect with them on facebook.com/
LAFPI & @theLAFPI on Twitter and Instagram. And Mark Your Calendars: Saturday, July 10, 11am-2pm
is this year’s (Virtual) Fringe Femmes Gathering for #hff21!

Combined Artform / Theatre Asylum is available for additional consulting (including streaming)
and PR Management for your Hollywood Fringe show. In addition, we are offering a new Promotional
Package that is available to all participants, not just the ones in our venues. Let us help you make
your show as successful as possible by utilizing our 23 years of producing experience, 13 years of
participating in various fringes and just recently a year of producing award-winning streaming shows.
Email us at info@combinedartform.com

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FRINGE TV

Lights, Camera, FRINGE! FringeTV is a fabulous resource, you will find tons of fun festival footage, but
more importantly, you will find 10 years of Workshops, Town Halls, and panels. If you missed even a
moment of the HFF journey thus far; fear not, it has been recorded.

Here at FringeTV, we also want to feature you and your show! The following segments are a great
marketing opportunity to share a little about your show to pique the interest of new audience
members. Keep an eye out for details on how to submit to these opportunities.

“Backstage at Fringe”: We want clips from your live show and to digitally follow your cast backstage
to hear about your experience and what Fringe means to you. Keep an eye out in our e-newsletter for
info on how to participate!

“Participant Lightning Round”: We will be taking video submissions from participants answering
two questions: “What is your show about?” and “What is your favorite line from the show?” (10-15
seconds). Check out the Lightning Rounds from 2017, 2018, and 2019 on our FringeTV channel. Keep
an eye out in our e-newsletter for info on how to participate!

“Fringe Trailers”: We want your show trailers! In our new digital Fringe Central (details coming soon)
we will be featuring #hff21 show trailers on loop. A great way to pique the interest of potential ticket
buyers. To be included in this new theatrical flight board, submit your registered show’s trailer by
filling out this form: https://forms.gle/Ei4htoKkoPMyJVZg7

SPONSORED DRINKS AUCTION

Our Sponsored Drinks program is back this year but with a bit of a (lemon) twist. This year, five show-
sponsored drinks will make up the official HFF21 drink menu. These five spots will be decided by
auction.

The top five auction bids will receive a beverage recipe to uniquely promote & celebrate your
production! You will also receive official festival social media promotion, newsletter mention, blog
post inclusion, and be highlighted in our (soon to be announced) digital Fringe Central.

If you win one of these five spots, you will provide the name, a promotional photo, your base alcohol
choice, and other information about your show. Our creative mixologists and marketing team will
do the rest! For a chance to be featured on the official drink menu of HFF21, place your bid here:
www.32auctions.com/HFF21.

Auction is now open and closes July 12th, 2021. Get your bid on!
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PRESS RELATIONS 101


Part 1: Your Press Release

If you haven’t already, make a press release and send it to a targeted list of Los Angeles media outlets
that focus on your topics or your artform (do your research!). We also strongly recommend posting
your press release on the Hollywood Fringe site (by going to the “Press” tab on your project page).

Not sure where to start? We have a great list of media outlets that would be good to contact in our
handy Marketing & Press article. There’s also some good advice about how to post your press release
on the site, among other things.

Keys to a good press release:


• A catchy title and first sentence.
• A clear message in as few words as possible.
• A pitch enticing enough to make someone want to see your show (what is unique about your
production?).
• The details: time, date, location, ticketing info, and a “part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival!”
• A captivating image to add some visual appeal and break up the monotony of words.

Part 2: Beyond the Press Release

You don’t have to hire a professional publicist to get press to come to your show (though some
people find that it helps to delegate this task). It’s really all about finding the right journalists and
approaching them in the right way.

You might be tempted to blast your email to everyone who covers the arts in any way. This is not
the recommended approach. Do your research and find out who covers your type of production or
content. This takes a little extra time, but we assure you, it’s worth knowing the right people.
Engaging the press is a more complicated process than simply sending off your press release. First,
don’t send the same email (or worse, the same copy of your press release copied into the body of the
email) over and over again. Try to strike up a conversation: send an email introducing yourself, pitch
your show in a personal and friendly way, and most importantly, offer comps. Follow-ups are great
but don’t be a spammer. Nothing is a bigger turnoff for journalists and audiences alike!

You also want to make sure that when you approach press, you are prepared to provide them with
information they may need to write about you and your production. Make it as easy as possible for
them to write about you. You should have a production summary, cast and crew listings, relevant
biographies (yours, the playwright’s, the director’s, etc), and photographs ready to send to press at
their request. These are also the perfect materials to include in your own press kit.

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PRESS RELATIONS 101


Part 3: Press Requests

Representatives from the press who have registered with the Fringe also have the option of
requesting free press passes to your show. If you receive an email that a member of the press is
interested in a ticket, make sure to reserve a comp for them immediately on your project page and
notify them that you have done so. This is one of the reasons why staying on top of your email
account during Fringe is EXTREMELY important. Keep an eye out for emails from HFF staff—the press
will sometimes go through us with requests for photos, interviews, and other fun opportunities. So
please, remember to check the email you used to set up an HFF account, especially if you are a project
admin.

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GET INVOLVED
IN THE
COMMUNITY

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GET INVOLVED IN THE FRINGE COMMUNITY

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is one of the best ways to get noticed by other Fringers, who are often your best
audience source. You might also get the attention of a few bloggers or other members of the press.
Please note that extra effort here should not take the form of spamming potential followers and
friends. Well-thought-out content that tells a story or propels a conversation spread out over time is
always a much more charming way to captivate your audience than copy-pasting the same message
to 100 people. Groups that put effort into this will reap the rewards: more reviews, stories, and sold
out houses.

Twitter is a great place to start: Be sure to follow @hollywoodfringe and use the official Fringe 2021
hashtag (#hff21) for all your Fringe news. You can also follow @hollywoodfringe and use the same
hashtag on Instagram.

TWITTER CHATS

Join us for a series of Twitter Chats that may help you recruit audiences and meet other Fringers
online before the festival begins. This can be a great way to network and get a jump on word-of-
mouth marketing. Just use the #hff21 hashtag to take part in the conversation at these times:

• Friday, June 14th - 7:00pm-8:00pm PDT


• Friday, June 18th - 12:00pm-1:00pm PDT
• Friday, July 2nd - 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

FOLLOW FRINGE

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GET INVOLVED IN THE FRINGE COMMUNITY

INTRODUCING DISCORD

Join the Official Hollywood Fringe Discord server! Click here: https://discord.gg/b7AUWHuDy9

What is a Discord server? It’s a free digital space designed just for Fringe participants, patrons,
volunteers, and staff! There are multiple text channels to connect you with a network of fabulous
Fringers!

In addition to networking, joining in will make sure you stay up to date with announcements and
information from Hollywood Fringe Staff!

DIGITAL OFFICE HOURS

The event you know and love is back!

Join the Hollywood Fringe in this new virtual space for the return of Office Hours! Meet staff and
fellow participants every other Wednesday for a bimonthly chance to network with other Fringers
from the comfort and safety of your own home!

UPCOMING EVENT DATES:


Wednesday, June 23rd - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, July 7th - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, July 14th - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, July 21st - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, July 28th - 7:00pm - 9:00pm

More information can be found here.

NETWORKING & FRINGESHIPS

Networking with people outside your production is essential. Even if you have the greatest show
on earth, you need to network. Some of the most successful shows during Fringe are put up by
participants who see a lot of other shows, attend Fringe events, hang out at our digital Fringe Central
or other gathering places, and who aren’t afraid to strike up conversations with strangers. We suggest
you do the same!

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LET’S CHAT
LIVESTREAM
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LET’S CHAT LIVESTREAM

THE FRINGE TICKETING SITE

HFF is a ticketing platform that allows for the creative control to be entirely yours. You can use any
streaming platform you wish to present your show as a part of the Fringe, as long as you can provide
us with a link.

Some things to consider…

• Does the platform allow for an unlisted or private link? This is important if you want only ticket
holders to have access to your show.
• Do you want audience interaction via chat or video?
• If you are booked with an official HFF venue running their own livestream, make sure you have this
conversation early - they may already have a platform they use.

For all streaming shows...

• The streaming link will be posted on your show’s page as soon as you add it and will be visible to all
those with a purchased ticket.
• If you are streaming from an HFF venue, either you or your venue will be responsible for posting
your link. Make sure you cover this with your venue in advance of your show.
• Streaming links will automatically be emailed to all ticketed patrons 20 minutes before the
performance begins.

Your livestream from an audience perspective...

• All ticket buyers get a UNIQUE url for their user account. Think of this as your house manager, an
added layer of protection to keep your performance link from being easily shared.
• That branded url redirects them to a HFF waiting room.
• When the performance time hits, they are redirected to your virtual performance.
• There will be a link to contact you, the producer, if there are problems (i.e. you didn’t add a
streaming link).

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LET’S CHAT LIVESTREAM

CHOOSING A PLATFORM

Any platform you choose will work on the Fringe site as long as it’s a viable link.

• There are many platforms available to choose from, including, but not limited to, Youtube Live,
Facebook Live, Vimeo Live, Twitch, Da Cast and more.
• In order to stream to more than one platform or have more control over your stream, you can also
use platforms like Restream, Streamyard, Be.live and more.
• You can also choose to make the link go to a virtual video chat space like Zoom, or get creative and
build your own virtual world with platforms like gather.town.

The world is your oyster. Have fun with the tech side of things, but if they overwhelm you, it may be
worth adding someone who is familiar with livestream technology to your team.

WORKING WITH UNION ACTORS

Working with an Equity actor? Be sure you’re using an Equity contract: www.actorsequity.org/
resources/contracts/ Note that the Agreement Between Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA
allows equity shows to have digital audiences 200-300% the size of the theatre’s house, depending on
the house size.

MUSIC LICENSING

If you choose to use music during your performance, make sure you are using copyright-free tracks
or hold a license to broadcast the tracks on your livestream. Failure to comply can result in copyright
strikes and termination of your stream or, in some cases, fines. More information can be found by
researching the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Having trouble finding sounds? Try these resources:


● http://www.freesound.org/ (requires registration)
● http://www.flashkit.com/soundfx/
● http://soundbible.com/
● http://www.sounddogs.com/ (pay per sound)
● http://www.macloops.com/ (for music)

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LIVESTREAM EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

You can pretty easily produce a livestream production with your smartphone or laptop, but if you are
looking to take your production to the next level, look at these video tutorials made just for HFF.

Take your livestream education up a notch with this recommended list of informational links from
around the web.

LIVESTREAM CONSULTANTS & OTHER DIGITAL SERVICES

Are you looking to hire a professional to run your livestream or consult on your project? Maybe
someone to film or photograph your show for promotional purposes or to submit to another festival
after HFF? Here are some that are offering discounts to Fringe participants. A big part of Fringe is
building your network and resources. While these discounted rates may only be available for HFF21,
you might just find your go-to photographer or livestream tech for years to come. Fringeships can be
found everywhere.

Andrew Bristow: Live Streaming Services


Offering up to a 3 camera shoot that can be streamed live to a web site of your choice. More cameras
can be added for an additional fee (8 cameras total). In addition to streaming the performance, I can
also record the performance at the same time. The normal rate for this package is $1,000.00. I am
offering a $300.00 discount to Fringe participants, making the rate $700.00 per day. Contact Andrew
at andrewbristow101@gmail.com.

Electric Workshop: Livestream & Video Services


Electric Workshop provides turnkey streaming and recording services for a variety of projects, and is
excited to announce special rates for Fringe events! Our stock includes Sony cameras and lensing,
VMix streaming rigs, and a wide variety of grip and lighting equipment including camera sliders,
gimbals, and wireless solutions. We work with a network of experienced operators to also provide
staffing for any project. Dry hire is available as well. Contact us here: hello@electricworkshop.net. We
look forward to working with you!

Off The Grid Management and D34 Rentals: Video and Live Streaming Services
Off The Grid Management and D34 Rentals is an integrated, full-service production company and
can offer live streaming capabilities for your show! All of our equipment is in-house, and we can
offer anything from a simple single-camera stream to a fully produced multi-cam broadcast with
graphics, music, audio mix, post-editing, custom websites, and more! Discounted rates are available
for Hollywood Fringe productions. Please contact Pranav at pranav@otgmgmt.com to discuss your
production needs.

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LIVESTREAM CONSULTANTS & OTHER DIGITAL SERVICES

Matt Kamimura: Livestream, Video & Photography Services


Long-time Hollywood Fringe participant, Matt Kamimura has special rates for video streaming and
photo services. Please visit: www.mattkamimura.com/hff21 for details.

Stage Reflections: Livestream, Video & Photo Services


Photographer/videographer Rich Clark, who has worked the Fringe since 2011 covering 50-70
performances per year, is offering the following discounted services:

VIDEO:
• $70 (Shows 69 minutes or less per Fringe guide) – will shoot video of your show and provide the
final, 4k video via download link from the free service wetransfer.com within a week of the show.
• $90 (Shows 70 minutes or more per Fringe guide) – will shoot video of your show and provide the
final, 4k video via download link from the free service wetransfer.com within a week of the show.

PHOTO:
• $50 (Shows 69 minutes or less per Fringe guide) – will shoot photos of your show and provide all
images via a download link from the free service wetransfer.com within 3 days of performance.
• $70 (Shows 70 minutes or more per Fringe guide) – will shoot photos of your show and provide all
images via a download link from the free service wetransfer.com within 3 days of performance.

IF YOU BOOK BOTH PHOTO AND VIDEO SERVICES, I’ll come in and do photo and video
simultaneously during one performance. I will give you a 15% discount on the total price if you do
both. For 2021, I’m offering live streaming services for those who want to do digital productions. I can
not do photos and live-streaming simultaneously, however. There would be no additional charge for
streaming. I would bring my own laptop, camera and mic. Contact Rich at richclark-photo@att.net.

Tim Kopacz: Technician/Consultant


Tim Kopacz is a Fringe veteran and stream technician. He has produced six online shows over the
course of the pandemic, working both live and prerecorded. He has experience across most platforms
and operating systems. As an actor, he has performed in 5 Fringe shows, including a Best of Fringe
winning show, and is an active member of the Fringe community. Tim will work with you, online,
to create the show that you need! The first half hour is free to talk out the necessary software,
and technology, and then progresses to working with Tim to build a show from the ground up.
Consultation is $40/hr after the first half hour.

To keep his inbox clean (and his sanity intact), please contact him at: timkop@gmail.com with the
subject line “Fringe Festival Consultation - [title of your show]”

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LIVESTREAM CONSULTANTS & OTHER DIGITAL SERVICES

TMI Productions: Video & Live Streaming Services


As long time Los Angeles stage producers ourselves, who, until the pandemic, were producing 25
original, scripted comedy shows a year at The Hudson Theatre, we know how difficult and how costly
it is to get someone to shoot a high quality video of your live theater performance. That’s why we
decided several years back to learn how to do it ourselves with our own equipment. Over the last few
years, our company has shot well over 100 of our live shows as well as shows for others, multi-camera
and often live-streamed, as they happened.

We understand the budgetary restrictions all producers are under when putting up their shows
and we work with producers to give them the best video presentation of their shows at the lowest
possible costs. We can offer packages that include anything from 1 to 6 cameras, stationary or
manned, shot in 1080p or 4k. We also offer Lavalier and handheld mic packages, theater quality
high lumens projection and post-production services, including video edits for best shot and sound
and color correction, as well as title creation, if requested. All of our packages can also include live
streaming. Check out the work we have done for our own shows at tmihollywood.com or our demo
reel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoARrIV-nTg You can contact Peter Aiello at peter@
tmihollywood.com or by phone at (917) 709-3040.

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ACCESSIBILITY &
INCLUSION
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ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION


HOLLYWOOD FRINGE ACCESS COMMITTEE

While the Hollywood Fringe is about democratizing theatre and making theatre creation more diverse,
the ACCESS Committee works to create space where that can come to fruition. This happens by
making recommendations to the organization and community at large, spearheading programming,
and engaging the community in dialogue around equity and inclusion.

Work that has come out of these meetings is a 5-year accessibility plan, a 2-year awards equity
plan and more. The ACCESS Committee also holds open forums for the Fringe community to come
together and address issues that may come up within the Festival scope and the theatre community
at large.

ACCESSIBILITY AT THE FRINGE

Livestreaming provides a unique opportunity for your show to be accessible to those who might not
otherwise be able to attend an in-person performance, and to incorporate other accessibility features
at low to no cost. Here are some ideas and resources to get you started.

Have any questions? Feel free to email accessibility@hollywoodfringe.org at any time, and we’ll
respond within 48 hours.

Ways to make your show more accessible:


• Closed captioning and live transcription
• Audio description
• Language interpretation
• On your project page, consider accessibility needs and note things like flashing lights, audio/visual
elements, whether your show is sensory-friendly or not, etc.
• On your project page, note what tech may be needed by audience members to fully engage with
your show

When creating your production plan, consider:


• Who on my team will respond to accessibility requests that come through?
• How will my team accomodate access needs?

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ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION CONSULTING

Alie B. Gorrie is a Disability Inclusion Consultant. Learn more at www.aliebgorrie.com and contact at
inclusion@aliebgorrie.com.

Christine Bruno (Disability Equity Consultant) is an award-winning actor, director, teaching artist,
and disability equity consultant for the entertainment industry and arts & culture organizations.
Based in NYC, she holds an MFA in Acting and Directing from the New School and is a member of The
Actors Studio. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, she sits on the NY Local Board of SAG-AFTRA
and is Chair of NY SAG- AFTRA Performers with Disabilities (PWD) Committee. She recently starred
Off-Broadway in the world premiere of Bekah Brunstetter’s Public Servant and can be seen in the
award-winning indie feature Best Summer Ever on Amazon Prime and iTunes. For more information
on her consulting services, please visit www.BrunoDisabilityInclusion.com.

The Rainbow Butterfly Café is an EduTainment Production Company that creates performances and
expressive arts workshops to eradicate ableism, racism and othering stigmas. Offers Disability Equity,
Inclusion & Access Consulting for Individuals & Arts Organizations: Diana Elizabeth Jordan- Chief
Creative Artivist/Founder, www.rainbowbutterflycafe.com, therainbowbutterflycafe@gmail.com, 424-
259-1802

ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION RESOURCES

Closed captioning and live transcription resources:


Article about closed captions and live transcription on Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/
articles/207279736-Closed-captioning-and-live-transcription

ASL Interpretation:
• Student Volunteer Communication Services through California State University Northridge.
Free student volunteer interpreters--note that recruiting process can take up to 7 days to complete:
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/deaf-studies/requesting-student-volunteer-communication-
services
• Pro Bono ASL Professional deaf and hearing BIPOC ASL interpreters with negotiable rates: https://
www.probonoasl.com/professional-requests
• LIFESIGNS, Inc Certified sign language interpreters: https://lifesignsinc.org/sign-language-
interpreting/

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ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION


AUDIO DESCRIPTION SERVICES

Audio Description, also known as Descriptive Audio or Video Description, narrates the relevant visual
information contained in a video and is an accommodation for blind and low-vision viewers. These
descriptions fit into natural pauses in the video’s audio track to provide context, to clarify speakers,
and to articulate visual elements that are critical to gain a comprehensive understanding of the video.

Deluxe Media Services’ in-house audio description department has described more than 130
feature films. Certified by the American Council for the Blind, they have a database of more than 200
professional voice talents. They can provide audio description in foreign languages.
Phone: (818)565-3600
Website: bydeluxemedia.com

Descriptive Video Works specializes in descriptive video for broadcast programming and feature
films. They have completed audio description for more than 20,000 television shows and feature films.
Their audio description for U.S. networks and film studios give 22 million American viewers access to a
wide variety of broadcast programming.
Phone: (866) 818-3897
Website: descriptivevideoworks.com

WGBH’s Media Access Group has pioneered and delivered captioned and described media for
more than30 years to people in their homes, classrooms at work and in the community. WGBH serves
35 million people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision. For feature films, DVS®
Theatrical® allows moviegoers who are blind to hear descriptions of the film’s key visual elements
without distracting other patrons.
Phone: (617) 300-3600
Email: access@wgbh.org
Website: access.wgbh.org

Woman of Her Word provides the specialized voiceover style required for audio description. Michele
Spitz has produced and narrated AD for 50 films, as well as voiced AD for museum tours, educational
videos and audio newsletters that provide access to information for the low vision and blind
communities. Michele is a disability advocate, public speaker and philanthropist supporting arts and
accessibility.
Website: womanofherword.com
Email: michele@womanofherword.com

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DURING THE
FESTIVAL

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DURING THE FESTIVAL


BUTTONS

The Hollywood Fringe button program returns! This year’s digital button will help save you money at
the Fringe. Buttons are regularly priced at $5 with a special price of $3 for participants. Your button
entitles you to $1 off every show at the Fringe, and discounts at local businesses that are members
of our Hot Spots program. One button is included with every registration (you can buy additional
buttons at www.hollywoodfringe.org/cart or when purchasing tickets on the site). In addition, your
button purchase will be attached to your account on our website, so you can still get your ticket
discounts when you purchase online.

HOT SPOTS

They’re back! Multiple businesses in Hollywood have opted to give Fringe participants a discount on
the different goods and services they provide when you show your digital Fringe button during the
official festival dates this August. Order pick-up and create your own personal dinner and a show
experience. You can check out the Fringe website for more information on the program at www.
hollywoodfringe.org/hotspots (this page will continue to be updated as new businesses are added).
Take a peek at the great deals being offered to you around town!

VOLUNTEER

A digitally-driven Fringe still needs volunteer help! Historically, some of our best volunteers have been
participants (and some of our best staff members were once volunteers!). Volunteers get a few perks,
too, including free tickets to many Hollywood Fringe productions. For more information on volunteer
opportunities and to sign up, please fill out this form and/or contact our Volunteer Director Stina
Pederson at stina@hollywoodfringe.org.

FRINGE CENTRAL

This year’s Fringe Central will have a digital address, which means you can attend in the comfort of
your home and without the hassle of finding a place to park. Fringe Central is the rallying point for the
festival: a social hub for artists and audience members alike. This is your place to connect with Fringe
staff, buy tickets and merchandise at Fringe Concierge, hear about what’s hot from fellow Fringers,
and make those truly special Fringeships.

This will be an interactive platform, not your average video chat. Please keep an eye out in upcoming
newsletters; we will be unveiling this exciting space soon!
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DURING THE FESTIVAL


FRINGE EVENTS

Hollywood Fringe will be hosting a number of events throughout the festival, including:

• Digital Fringe Runway Wednesday, August 4th 7:00pm – 10:00pm


• Digital Opening Night Party Wednesday, August 11th 7:00pm – 10:00pm
• Digital Awards & Closing Ceremony the evening of Sunday, August 29th

All of these events are great opportunities to meet new people and expand your audience! Get your
Fringe on from the comfort of your own home.

FRINGE AWARDS

Fringe will host a digital awards ceremony on the evening of August 29th. The awards ceremony is a
combination of sponsored awards from outside organizations and community awards based on votes
from active members of the Fringe world. The community awards are based on the category you
register your show under (Dance & Physical Theater, Comedy, etc.). Sponsored awards are presented
by outside organizations. The Fringe will let you know how to apply for sponsored awards at Town
Hall #2: Welcome to Fringe, so please join us for the event!

It’s always nice to be recognized, but the best reward is producing quality work. We are beyond proud
of you all and recognize that the be-all and end-all of a producer is not the awards they win but
rather the connections they make. Reviews, press, and photography and videography of your run may
be just as important as an award when it comes to taking your show on to its next life.

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WHAT’S NEXT
CONTACT US

If you need to contact the Hollywood Fringe during the festival, the best and fastest way to get
a response is to email support@hollywoodfringe.org. You can also often find staff members at
every Fringe-run event (we love chatting with participants), but serious issues should always go
through Support.

The Hollywood Fringe Festival takes the physical and emotional safety of our community
very seriously. If you see or experience anything that goes against our code of conduct,
please report it to any Fringe staff person as soon as possible. You may also email conduct@
hollywoodfringe.org. This email is exclusively monitored by Fringe executive staff and will be
responded to within 48 hours

2022 AND BEYOND

The Fringe organization is designed to ensure that any success we attain this year can be rolled
over to the future, allowing us to begin planning for an even bigger and more innovative
festival in 2022. However, we do need to raise money each year to cover the incredible costs of
mounting this event. If you’d like to see the Fringe grow and prosper and you have some cash
to spare, we encourage you to donate to the cause at hollywoodfringe.org/donate. All proceeds
will help pay for the festival (and they are all tax-deductible)!

We hope that your adventures at the Hollywood Fringe Festival are memorable and that you
share your experience with others. As always, we strive to champion the underexposed artist
and to bring our performing arts community closer together.

Although your Fringe run may be over come August 29, we know that the life of your show will
not be. We cannot wait to see where you bring your performance next: whether it’s to another
festival across the ocean, or a local extended run, we’re excited to see what you can make
happen.

It’s never too early to create a project for next year: www.hollywoodfringe.org/add_project

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