Technical facilities and considerations

Please note that information on this page applies to our in-person programme in Edinburgh.

Performance spaces

Every year we transform empty rooms and halls into stunning and innovative performance spaces, and back again afterwards. Our spaces are equipped to some of the highest standards found on the Fringe. With a few exceptions such as permanent performance venues, churches and found spaces, most of our performance spaces are full black box theatres and studios with raked seating and flat floor, with black dancefloor stages. Many spaces can be provided with white cycs by arrangement.

Lighting

Most spaces are equipped with a permanent general lighting cover, some LED colour-changing lights, and a few units refocussable by all companies, controlled from a computer lighting desk (ETC EOS-family Nomad or Ion). Very small spaces may be equipped with manual lighting desks. Some larger spaces may also have moving lights. The permanent lighting equipment can be added to by advance arrangement to include your special requirements, charged at cost. Projectors and haze machines can be arranged in most space for a small additional cost. Spaces are designed to prevent light from entering the auditorium when cast members or latecomers enter, and emergency lighting, while conforming to the required standards, is designed to minimise any glare cast onto the stage or auditorium.

Sound

Our spaces are equipped with theatre sound systems appropriate for the size of space, including for most spaces CD player, microphone and stand, mixer, amplifier and speakers, and connections for one piece of your playback equipment, such as a tablet or laptop. The permanent sound systems can be added to by advance arrangement to include your special requirements such as minidisc, additional CD players, or microphones, charged at cost.

Sets, props. costumes and special effects

As our spaces mostly have open stages and as quick changeovers are the norm at the Fringe, most companies find that complicated sets are not required. However if your production has specific needs we will do our best to support these, within the limit of what is possible in non-purpose built performance spaces. Elements of your production and any special effects may be subject to approval from the licensing authority or landlord. We can assist with this process, so please provide as much advance information as possible.

Changing areas and backstage facilities

Changing areas are equipped with mirrors, lights, costume rails, chairs and tables where possible. Space is limited, and these areas are shared between companies, with access possible before and after each show. It is unusual to find green rooms, warm-up or backstage washing facilities at the Fringe.

Storage space

Storage space is available for costumes and boxes of small props. Space for larger items is also available by arrangement. Due to the temporary nature of our venues and the volume of shows, space is limited. We will try to accommodate your needs, but larger-scale productions may involve changing/storage areas some distance from the performance. In some cases it may be necessary for you to arrive in costume or to remove items between performances.

Accessibility of spaces and performances

We try to make all our performance spaces as accessible as possible, however we are limited by the fact our venues are temporary. We encourage companies to make performances as accessible as practicable – see www.edfringe.com/take-part/putting-on-an-accessible-show for information.

Basic and found spaces

Some basic or found spaces are offered without lighting and sound facilities, and some are offered with simple technical facilities only. We can provide additional equipment by arrangement.

Technical and dress rehearsals

All companies performing at our venues in week 0 and arriving four days before their first performance are offered a four-hour technical rehearsal slot prior to the beginning of their run. We also offer these companies the benefit of a dress rehearsal day prior to the venue opening to the public, when all shows run to their allotted time. Companies starting their runs during the Festival are offered a four-hour rehearsal slot where possible. Additional technical rehearsal time may be possible by arrangement.

Please note...

The design and equipment of our theatres and performance spaces is subject to licensing approval and other external constraints, and we reserve the right to make alterations to the plans and descriptions given and to refine our designs as necessary.