the blog

Fringe performer Steve Budd has become known for his multi-character solo shows. His process enables him to create stories with strong narratives and grounded characters.

S2 E9 of What the Fringe?! Sam Gough, Chief Executive of Summerhall Arts Every August, thousands of artists descend on Edinburgh with a dream tucked under their arm: to make something bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. But with hundreds of venues, thousands of shows, and a city that becomes its own ecosystem, what actually  makes a Fringe show successful? According to longtime Fringe producer, arts advocate, and current Chief Executive of Summerhall Arts, Sam Gough, the rec

Fringe festivals thrive on bold creativity, but behind every sold-out show and glowing review is something less visible yet equally vital: community. For solo performer and producer Joanna Rannelli, the sense of belonging and mutual support found at fringe festivals has been the difference between simply putting on a show and building a sustainable artistic career.

There’s something special about your very first festival. It’s equal parts adventure, nerves, and a big ol’ heap of hope. Solofest was a great experience, but it was also a crash course in the festival hustle.

Martin Dockery: A case study in what it takes to thrive in a niche where fame is fleeting, money is modest, but creative autonomy is absolute.

How collaboration improves any fringe show: a case study of Denver Aerial Dance Collective.

EXPOSED invites storytellers to share experiences that are often hidden away—trauma, grief, identity struggles, and moments of deep transformation. The goal is not sensationalism but authenticity.

Tips for Clowning: A Clown's first goal is to be loved.

2025 WTF Best of Fringe Awards

!SNAFU's Sexy Puppet Show (Epidermis Circus 2), 1 Small Lie: Martin Dockery, BRAIN, Connor’s Gonna Tell, Die-Nasty, Goose, Jem Rolls,...

52 Stories, Bangs, Bobs & Banter: Confessions of a Hairstylist, Charlie’s Riot, Emo Majok: African Aussie, Multiple Neurosis, 'THE FAMILY...

A Cabaret of Legends, Anne Zander is MOTHER, Eleanor's Story: Life After War, Elon Muskrat, Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story,...

Alone, Chat Sh*t, Get Hit, Clean Slate, Dear Annie, I Hate You, Girl Pop!, Honest Fraud, Just to Be Close to You, Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret, Sàng Tsáu, Scatter: A Horror Play, Seltzer Boy, Soul to Soul, Soul to Soul, Strangewife, Yes, We’re Related My time at the fringe has come to an end. It has been an incredible experience, and I cannot believe the caliber of shows I have seen. A little tip for artists: don’t just hand someone a flier, talk to them, even if it is just fo

Cartoonopolis, Colours Run, Flick, Fly, You Fools, Graham & Steen, Meg in the Magic Toy Shop, Pickled Republic, Skye: A Thriller, Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote, Troubled I have been going hard and fast and seeing some tremendous shows.   I spent most of August 3 at Summerhall Arts. What the team has done to preserve this space is more than admirable. It is a year-round arts hub for Edinburgh and should be preserved for as many years as possible. The courtyard was a lovely p

Ah Ma, Dance Dance Involution, Don Toberman: Ping Pong Champ, Dots, Nick it for Munich, Penelope Quadrangle and the Meaning of Friendship, The Faustus Project, The Totally Improvised Musical, Wright & Grainger’s Orpheus My first time in Edinburgh has not disappointed, despite a delayed bag and more hills than this Texas girl knew existed. Everyone has been incredibly friendly, and I think it’s too early to say I haven’t been bombarded by people passing out fliers. They also s

As artists, our focus is on creating, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the marketing tasks that seem to sap our energy.