Preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe: A Case Study of UNSEEN

S1E12 of What the Fringe?!

Kimberly Prentice in UNSEEN

Bringing a show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is not just about showcasing creativity; it also involves detailed planning and teamwork. For independent artists used to managing everything themselves, Edinburgh can feel quite challenging. The festival requires more logistics and funding than many other fringe festivals, which can be overwhelming for artists accustomed to handling the production side of their shows.

Kimberly Prentice presented her solo show UNSEEN at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024. UNSEEN takes you into the mysterious world of Broadway's backstage. Prentice plays Pam, a Broadway dresser who navigates complex costume changes, confrontations, and quirky actor demands, all while staying hidden in the shadows. The show is based on Prentice's real-life work as a Broadway dresser.

In Season 1 of What the Fringe?!, Kimberly sat down with us and shared some of her best pre-festival advice.

The Demands of Edinburgh Fringe Require a Team

Kimberly's previous experience with New York's fringe scene provided a foundation for self-producing, but Edinburgh proved to be unlike anything she had encountered. The scale alone was difficult to comprehend. Plus, the pre-festival pace was more than one person could manage, especially for someone maintaining a full-time job on Broadway.

A friend offered a bit of advice: hire a producer. Kimberly did just that, and found a producer familiar with the Edinburgh landscape, and that decision began to change her entire process.

With a producer managing administrative and operational responsibilities, Kimberly could focus on performing and writing. A stage manager soon joined the team and assumed responsibility for scheduling and rehearsal logistics. Delegation became a necessity rather than a preference.

Artists often manage every aspect of their productions—writing, performing, producing, marketing, and technical coordination. At Edinburgh, that approach quickly becomes unsustainable. There is value in trusting collaborators. With a committed team, Kimberly no longer had to oversee each task personally. The producer and stage manager provided the support that allowed Prentice to focus on her artistry.

Tapping Into Your Network

Kimberly's network expanded further when she reached out to a former roommate, now a costume designer. That conversation led to connections with local Edinburgh dressers, marketing professionals, and potential housing options. The support she needed emerged from relationships already in place.

Although Edinburgh can feel overwhelming, it is also known for its collaborative environment. Artists assist one another. Connections lead to new resources. Kimberly's experience illustrates that preparing for the festival is not only about developing the show but also about building the team to support it. Whether through professional hires or personal networks, support becomes available when sought out.

Tips Summary for Edinburgh Fringe Newcomers

For those planning to bring work to the Edinburgh Fringe, here are your big takeaways:

• Assemble a knowledgeable team familiar with the festival.

• Seek help early and remain receptive to guidance.

• Reconnect with friends and former colleagues to build a network.

• When others focus on the logistics, you can focus on the creative work.

  
  

While Kimberly was able to hire people to help with these tasks, it's not necessary for success. If your show involves multiple people, delegate tasks so no one person has to carry the load. Reach out to your network of friends, you might be surprised who's willing to help. You likely have friends willing to lend advice or even travel to the festival (at their expense) and help with your show. Start early on building your network, and you will be surprised by the help that is out there for those who ask.

Creating a show for the Edinburgh Fringe presents all kinds of challenges. But with the right people in place, the process becomes much easier because the workload is spread out, leaving you time to focus on the art.

This blog post was inspired by S1E12 of the What the Fringe?! podcast, and was written utilizing AI technology, in conjunction with human oversight and editing.