HEADING NORTH FRINGE FESTIVAL – CALLOUT 

Fri 30 Jan, 2026

Calling all theatre companies, artists and makers who have committed to be a part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026!  We are programming a season of Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026 previews at Shakespeare North Playhouse Studio as part of our HEADING NORTH FRINGE FESTIVAL. 

The HEADING NORTH FRINGE FESTIVAL is our theatre festival now in its third year, showcasing productions preparing to embark on the world-famous theatre festival the following month. You may have taken work up to Edinburgh before or this year might be your first time – it doesn’t matter – complete our online expression of interest, tell us a bit about your production and you could be selected to part of this exciting new festival of Edinburgh previews! 

What we are looking for: 

• Work that has been confirmed to be part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026.  
• We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants based in the North of England.  
• We wish to make the festival as representative as possible and look forward to hearing from those from underrepresented and within protected characteristic groups.  
• Your work does not need to be a presentation of or respond to the work of Shakespeare, but must share the values of Shakespeare North Playhouse; to be innovative, honest, collaborative, creative, equal, brave and bold. 

The Shakespeare North Playhouse HEADING NORTH FRINGE FESTIVAL will take place 18th June – 18th July 2026 

In preparation for Edinburgh, performances will be programmed in festival style, alongside multiple productions, working within a standard LX and sound set up, and in Fringe Festival conditions – with a swift turnover between shows. Please bear this in mind when submitting. 

Fees & information: 

• 70/30 box office split (in favour of the artist) per performance. 
• One Shakespeare North Playhouse technician will support each event. 

Timeline: 

• Callout deadline: Saturday, 28 February 2026 at 4PM. 
• Programming decisions made by: Saturday 21 March  
• Festival announcement: TBC 
• Festival runs: Thu 18 June – Sat 18 Jul 2026 

We look forward to Shakespeare North Playhouse being part of your journey to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026 

HOW TO APPLY 

If having reviewed the description and information about Shakespeare North Playhouse you consider your performance to be a good fit for the Preview Season, please complete this form.