Discussion about Edinburgh Fringe as a right of passage for developing and professional performing companies alike.
What are the highs and lows of going. The personal investment, the cost vs the potential outcomes. Press coverage, audience numbers, reputation & experience, meeting producers.
We looked at the type of productions, the opportunities in other countries and at other Fringes.
Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals holds a touring lottery for international companies.
There are other tours that can be taken too in Australia and New Zealand.
The World Fringe website www.worldfringe.com holds and A-Z of Fringes and a calendar of when Fringe Festivals are on. Also resources such as ticket calculators and budgets.

Funding for Fringe Festival attendance comes from varying sources, such as Crowd funding, saving your own money, funders, sponsors or on schemes and initiatives.
It was suggested that you should only attend Edinburgh if you are fully funded as the financial risk is high.
To ensure touring is financially viable performing companies need to act more like a business, while keeping the creativity and inspiration. This isn't easy, but necessary.

there are challenges in touring Fringe Festivals and regional venues such as - How do you ensure an audience when you don't know the location or anyone who lives there? This is something that can be overcome by conversation and research. All Fringe staff are open to this question and being realistic is important to not exceed expectations.
If your production is aimed at an LGBTQ community then find out which Fringe festivals are best suited.
If your productions is 'Language no problem' then you can attend non English speaking countries. Or Fringes with an expat audience.
Do your research!