January 2010 Update

Happy New Year, Fringers!

We have finally made it to the year of the inaugural Hollywood Fringe Festival – much has been done with much still ahead.

Here’s a quick update on our activities these days:

• Participant registration is in full swing
• We are actively seeking sponsors for our various endeavors
• Venues are coming on-board to provide homes for projects and entertainment for all
• Groundwork is laid for our great promotional push this Spring
• Special event planning is afoot to entertain and inspire
• Our support staff is actively working with artists 

This has been a team and community effort from the beginning and we’d like to thank all those who have helped us thus far; the finish line is coming into focus with every passing day.

Let this be the year of Fringe!

Ben Hill
Festival Director
The Hollywood Fringe Festival

REGISTRATIONS CONTINUE
Projects are coming in fast and furious to our website at www.HollywoodFringe.org. Registration officially closes April 1, but don’t wait until then to submit your project. Remember: To officially register with the festival, you must first secure a venue for your performances/events/exhibitions. This process can take a little time, so don’t wait until May 31,  create your project today!   It’s free, fun, and entirely online.

Interested in learning more about how the registration process works? Check out this handy article to get started.

HOW CAN I HELP? 
The Fringe needs your financial support. The size of our cash reserves in June 2010 significantly impacts the scope of the Fringe itself. Marketing and promoting an event of this scale takes a lot of imagination and (when that runs out) money from generous, committed friends. Every little bit helps. If this event is something you care about and consider important for our community, please take a moment, dig deep into those recessionary pockets, and give what you can. Consider it a sound investment into the achievable dream of an artistic golden age. 

The Fringe is a 501c3 not-for-profit, so all contributions are tax deductible.

VENUES EVERYWHERE
With the recent addition of the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, we now have 10 high quality venues to host Fringe projects. We have filmed venue tours for almost all our venues to-date; if you’d like to learn more, you can visit our website and research ones that interest you. 

We are registering Fringe "hot spots" to serve participants and patrons during the June festival. To be a hot spot, you must be a Hollywood business (cafe, bar, restaurant, store) within the Fringe zone interested in hosting the occasional artist and/or providing discounts to Fringe-goers and participants. Contact us if you are interested in learning more.

Coming soon: Ground plans, more venues, and the unveiling of Fringe Central.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Volunteer registration is open: We need as much help as possible to lift this festival to its feet. The central Fringe organization and all its participating venues need assistance at the box office, in the booth, in the house, and on the street. Register today and you enter the distinguished pool of candidates powering the festival. Volunteer benefits vary from venue to venue.

NOTE TO PROJECT OWNERS
Created a Fringe project and still haven’t booked a venue? Fear not, you are not alone. Most venues are booking projects starting this month. Make sure you have applied online to all venues that interest you and expect detailed financial offers soon. If you still haven’t found a home in early February, contact us at support.

Coming soon: Housing help for visiting artists