Producer & Participant FAQ
August 7–8, 2026 | REO Town, Lansing, Michigan
What is the Renegade Fringe Festival?
Renegade Fringe Festival is a community-driven performing arts festival celebrating bold, original, and unconventional work. It provides a platform for artists and theatre companies to experiment, take risks, and connect with new audiences in an accessible and supportive environment.
What is Fringe?
Fringe. The edge. Experimental. Unexpected. An exploration.
The return of Renegade is just that – pushing the edges of performance, sending creative sparks flying between artists and audiences of all types and stripes.
The first Fringe was born in 1947, literally on the edges of Edinburgh, Scotland. After the horrors of World War II, the Edinburgh International Festival was created to inspire with the power of great art. But not every performer got a spot. When eight troupes couldn’t, they still performed – on the city’s outskirts: the fringe.
With hundreds of fringe festivals now around the world, Lansing’s is the newest. Our Renegade Theatre Festival has always had fringe tendencies – new shows, new artists, new spaces not necessarily designed for theatre but perfect for Renegade.
Who can participate?
The festival is open to theatre companies, independent artists, performers, and creators of all experience levels. Whether you are an established organization or an individual with a new idea, you are encouraged to submit a show/event for the festival.
What types of performances are accepted?
We welcome a wide range of performance styles, including theatre, dance, comedy, solo performance, storytelling, music, multimedia work, and interdisciplinary pieces. Original works, works-in-progress, and innovative adaptations are especially encouraged.
Where does the festival take place?
All performances take place in REO Town in Lansing, Michigan, utilizing a variety of venues and nontraditional performance spaces.
When is the festival?
The 2026 Renegade Fringe Festival will take place on August 7 & 8, 2026.
How long can my show be?
Performance lengths may vary depending on scheduling, but the fringe festival format favors shorter works (often 10–60 minutes). Longer productions may be accepted. Final guidelines will be provided upon acceptance.
Are there technical limitations?
Yes. The Renegade Fringe Festival operates with minimal technical support to ensure quick transitions between performances. Artists should be prepared for simple lighting found in the venue they are assigned, limited sound capabilities or sound provided by the performance organization, and fast setup/strike times.
Is there a participation fee?
No, the Renegade Fringe Festival does not charge a fee to take part. However, each presenting organization or individual is responsible for taking care of and ensuring that all royalties required for performances have been secured and paid before the festival takes place.
How does ticketing or audience admission work?
Renegade Fringe Festival operates on a donation-based model to keep performances accessible and free to the general public. Volunteers will be on-hand during the festival to collect monetary donations from patrons before or after performances, but payment is not required for entrance into performances.
What support is provided to artists?
The festival provides performance space, basic technical and seating support, scheduling, and promotional efforts. Artists are also encouraged to promote their own work to maximize audience engagement.
What is expected of participating artists?
Artists are expected to: Arrive on time and be prepared for quick setup and strike; Adhere to scheduled performance times; Work collaboratively within shared festival spaces; Help foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment.
How can I volunteer?
Renegade Fringe Festival relies heavily on volunteers to operate successfully. Responsibilities include: Accepting monetary donations; Assisting patrons; Wayfinding. If you believe in our mission, sign up here.
Why should I participate?
Renegade Fringe Festival offers a unique opportunity to: Present bold and experimental work; Connect with new audiences; Collaborate with fellow artists; Be part of the ongoing vibrant, grassroots arts movement in Lansing.