Frequently Asked Questions...
...and frequently given answers.
Technical and Production
How long can my show be?
Most shows at Underground in past years have been 60 minutes long. This is preferable for schedules and audiences. We are quite happy to accept shorter pieces.
We will consider longer pieces although these should not exceed 75 minutes. We very rarely accept pieces which need intervals. In the Barrel Room though, audiences can easily leave to the bar / toilet at any time.
back to top
Does Underground provide a technician?
In order to keep our costs low, we do not by default provide a technical operator for your show, although full technical support is offered for free whilst you set up your show, and technicians will be on hand during your technical rehearsal.
If your company does not have its own technical manager, we can provide one for you for a small charge - usually £10/hr (minimum £10). This money is deducted from your share of the Box Office at the end of your run, and goes in full to the person that operates your show.
back to top
Applying and The Application Form
What is the 50-word fringe blurb?
The text which will be used for the Fringe brochure & Fringe website. When you apply we need a draft of this. It will also be the default text used by us to sell your show (on our website etc.) until you provide something else.
This text should therefore both describe and sell your piece. It must give audiences an impression of what your show is like but, more importantly, make it sound interesting – even if this requires some inventive rhetoric. Like everything on the application, you can update this at any point. Once you are accepted and have paid your guarantee / entry fee we will pass this text onto the Fringe. We may also make edits to help you maximise the effectiveness of your blurb in Buxton, though we'll endeavour to notify you if we do.
See also: Writing a good fringe blurb.
back to top
What do you mean by 'objectional material'? And why do you need to know?
Anything that may cause offense to audience members. Nudity, extreme swearing, sexual scenes, violence...
This information will never be advertised, and we don't publish warnings inour publicity material. It will only be used if people ask us at the box office, and if adults bringing their children to shows.
Take a look at our censorship policy for more about this.
This information will not influence our decision on your application.
back to top
What technical information do you need at this stage?
You don't need to decribe every technical detail of your piece. What we need to know is what you plan on doing outside of our basic capabilities.
So you must state all the requirements of your piece. If we accept your piece, it will be in terms of what is stated here: should you later request something (e.g. an extra spotlight / lighting state / microphone or to bring a strobe light or radio mic etc.) we may not be able to accomodate it.
Also outline any complicated items of set involved, and if you think you'll have difficulty with our changeover times.
back to top
Do I need to sign up to the Buxton Fringe Website?
No. We submit all of your information for you, on acceptance of your contract.
back to top
Are you sure?
Yes.
back to top
When will I hear about my application?
Once we have received your application we will endeavour to make you an offer as soon as possible. See What Happens When You Apply.
back to top
Money and Box Office
How much do your spaces cost?
The Pauper's Pit normally costs 40% of your gross box office, or a guarantee per performance, whichever is the greater. The guarantee depends on the type of show, the number of performances, the length of your slot and the times you take. As a guide, for one performance, the base guarantee is £40, but the price per performance often decreases the more you take.
The Barrel Room is usually a straight 50% split.
These prices are a guide only, and the offers we make may vary depending on a number of factors.
back to top
Do I need to pay any money upfront?
In order to be included in the Fringe, you must pay their entry fee. This varies between £40 and £80, depending on how early you submit your entry (see Deadlines for more information).
In most cases, we at Underground also require a deposit to secure your contract. This is usually equal to your guarantee. (See below).
When budgeting, you should also consider costs for printing publicity.
back to top
How do guarantees work? How much are they?
A guarantee is the minimum fee guaranteed to Underground, and is usually payable as a deposit in advance. It's intended to cover the venue in the unlikely event that a show drops out or drastically undersells.
This guarantee is usually equal to £40 per performance slot. For instance, if you took 5 slots, your guarantee would be around £200. Assuming a our standard 60/40 box office split in your favour, this means our overall fee would be either £200 or 40% of your gross box office - whichever is greater. Feel free to contact us for further clarification.
back to top
Does this mean I pay you a share of my box office, and a fee for each performance?!?
No. When paying your settlement after your run, we refund any deposit you've already paid us - assuming you've reached your guarantee.
back to top
When will I get my share of the Box Office?
This year, thanks to our unique Box Office and Accounting system, we are endevouring once again to pay you directly in cash, immediately after your last show finishes. This is not always possible for practical reasons, in which case payments will be made online by Bank Transfer or PayPal. You willbe asked to provide a preferred method of payment and relevant details if your application is successful.
back to top
How much are tickets likely to cost?
We will suggest ticket prices to you, consistent with the rest of our programme.
We generally suggest £7.50 as the price for typical length (60-75 min) plays, comedy, dance and stand-up. Shorter shows, Spoken Word, and Music acts may suit a slightly lower price.
It is part of Underground Venues' accessibility policy to offer meaningful reductions to concessions. Concession tickets are given to OAPs, full-time students, children under 16, Friends of the Fringe, the unemployed or those on income support, and Equity members. We noramlly suggest £5.50 for these tickets, but it may make sense for certain groups to pay slightly different prices for some shows.
back to top
Will I get a performer disconut to other shows at Underground?
Yes. All of our performers pay roughly half price for all shows at Underground which are not sold out. Additonally, all Fringe performers get free entry to the Frineg Club.
back to top
How much audience will I get?
Okay so noone has actually asked us that, and of course we don't know the exact answer. But... last year our average was around 50% full - though that varied considerably from show to show. When budgeting, we recommend you expect 25-30% and then in most cases you'll be pleasantly surprised.
The Pits are popular spaces the year round, and all of our spaces are central and well known throughout the region. With our experienced publicity team, we will attract new audiences through our unique approach to marketing, plus audience offers, press coverage, and a great reputation!
back to top
Can I use the Fringe Advance Booking Service?
Underground provides a full Box Office and Advance Booking service included in the price, with phone and online bookings, and a walk in Box Office You cannot use the Opera House Advance Booking Service for a show at Underground Venues.
back to top
