FRINGE THEATER LAB
NEPAFringe Theater Lab is a chance for new performing arts groups in Northeast Pennsylvania to grow their ideas with creative support and funding from Scranton Fringe.
Open Call
Through February 15, 2026, we’re inviting new Northeast Pennsylvania–based groups to apply (separate from Fringe Festival applications) for a $1200 grant and extensive creative development support to launch their first project, debuting at the 2026 Scranton Fringe Festival.
We’re looking to accept at least two groups for 2026.
All Genres Welcome
Theatre, dance, music, puppetry, spoken word, or any other creative expression.
Groups receive:
Everything is meant to help your team bring your first project to the stage with confidence.
Scranton Fringe is here to strengthen the NEPA arts scene by empowering local artists to work together, to spark creativity, and to strengthen the ecosystem that makes this work possible year-round.
All the Details
What you’ll receive if selected:
Funding
Per group, a $1200 creative stipend to spark development and bring your project to life, along with a cut of ticket sales from your 2026 Scranton Fringe Festival Premiere.
Free Venue
Guaranteed 2026 Scranton Fringe Festival placement, with free venue space for your premiere (Oct 1-10), matched to your technical needs.
Support Staff
Front-of-house staff to keep your show running smoothly.
Marketing Support
Help with simple web & social set-up, promo know-how, press training, outreach strategy, and asset tips.
Creative Guidance
Ongoing creative check-ins with your group from March through September, plus support during and after the festival.
Tech
Tech Support tailored to your venue.
Rehearsal Space
Access to a free rehearsal space in Scranton.
Virtual Support
Fringe can also help provide access to a paid Zoom account to facilitate virtual meetings/work sessions as needed.
Room to Explore
This program is designed to make starting a production easier and give you the freedom and space to be your creative selves.
Eligibility
Apply as either:
What we’re looking for
At Scranton Fringe, we believe there’s a place for everyone, but not all performers or productions are a good fit for this program. We’re looking for:
High standards – Not Big Budgets
We want creative work that shows thought, practice, and purpose. We welcome bold ideas, but we expect them to be shaped with care and presented by teams who take their craft seriously, no matter the resources.
What are we NOT looking for?
What does “NEPA-based” Mean?
Applicants must have a real, ongoing relationship with Northeast PA.
This can be through where members live, create, or share their work. This includes the 14 counties of the greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and nearby communities.
OUT-OF-AREA COLLABORATORS
Partners from elsewhere (NYC, Philadelphia, etc) are welcome if the applicant/ensemble can show meaningful involvement in NEPA now, and/or a clear plan to stay connected.
SOLO LEAD APPLICANTS / COORDINATORS MUST LIVE PRIMARILY IN NEPA
Outside collaborators can join later, but the cultivation plan should lift up NEPA artists, first.
Frequently Asked
Questions
This is a micro-grant + support program designed to help artists launch and develop ensemble-driven performing arts work in Northeast PA. Selected groups receive a $1,200 creative stipend plus in-kind producing support, and the funded project will premiere at the 2026 Scranton Fringe Festival (Oct 1–10, 2026). We are seeking to spark new groups, empower new voices, and give our regional performing arts scene more companies presenting unique artistic work with high standards.
When we say high standards, we mean rigor, clarity, and care—not big budgets. We’re looking for work that is intentional, rehearsed, and audience-ready, and for teams that treat the process with professionalism—even if the piece is experimental or made with limited resources.
Because Fringe believes a thriving festival depends on a thriving year-round independent performing arts scene. This program is a direct investment in the region’s artists—helping them build sustainable collaboration, develop strong producing skills, and create ambitious work that adds to what’s already happening in NEPA. In short: Fringe isn’t only presenting work—we’re helping strengthen the ecosystem that makes the work possible.
To strengthen the independent performing arts ecosystem in NEPA by helping artists build sustainable, ensemble-driven practice—without requiring them to form a formal organization.
No. All performing arts genres are welcome.
It’s both. The stipend supports your first project, while the lab provides training, consultation, and production support (marketing, venue/FOH, tech coordination).
This will depend on final available funding and capacity, though at this time we are committed to selecting at least two (2) groups/new collectives for the 2026 calendar year. We will notify groups by/around March 1st of their acceptance or decline via email.
You can apply if you are a new producing unit, OR Solo applications are also allowed, but solo applicants must explain how they will cultivate a team of collaborators (primarily based in NEPA) during the program period.
The core collaborators are the primary artists responsible for creating/producing the project—the people the program is fundamentally supporting. You can also include additional performers/crew beyond the core team.
“NEPA-based” means the applicant/ensemble has a real, ongoing relationship to NEPA. Northeast Pennsylvania is generally considered to be made up of fourteen (14) counties, which you can click here to view.
Yes—if the applicant/ensemble can demonstrate meaningful participation in NEPA now and/or a concrete commitment to ongoing NEPA involvement going forward. (Solo Lead Applicants must be primarily based in NEPA.)
Yes, ideally, your company/project lead will have a valid Northeast PA mailing address.
No. Informal structures are welcome. You do not need to incorporate or create any type of legal entity.
A $1,200 micro-grant plus a Fringe festival slot, free venue access, tech support coordination, front-of-house staffing, marketing support/training, and creative consultation leading up to and following the premiere.
It’s per group/project (per selected applicant/ensemble).
Artist stipends, materials, props/costumes, accessibility needs, and other direct project expenses. Your venue and reasonable tech costs (basic lighting, sound, projection, etc) are already included within the in-kind support of this program.
Yes. Free access to a rehearsal space within Scranton, PA, will be provided as part of this program. The exact schedule and rules of access will be determined as needed. Fringe can also help provide access to a paid Zoom account to facilitate virtual meetings/work sessions as needed.
Yes. The group’s first major work must premiere at Scranton Fringe – Oct 1–10, 2026.
This is entirely up to you / your collaborators! We are interested in helping groups present the work they want to in the best possible way – not dictate the content itself.
It means the project has a first public launch/presentation at the festival—either a new work or a significantly new version—scaled appropriately to your resources.
Possibly, if feasible within permissions, safety, and festival capacity. We welcome your most innovative ideas!
It varies. We recognize that many applicants will likely already be working together in some capacity or have a long-standing history of collaboration. That’s fine! However, your new ensemble/group/team must be clearly separate from an established group and be able to independently create its work.
Companies that wish to operate as a “resident company” of an established venue or org will be considered. We recognize that in our current economic climate, working together with other institutions is vital – but we will want to ensure that artistically this is a totally new venture (by brand/name and direction) and has clearly defined leadership separate from any “hosts” or partners.
Fringe will coordinate tech support appropriate to the assigned venue. More complex or specialized needs may require additional resources or simplified design choices.
Because this program is about building the performing arts scene, not just funding isolated projects. We’re asking you to show you understand what already exists, what’s needed, and how your work can add value without reinventing the wheel.
We encourage you to celebrate what you love about the NEPA performing arts landscape and what changes you wish you could make. The goal is to demonstrate that you’re committed to the scene, can offer constructive critique, and understand the role your ensemble/collective can play in supporting, strengthening, and expanding what’s already happening.
Possibly. Fringe may interview finalists to clarify project scope, readiness, and NEPA commitment. If interviews are held, they will be short, straightforward, and conducted online via Zoom. We may also elect to simply ask questions via email (please be prompt in your responses).
Please tell Fringe as soon as possible. The goal is to problem-solve early and keep your project set up for success.
If your Lead Coordinator changes, that’s okay—just let us know promptly so we can update points of contact, confirm who’s handling key communications, and make sure the transition is smooth for your project and festival planning.
Yes! We have ensured that ample notice will be given to all applications for the theater lab program, and – in the event we decline your proposal for 2026 – you may still submit to the main Festival application (which opens Feb 9th and closes March 31st).
You aren’t “contractually obligated” to exist forever—but this program is explicitly designed for artists who intend to continue collaborating beyond a single project. Your application should reflect that intention and include a realistic next-steps plan for the next 1–3 years.
Please do not apply if your goal is not to continue creating work together.
Drop us a line via email to [email protected]. Our team is mighty, but small – so please give us time to reply to your questions.
Talking to the Box Office...
