Event Details

• Dates: January 22–26, 2025 

• Location: Let Live Theater and The Other Space Theater at The Actors Company (916 N. Formosa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046)

• Audience Admission: Free

• Registration & Fees:

  • Early Bird Deadline (Dec 2nd): $55 ($40 savings)

  • Regular Deadline (Dec 30): $75 ($20 savings)

  • Late Deadline (Jan 15): $95 (regular price)

  • Add-ons (optional):

    • Extra slot for the same show and same material a second time (billed separately see form at check out).

      • $45 on early bird ($40 savings)

      • $65 Regular ($20 savings)

      • $85 Late (regular price)

    • Complete a separate application if you want to do a second presentation of 10 minutes. For example, you want to do a different part of the show or present multiple concepts/shows.

What does a Test Fest show look like?

• Play
  Presentation of the whole arc or idea of the show in a few slides or a quick talk for extra context. What to present:

• A scene 

• A monologue

• Any other parts of the script that might deserve a look, e.g., a lead-in to combat or a potential triggering storyline.

• Feedback and other things to consider:

• From what you know, does the dialogue fit the character?

• Does the story arc seem complete?

• Should I be aware of any casting pitfalls or special considerations?

• Solo shows
  Do you have a segment you want to get in front of an audience? Try out your central story, etc.  What to present:

• Is there music? Try your song or lead into your song.

• Do you need extra visual elements, or are there too many?

• Constantly changing a segment, try one here, or if it's short enough, compare the two.

• Feedback and other things to consider:

• Does the story feel unique - i.e. is it personal

• What should you wear? Is a costume necessary?

• Do the characters work (if there are any)?

• Musical
  Presentation of the whole arc or idea of the musical in a few slides or a quick talk for extra context. What to present:

• A scene and song as they appear in the book

• A song and dance

• Two songs

• Feedback and other things to consider:

• Does the song feel like an 11th-hour piece? 

• This is the opening scene/song. What does it evoke?

• I presented a scene and the lyrics for a song or song with lots of choreography intended to be in it. Does that make sense?

• Show Pitch/Idea (I only have a concept)
  Slideshow presentation of story outline or concept. Things to think about: 

• Include the Purpose or idea that sparked the idea to create a show. 

• Some reference material and images that evoke the concept of the show.

• Length of the finished product (approximate)

• The cast of characters and who they are (if that exists) etc.

• Potential feedback opportunity:

• Is there any interest in this idea?

• Does the plot make sense? How can this be expanded or focused?

• Are there any pitfalls that I should be aware of? 

• I need help to make this idea happen. Is anyone interested in collaborating?

• There is no limit to the types of performances. Here are a few more ideas.

• Immersive/Interactive: Test some interaction devices or see how quickly you can set up and walk an audience through a section of the experience.

• Dance/Physical Theatre: Is it narrative? See if the audience understands the story. Try out a few different takes on physical action to get a feel for them.

Participation Benefits

Participants receive:

• Time in the theater to rehearse the tech elements for their piece.

• Performance space for their 10-minute segment.

• Guided audience feedback sessions led by an industry professional with immediate written feedback.

• Networking opportunities in a relaxed lounge setting after each day’s performances.

• Marketing boost by being part of the Fest and visibility for their production.

How Test Fest Works

1. Artists sign up for Test Fest.

• Shows and concepts of all types are permitted, emphasizing live performances for a fringe-style festival. 

• Pay a one-time registration fee to the Fest (The Actors Company).

2. Performance Scheduling

• Shows will be scheduled in 1-hour blocks containing approximately (6) performances.

• Each show has 10 minutes or less to perform a segment of their work.

3. Technical Rehearsals

• Each hour block (all six pieces together) will include a 1.5-hour technical rehearsal during which participants will set up and test lighting, sound, and cues.

4. Audience Experience

• The performance block will last 1.5 - 2 hours, including performance time and feedback sessions.

• Title cards between each performance will provide context, such as what feedback the artist is looking for (e.g., clarity on an inciting incident, appropriateness of language, comedic impact, etc.).

• Take notes during presentations using provided feedback sheets.

5. Feedback Sessions

• A guided talkback led by an industry professional will follow each block.

• Audience members can ask clarifying questions, and each performer will receive written feedback on the same day.

6. Artist and Audience Lounge

• After the performance, continue the conversation in the Test Fest lounge in The Other Space Theater at The Actors Company (right next door).

• Meet up with past and future fringe participants.

• Grab a snack or a refreshing drink to unwind.

• Take some time to get some notes down or start your process.

7. After the Fest

• Begin work on your project 

• Connect with The Hollywood Fringe Festival and attend other free workshops to set up for success.

• Have fun and CREATE! 

Why Register for Test Fest?

• Get valuable feedback on initial concepts, difficult scenes, music, and overall production.

• Network and connect with fellow creatives and meet other potential Fringe Festival Participants.

• Experience the pace and setup of a Fringe-style event, building confidence for a larger festival commitment.

• Marketing boost: Your show gains exposure before even joining the Fringe.

• Save money - test your concept. 

Key Dates to Remember

• Registration Deadlines:

• Early Deadline: December 02, 2024 – $55

• Regular Deadline: December 30, 2024 – $75

• Late Deadline: January 15, 2025 – $95

• Material submission deadline

• Preshow context slides and all tech assests for performance:  Jan 16th 

• Event Dates: January 22–26, 2025