DOTS 3rd Annual Fringe Festival Call for Artists

Devising Original Theatre Springfield (DOTS) is now accepting submissions for its third annual Fringe Festival, scheduled for July 9–12, 2026. This festival celebrates new theatrical work and provides a platform for local playwrights and creators working outside traditional theater expectations.

The Fringe Festival welcomes a wide variety of theatrical expressions, from traditional plays to nontraditional performance pieces. Past festivals have featured horror, musicals, guitar performances, and nonspoken productions, demonstrating the festival's commitment to diverse artistic expression.

The festival will be centralized at The Judy, Springfield Little Theatre's education building, allowing audiences to experience multiple shows in one convenient location. This year, DOTS is expanding youth programming by partnering with Springfield Little Theatre's education department to host a devising intensive week, helping young performers develop original work before the festival begins.

Submission Process:
Artists may submit scripts through an online form or provide video proof of concept for physical or nontraditional performance pieces. All submission details and guidelines are available at dotheatre.org.

According to Executive Director Dr. Gretchen Teague, the festival has become "a place where we celebrate creating new work." Founding member Kristin Farr emphasizes that the festival is specifically "for artists on the fringes of what people expect theater to be."

The concept of fringe festivals originated in Edinburgh, where artists not accepted into major theater festivals created their own performances on the outskirts of the event. This model has spread internationally and continues to attract artists seeking venues for experimental and innovative work.