The 2026 Fresh Fruit Festival MainStage
MAINSTAGE 2026 DATES: Monday APRIL 20 through Sunday MAY 3
and YES, we are back home in the WILD PROJECT!, For Our 24th Year!
Please do NOT attempt the application form on a cell phone. Look the sample form over* and write any ‘essay’ type questions in advance to paste-in to the online form. Text attachments must be in .RTF, .PDF, or .DOC file formats only. You can always simply give tested “links” to your own files when uploads are asked for (large files like sound or video media must always be given as links only- but be sure any passwords or other permissions are sent along in the application. *Get the condensed sample form below, which is pretty close to the online questions, but lacks most expanding fields, text-help and samples:
WE PROVIDE a high degree of hand-holding and support: One of our TWO alternating Technical Directors to run the Booth for you; a full Front of House staff; On-site logistics people to help you organize your load in and out, and assign storage for costumes and props; Full ticketing services, plus many group sales and discount options; A glossy, full-color Festival-wide brochure to hold your own show’s program; inclusion in all our own publicity and press releases; highly discounted rates at our designated rehearsal studios in Midtown plus a Technical Rehearsal on stage . . . All with NO APPLICATION FEES and no required “participation fees.” All shows receive a % share of the box office (currently 15%) over a small house minimum at no charge, with higher percentages available for experienced producers.
WE EXPECT a fully rehearsed, well directed and produced theatrical work, with all costuming, sound, and video cues well prepared in advance of the Tech Rehearsal. Your show, regardless of size, must have an experienced Stage Manager as point person. You must provide a PRINTED program with at minimum a full cast bio listing, plus a standard Press Kit for reviewers (which may include a “QR” code linking to more material if you wish). A QR-code alone is not a program.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
One MAINSTAGE work per author will be considered. APPLY EARLY AS POSSIBLE, the earlier you apply, the more attention you will get (Revisions are expected, but must stay within your time limit, including any required intermission). If you are torn between 2 works please write us a note about them on our ‘contact us page’ for advice. All submissions are evaluated by a team of readers with specific primary interests (comedy, music, trans & other LGBT interests)
Do not upload video or audio files; give Links to them only.
- Applications: Open December 15.
- Deadline for Full-Lengths: Monday January 16th, 2025
- Deadline for Small Cast Shows & 1-Acts: January 30, 2025
- Announcements Throughout January & early February.
- EARLY BIRDS: Are You Ready NOW? See Early-Bird Program below.
For Plays (not Solo works): Please attach a complete current version of the play. One-Acts (at least 25-35 min. long) and Full-Lengths (45 to 100 min) will both be considered. (Shorts are ineligible for this Festival; but we do have short play festivals throughout the year.) Submissions are primarily in English only.
For Dance: We may NOT have the choreographer showcase this season unless we get enough interest. Please use the contact us form for a personal response.
For Music: Please submit a tested link to either complete or sample audio recordings.
For Visual Art: Art Exhibits are planned outside of the Mainstage; Email us soon for any current themes and submission process.
For Musical/Opera/Cabaret: Please submit a link to audio recording of a few select musical numbers, and a copy of the book (.pdf or .doc format only); submit a video link to any completed demos.
For Comedy: We are NOT accepting solo or standup routines this season; submit scripts to comedic 1-acts or full plays as above.
For Solo Plays/Performances: No solo works are accepted for this Mainstage; BUT PLEASE CONSIDER our Monologue To Film series, and our Radio Shorts! Those programs are well subsidized and will have their own schedules.
For Film: Please submit a video link to the complete film or a major excerpt. If the video is password protected or “private,” please ensure that we have the access rights or passwords to view the footage.
THE “EARLY-BIRD” PROGRAM – Open NOW, through December 8!
If you’re reading this, you can start submitting NOW! Ahead of our general announcement.
Have a work nearly ready to go, apply under our Early-Bird option to get immediate attention and rapid turnaround. DEADLINES: As Above. Why Submit Early? Scripts are read ahead of regular submissions. Early acceptance = early casting and planning; increased potential for early press & promotional materials; less stress, more time to prepare.
APPLICATION FORMSEE SAMPLES of the last few MAINSTAGE weeks, with full schedules, programs, etc: