DOTS Fringe Festival
In July of each year, Devising Original Theatre Springfield is proud to showcase some of the most brilliant talent in our curated Fringe Festival.
What is a Fringe Festival?
A Curated Showcase
The DOTS Fringe Festival is a place to showcase the newest original theatrical creations of local playwrights and theatre makers, talented performers, and outstanding creatives. We strive to curate an entertaining festival for our community with a wide range of stories represented.
A Community
The DOTS Fringe Festival is where like-minded creatives come together to support each other. Whether a performer, a technician, or an audience member, there is a place for you to contribute and enjoy new theatre.
A Sounding Board
The DOTS Fringe Festival allows you to test your new material in front of a live audience. The feedback you receive can help catapolt your project to another level.
“The Fringe Festival provides a great opportunity for audiences and creators to experience the excitement of original theatre in Springfield!
– J. Cowden
I love that it’s a good excuse for everyone who loves theatre to have a festival to either act in or watch plays.
2024 Fringe Audience Member
From Idea to Fringe
Curious about bringing a show to the DOTS Fringe? Have questions about how to write, submit, and produce a project? We have answers and advice to help you feel confident about sharing your art! Join us for virtual or in person seminars designed to prepare you for the challenges and benefits of bringing a show to the DOTS Fringe.
2025 Seminar Schedule Coming Soon
2026 Fringe Submissions Open January
what Material can you use?
Producers are responsible for insuring the proper permissions have been granted for all materials used in a production.
The US Copyright Office offers some information regarding the use of materials. https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/
If you are looking to include music you might check out the ASCAP Repertory Search. https://www.ascap.com/repertory/about
2025 KC Fringe Photo Credit: Mark McCurnin
Creating Playwright & Director Relationship
Balancing collaboration, the vision of the playwright and the creative approach of the director can be a tricky relationship to navigate. Learn skills to help you collaborate with heart and compassion and an eye on creating an exceptional production.
Devising an Original Piece
The devising process can be as varied as the people who are collaborating. The way that DOTS Ensemble works might not be the same as other theatrical companies, but we have sound success with our way of working. Join us in a discussion of how we work, how we incorporate play and exploration, and how we use feedback to create performances that fulfill our artistic intention and have impact on our audience.
2025 Seminar Schedule Coming Soon
Want to learn more aBout DOTS?
We would love to collaborate with you!
Watch
Check out our performances at the 2025 DOTS Fringe Festival July 10-13 and at the KC Fringe July 24-26. Or request a performance for your school or special event.
Collaborate
Join us by auditioning for our DOTS Ensemble and other upcoming productions, staged readings, Playwright’s Playground, Living Room Theatre, or volunteer for the DOTS Fringe
Learn
The teaching artists of DOTS are available for master classes or workshops on a variety of subjects relating to devising, playwrighting, music composition, and puppetry.
email: exec@dotheatre.org
A Special Thank you!
DOTS would like to extend a very special thank you to Springfield Little Theatre Education Department at The Judy for your continued support of our efforts to produce original theatre in Springfield Missouri.
We are also grateful to Springfield Regional Arts Council for believing in our mission.
Devising Original Theatre Springfield is a 501c3 Organization.