PRODUCTION NOTES>>

The thing to remember when planning the production side of things is that the chances are there are seven other shows being performed on the stage you are using every day. Also the chances are your venue is just a big room the rest of the year. And don't forget dressing rooms are a real luxury at the Fringe. With this in mind simplicity is the key!

Most venues will have a theatre manager who will supply you with scale plans of your venue, as well as questionnaires asking you about your technical requirements and set plans. It is important your production team liaise direct with this person. The theatre manager has to work out how to fit everyone's technical requirements on the lighting rig and where to store everyone's set. S/he will also have to let the local theatre licensing people know about your set and any firearms, naked flames or pyros being used (note, smoking is not allowed on stage in Scotland - this is a politically contentious issue, so they'll be no exceptions, however integral to your plot smoking may be).

You will have to build and strike your set everyday (often in ten minutes!) – and potentially move your whole set up and down stairs. Check where sets are going to be stored with your theatre manager, and make sure your set designer is aware of the limitations.

You will need to be patient and flexible when you arrive at your venue – make sure your stage crew are very clear on where set is being stored and what needs to be done on arrival at the venue each day (there's a chance you will have to refocus your specials prior to every performance).

Back stage facilities are often minimal – it may be worth bringing your own mirror and costume rack. If your actors are performing in simple costumes it may be worthwhile for them to arrive at the venue in costume and make-up each day - in fact, even if they are in complex constumes, arriving in dress might be a good idea (logistically, plus it is good publicity for your cast to be out and about in constume). If you have any small valuable items being used as props it would be advisable for your stage manager to take them away after each performance. Security in most Fringe venues is actually quite good but don't forget just how many people are passing through the Fringe venue in the average day.

Finally, Fringe venues tend to be strict on health and safety. Make sure all wood and fabric used in a set is flame proofed, and that your cast and crew know the rules governing use of naked flames, firearms and pyros on stage inside out (and that smoking is not permitted anywhere in the venue - front of house, backstage or even on stage). And make sure your venue's theatre manager knows if you are using any special effects (pyros etc) before you arrive.