Our annual trip to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Auditions to join us next year aren't open yet, but please register your interest in auditioning below so we can inform you when auditions open and click the link below to have a look at whats coming up!
Every August, thousands of performers from around the world travel to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to perform, create, and experience one of the most exciting arts events on the planet. At The Talentz, we give young performers the opportunity to be part of that incredible experience — performing in front of live audiences, developing their skills, building confidence, and making memories that last a lifetime.
For the past few years, The Talentz have received award recognition, fantastic audience feedback, and glowing reviews for our Edinburgh productions, including performances of The Addams Family, The Wizard of Oz, and more.
Whether you dream of performing professionally or simply want an unforgettable experience with like-minded people, Edinburgh is truly something special.
What is the edinburgh fringe?
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest performing arts festival, featuring thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, musicals, dance, and live entertainment every year. Performers travel from all over the world to showcase their work and experience the unique atmosphere of the Fringe.
As part of The Talentz Edinburgh company, students become official Fringe performers and experience life as part of a real theatre company for the week.
What does our trip involve?
Our Edinburgh experience is much more than simply putting on a show. Students rehearse, perform, explore the city, watch other Fringe performances, bond as a cast, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the festival.
The Talentz performers and staff stay together in flats as a company, creating a supportive, exciting, and unforgettable team environment throughout the week.
The trip typically includes:
- Rehearsals leading up to the Fringe
- Performances in Tunbridge Wells before Edinburgh
- 6 performances at the Edinburgh Fringe
- Travel to and from Edinburgh
- Group accommodation for the week
- Breakfast, packed lunches, and evening meals
- Cast hoodie and t-shirt
- Costumes and make-up support
- Official Fringe performer passes
- Stand-by lanyards granting free entry to shows at TheSpace UK Venues.
- Supervision and support from the Talentz team throughout the trip
How does it work?
Auditions
Students audition for the Edinburgh company production. Auditions are open to enthusiastic performers of varying experience levels, and we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals take place in the months leading up to the Fringe. Students work on singing, acting, choreography, character work, and ensemble performance while building strong friendships and teamwork skills.
Tunbridge Wells Performances
Before travelling to Edinburgh, the company performs in Tunbridge Wells. This gives students valuable performance experience and allows our cast’s family and friends to see them perform locally.
Edinburgh Week
The company travels to Edinburgh together for a full week of performances, rehearsals, sightseeing, cast activities, and Fringe experiences.
Students perform at a professional Fringe venue while also enjoying the incredible atmosphere of the city during festival season.
FAQ's
Who can take part?
Our Edinburgh companies are usually made up of those aged between 12 – 21, although exact age ranges vary depending on the production.Â
Do students need previous performing experience?
Not necessarily! We welcome enthusiastic performers who are committed, positive, and excited to be part of the company.
Do I need to be a Talentz student to take part?
No! We hold open auditions, where anyone in the right age bracket can join us! We have had many cast members join the Talentz family for the first time for the Edinburgh trip and they loved it!
Is the trip supervised?
Yes — the cast are supervised throughout the trip by experienced Talentz staff. All staff are DBS checked, and several hold licensed chaperone qualifications and first aid training.
As part of the Edinburgh experience, cast members are also given some supervised independence and are allowed free time in Edinburgh in groups of 3 or more. We are very strict about safety procedures during this time — cast members must stay in groups, keep staff updated on their location and plans, and let us know immediately if anything changes.
For the past two years, we have also successfully used Life360 location sharing throughout the trip, which has worked incredibly well in helping us keep everyone safe while still allowing students some independence and freedom to enjoy the Fringe experience.
How many staff members attend?
We usually take around 6 staff members and always exceed the required adult-to-child ratios.
Where do the cast stay?
The company stays together in student-style flats in Edinburgh, usually with two cast members sharing an en-suite room. We have at least one member of staff per flat – historically we have had 3 staff members in each flat.
Can the cast choose who they share rooms with?
Where possible, yes! We always try to pair cast members with someone they choose and feel comfortable with.
What is a typical day like?
Most days include warm-ups, promoting the show on the Royal Mile, performances, watching Fringe shows, group activities, and time exploring Edinburgh with friends.
We reserve the Monday night to watch a show with the entire cast and crew, and on the Friday night we have a special themed night in the flat.
How many performances are there?
Historically we have produced four performances in Tunbridge Wells and six in Edinburgh.
Is there free time?
Cast members are also given some supervised independence and are allowed free time in Edinburgh in groups of 3 or more. We are strict about safety procedures during this time — cast members must stay in groups, keep staff updated on their location and plans, and let us know immediately if anything changes.
For the past two years, we have also successfully used Life360 location sharing throughout the trip, which has worked incredibly well in helping us keep everyone safe while still allowing students some independence and freedom to enjoy the Fringe experience.
What time is curfew?
Curfew is usually 10pm, with staff room checks and quiet time afterwards.
How do you keep cast members safe during free time?
Cast members must stay in groups of 3+, keep staff updated via group chats, and use location-sharing throughout the trip so staff always know where everyone is.
More often than not, historically we have spent the evenings in big groups often including staff members. Everyone has the choice to see what they want but quite often we all go to the same shows!
Are meals included?
Yes — breakfast, packed lunches, biscuits, and evening meals are typically included throughout the week.
Can parents visit in Edinburgh?
Absolutely! Many families come to watch performances and enjoy the Fringe Festival while their child is performing.
Can parents take their child out during the week?
Yes, with prior agreement from the Talentz team so we can ensure everyone’s safety and whereabouts are monitored.
How much does the trip usually cost?
The Edinburgh experience typically costs between £700–£1,200 depending on the production and accommodation arrangements. Payment plans are usually available, please contact david@thetalentz.com if you would like to talk about potential payment plans.
What does the show fee include?
Costs generally include accommodation, travel, meals, Fringe registration, venue hire, costumes, supervision, and cast merchandise.
Do students get to watch other shows?
Yes! One of the best parts of Edinburgh is experiencing the Fringe itself, and cast members usually watch several performances during the week.Â
Each cast member will get a TheSpace Standby Lanyard – which allows them to go and see shows that are not sold out at any TheSpace Venue throughout the time we are there.
What makes the Edinburgh trip so special?
Students often describe Edinburgh as one of the best experiences of their lives — building confidence, independence, friendships, and unforgettable memories along the way.
How do I register my interest?
Click the link here to register your interest in auditioning for next year’s trip, and keep a close eye on our social media (@TheTalentz) for any updates!
