Author: Brooke Twyford

  • WE ARE HIRING: Festival Administration Assistant


    Location
    Work from Home

    Term
    10 month part-time contract: July 2026 – April 2027

    Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

    Average 21 hours per week over the contract period, with weekly hours varying between approximately 14 and 28 hours depending on operational requirements

    Weekend work required during festival period 6 – 21 March 2027.


    About the organisation

    Newcastle Fringe Festival is part of an international movement that champions independent performance artists from all genres and showcases the wild, wonderful world of independent arts right here in Newcastle. We’re proudly not-for-profit and volunteer run. We’re unapologetically passionate about the crucial role art plays in an inclusive, creative and productive society.

    Position summary

    This Festival Administration Assistant role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and wants hands-on experience in delivering and promoting one of Newcastle’s most dynamic cultural events.

    You’ll support the planning and delivery of festival events, help coordinate volunteers and venues, and contribute to marketing and communications activities that bring the festival to life for audiences.

    The Role

    You’re energetic, adaptable and passionate about the arts. You enjoy working collaboratively and are equally comfortable managing administrative tasks, supporting marketing activities and contributing to live event delivery.

    Key Responsibilities

    Festival Administration

    • Google Workspace management including email management and file management.
    • Event, ticketing and artist database management using purpose-built software application, Eventotron.
    • Liaise with artists, volunteers, production teams and community partners to ensure smooth operations and community engagement.
    • Document and develop festival procedures.
    • Work with Committee members and provide secretariat support for Festival Committee meetings.

    Marketing and Communications

    • Support the delivery of marketing and promotional campaigns across social media and digital channels.
    • Keep festival website updated using WordPress.
    • Help develop and coordinate marketing collateral (branded documents, content, posters, flyers, signage etc).

    Event Support

    • Support bump-in/bump-out operations and festival hub activities.
    • Assist with rostering schedules for judges and volunteers.

    Skills and Attributes

    Essential

    • Excellent problem solving, organisational and communication skills.
    • Attention to detail, initiative and ability to manage multiple priorities.
    • Experience using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
    • Confident using social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
    • Ability to use WordPress and Canva.
    • Experience (or keen interest) in events, arts administration, or marketing.

    Desirable

    • Event coordination and planning.
    • Digital marketing including any of the following: content creation, graphic design, copywriting, photography, public relations.
    • Experience with email campaign platform, Mailchimp.
    • Experience with festival software platform, Eventotron.
    • Experience with performing arts festivals or performing arts industry.

    What You’ll Gain

    • Opportunities to develop skills in arts administration, event management and arts marketing.
    • Insight into how a major regional festival operates with mentorship and supervision from experienced festival professionals.
    • Opportunity to build industry networks in the arts and cultural sector.
    • A fun, inclusive, and flexible working environment that values creativity and collaboration.

    Diversity and Inclusion

    Newcastle Fringe Festival welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, genders and identities. We are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible and respectful environment for artists, audiences, volunteers and staff. We encourage applications from individuals who can contribute to the diversity of our festival community.

    How to apply

    Send us a 1-2 page resume, a brief email and a short video (30–60 seconds) introducing yourself. Tell us who you are, what excites you about the arts, and what administration superpowers you’d bring to the Newcastle Fringe team.

    Please send to newcastlefringe@gmail.com

    Closing date

    Applications close 30 June 2026.

  • The Extraordinary Growth Of Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 & The Pretty Amazing Show Takes Out Top Honour

    The Extraordinary Growth Of Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 & The Pretty Amazing Show Takes Out Top Honour

    After three electrifying weekends of bold ideas, boundary-pushing performances and packed houses, the Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 has wrapped, celebrating a record-breaking year for Australia’s Biggest Little Fringe.

    A total of 18,134 people attended the 2026 festival, up from 14,170 in 2025 including 6,000 at Fringe FEAST and 12,134 across ticketed events, marking significant growth across all areas of the program.

    This year’s festival featured 254 shows (up from 235), presented by 112 acts (up from 97) and 806 artists (up from 612), across 15 venues throughout the city. A dedicated team of 110 volunteers (up from 70) helped bring the festival to life, highlighting the strength of community support behind the event.

    Importantly, the festival delivered real outcomes for artists, with more than $243,000 earned by performers, a substantial increase from $188,000 in 2025.

    The festival culminated in the annual Fringe Awards, hosted by MC Dan Beazley, recognising standout work from across the 250-show program.

    Top honours went to local favourite The Pretty Amazing Show, which took out Best Show, while international production The Routine was awarded Artistic Merit.

    Other major winners were:

    • Ben Voss (Becoming Benno) – Best Individual Performance
    • Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin – Best Theatre
    • Skank Sinatra: My Way – Best Cabaret
    • Nun Slut – Best Comedy
    • Vanessa Larry Mitchell – Best Stand Up
    • 3Degrees – Best Music
    • Bubble Show in Space – Best in Fringe for Kids
    • Two Brothers – Best Premiere
    • Creative Creatures Kids Spectacular – Best Newcastle Show
    • Les Divine Folles a Newy – Best Dance
    • Cathy Crowley: Tripping Up That Hill – Sydney Fringe Guest Award

    The Legend Award was presented to Phil Aughey by Clark Gormley, recognising outstanding contribution to the festival and the arts community as the Founder of Newcastle Fringe Festival.

    Festival Chairperson Brooke Twyford said the 2026 program highlighted the power of open-Access Arts.

    “From bold new voices to returning favourites, this year’s festival celebrated everything Fringe stands for – creativity, accessibility and the freedom to take risks. The response from audiences has been incredible.”

    Fringe FEAST once again launched the festival in spectacular style, bringing thousands into Hamilton for a free, family-friendly celebration of food, music and performance. The festival also included the first activation in Port Stephens with a performance by The Pretty Amazing Show and pop-up performances were a feature on Darby Street.

    Newcastle Next provided a platform for the youngest musical artists of the city to perform, with the winning band Stomp receiving $1,000 and the runner-up performer Laila Michelini taking home $500. Newymation – a celebration of local digital animators and artists, awarded the audience favourite – Bird Drone by Radheya Jegatheva and Jay Jay Jegathesan, with the proceeds from the door sales to the exhibition event.

    With strong audience numbers, a diverse program, and continued support from partners including City of Newcastle and Destination NSW, Newcastle Fringe Festival continues to cement its place as a vital cultural event for the region.

    Plans are already underway for an even bigger and bolder festival in 2027 with dates set for 6 to 21 March.