Through 1/16/2026
Cleveland’s BorderLight Theater Festival debuted in 2019 and has gone through many evolutions in that time, ranging from an international festival featuring ensembles from all over the world to a “fringe” festival offering a wide variety of performances from traditional theater to dance, comedy, storytellers, performance artists, drag, interactive presentations and more. Taking place at different locations around downtown Cleveland, the multiday event has typical presented between 40 and 50 shows each year. It even held a virtual festival in 2021 with streaming performances from all over.
Applications are now open for its seventh annual festival (it skipped 2020 ),which will take place at Playhouse Square July 8-11, 2026. Any type of self-produced performance is welcome, solo or ensemble, from anywhere in the world.
“Participating artists receive 60% of ticket revenue for ticketed shows, or an artist stipend for free and site-specific performances,” they share. “BorderLight provides venue, box office, marketing, and technical support to help artists focus on their work.”
Application deadline is January 16, 2026. Go here for complete infromation and to apply.