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BRASS TACKS
DEBUT FUND

Support for Underrepresented
Comedians Making Their First Hour

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

The Brass Tacks Debut Fund, supported by Red Bull UK, gives one Scottish comedian full financial and production support to make their Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2026.

One comedian, chosen based on your application, will work with Brass Tacks Comedy from February through to the end of August on your Fringe debut.

The fund covers full production support, all venue costs, a basic marketing budget, and a full PR campaign.

You are not guaranteed to make a profit from your Fringe debut, but you will not spend a penny.
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BASICALLY, WE COVER EVERYTHING.
YOU JUST WRITE & PERFORM THE SHOW.

ELIGIBILITY

- You are Scottish or have lived in Scotland for the last two years

- You are performing regularly on the Scottish comedy circuit

- You will be in a position to have a 55-60 minute debut show ready for August 2026

- You have not taken a 55-60 minute solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe previously

- You are able to be in Edinburgh every day of the Edinburgh Fringe (please note accommodation will not be provided as part of the funding)

- You are serious about building a career in comedy

- You are willing to promote your Fringe show and will engage with the organisers to make the most of this opportunity, including media interviews, appearances and more

- You feel unable to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival without financial support

If you have any queries about the eligibility and how you fit in, feel free to email us at katie@brasstackscomedy.com

SUCCESS STORIES

The Brass Tacks Debut Fund was launched in 2025 with Ayo Adenekan receiving the fund.

Ayo then went on to write an incredible show, Black Mediocrity, which:

- Sold out the full Fringe run
- Added three extra shows to the run
- Won a Bestie for Emerging Talent
- Won Best Newcomer at the ISH awards

And post Fringe:

- Sold out two nights at the Soho Theatre
- Gigged up and down the country
- Signed with an agent
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APPLY TODAY

Applications will close on 15th January 2025.

If you have any questions at all, please visit our FAQs or get in touch directly.
THE FAQS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have a question that isn’t answered below, email us at katie@brasstackscomedy.com
Q. I’M NOT SCOTTISH BUT I LIVE IN SCOTLAND - CAN I APPLY?

A. Yes. The fund is open to anyone ingrained in the Scottish comedy scene. If you’ve lived here for around 2 years, and/or intend to live here long term, you’re eligible.


Q. HOW IS UNDERREPRESENTED DEFINED?

A. If you feel that you wouldn’t be able to afford to debut at the Fringe without financial support, this is for you. The eligibility here is intentionally vague to ensure anyone who cannot afford the Fringe can apply.


Q. DO I GET TO PICK MY FRINGE VENUE?

A. In theory, yes. We’ll do what ever we can to ensure that you get your first choice venue, it just depends on venue availability. But any decision making is down to you, with our support.


Q. DO I NEED TO PROMOTE RED BULL?

A. No, any interview or promo you do is about you and your show. Though you may have some branding on stage with you. But, you’ll get freebies.


Q. DO I NEED TO HAVE AN HOUR READY?

A. At this point, no, but you do need to feel confident that between now and August, you’ll have an hour. We’ll help with work in progresses and help get you ready, but ultimately you need to be confident that you’ll get there in time for August.

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