Touring children's shows for schools

Primary schools, preschools, childcare centres and sometimes libraries or councils running holiday programs.

A flat fee per performance or a per-student price, often with a discount for two shows in one day. Follow-up workshops can be sold as an add-on.

• Acting or directing
• Script writing or adapting stories
• Confidence with children
• Organising bookings and travel

• Working with Children Checks are required in every state and territory, so check the rules for each place you perform
• Public liability insurance, and check whether schools ask for a specific cover amount
• Rights to any scripts, songs or characters you use, so you do not breach copyright
• School bookings tend to bunch in certain terms, and cash flow can be uneven
• Check whether schools you target have approved-supplier lists or require you to register with them

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your show, set and how you set up the business. Treat this as a rough guide and budget for your own production.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many schools and centres you book. School bookings tend to bunch in certain terms, so cash flow can be uneven.

Check Working with Children Check rules in each state or territory where you perform. Also check public liability insurance and any cover amount schools ask for, rights to scripts, songs or characters, and whether schools have approved-supplier lists.