Independent dance company producing original shows

Audiences buying tickets, theatres and festivals paying presenter fees, schools and councils booking shows, and arts funding bodies and sponsors.

A mix of ticket sales, performance fees, workshop and school program fees, and grants or sponsorship that help cover each project's costs.

• Choreography and directing
• Producing and budgeting a show
• Grant and funding applications
• Building relationships with venues and presenters

• Income can be uneven, plan each project budget carefully and avoid committing to costs before funding is confirmed
• Public liability insurance, and venue requirements for cover before you perform
• A Working with Children Check is likely to be needed for school shows or youth workshops, check your state's requirements
• Music, costume and set copyright, and licences for any music you use in public performance
• Grants usually come with reporting rules, and you may need an incorporated structure or an auspicing organisation, check the funder's eligibility
• Pay and conditions for dancers, check the relevant award or industry guidance

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, based on estimates, depending on rehearsal space, costumes, sets, insurance and how big each project is. Avoid committing to costs before funding is confirmed.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on ticket sales, presenter fees, school bookings and grants. Income can be uneven, so plan each project budget carefully.

Check public liability insurance and venue cover requirements, and a Working with Children Check for school or youth work in your state. Also check music, costume and set copyright, performance licences, grant eligibility and structure, and dancer pay guidance.