Murder mystery dinner nights at local venues

Guests buying combined tickets for dinner and show, plus businesses and groups booking private nights for birthdays, hen parties and work events.

A set ticket price per guest, split with the venue (or you pay the venue a hire fee), plus higher-priced private bookings. Costs are mainly actors, props and marketing.

• Writing or adapting scripts
• Acting or directing
• Organising people and bookings
• Promoting events on social media

• Public liability insurance, and check whether the venue's cover applies to your performers
• Check the licensing and copyright rules for any scripts, songs or music you use
• The venue's liquor licence and food registration should cover the night, so confirm who is responsible for what in writing
• Check whether you need workers compensation insurance or must pay cast as employees or contractors in your state
• Quiet nights are possible, so keep ticket pre-sales and minimum numbers in your agreement

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your script, props, costumes, cast and how much you spend on promotion before your first shows.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many nights you run, how many tickets you sell, and the terms of your agreements with partner venues.

Check public liability insurance and whether the venue's cover applies to your performers. Also check licensing and copyright for scripts and music, who is responsible for the liquor licence and food registration, and whether cast need workers compensation cover.