Independent theatre or dance production company

Audience members buying tickets, plus councils, arts funding bodies, local businesses and festival organisers.

Ticket sales and festival fees, topped up with grants, sponsorship and fundraising. Income comes in bursts around each season.

• Directing, choreographing or producing
• Budgeting and project planning
• Marketing and ticketing
• Writing grant applications

• Ticket sales may not cover costs, so set a budget and a break-even point before you commit to a venue
• Grants are competitive and slow, so don't rely on them for your first show
• Check performing rights and licences for scripts, music and choreography you didn't create
• Public liability insurance, and check what the venue requires
• If you hire performers, check award or minimum pay rules and superannuation obligations
• Register for GST once you reach the threshold, and keep clear records of ticket income

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the production, venue hire and rehearsal space. Treat this as an estimate and set a budget and break-even point before committing to a venue.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on ticket sales, sponsors and any grants. Ticket sales may not cover costs, and grants are competitive and slow, so don't rely on them for a first show.

Check performing rights and licences for scripts, music and choreography you didn't create. Also check public liability insurance and venue requirements, award or minimum pay rules and superannuation if you hire performers, and GST registration once you reach the threshold.