Touring theatre and dance troupe for schools

Primary and secondary schools, councils, libraries, festivals, community groups and aged care providers.

A fixed fee per performance or workshop, often with several sessions booked in one visit. Some groups add grant funding for community projects.

• Performing or directing
• Writing or adapting short scripts
• Organising bookings and travel
• Working well with children and teachers

• Working with children checks are required for school work, and rules differ by state and territory, so check yours
• Public liability insurance, and ask schools whether they need a certificate of currency
• Some state education departments have approved provider lists, so check how schools in your state engage visiting performers
• Music, scripts and choreography may need rights or licences, so check with APRA AMCOS or the rights holder
• School bookings follow the term calendar, so income can be uneven
• Check minimum pay rates for performers if you hire people, such as award coverage

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your show, costumes, props and travel set-up. Treat this as an estimate and cost out your first production before you pitch to schools.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many bookings you win and how far you travel. School bookings follow the term calendar, so income can be uneven across the year.

Check Working with Children Check rules in your state or territory, and public liability insurance, including whether schools want a certificate of currency. Also check approved provider lists, music and script rights, and minimum pay rules if you hire performers.