Ticketed puppet theatre for festivals and venues

Families buying tickets, plus festivals, arts venues and councils paying performance fees.

Ticket sales or a share of the box office, set performance fees from venues and festivals, and occasionally grants for new work.

• Puppet design and making
• Directing and staging a full-length show
• Budgeting and event admin
• Marketing to families

• Public liability insurance, and check whether venues or festivals need their own cover
• Working with Children Check requirements for you and any team members (check your state's rules)
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire performers or crew (check your state scheme)
• Long lead times, as festivals often book many months ahead
• Touring costs such as travel and accommodation can eat into income
• Music and script rights if you use anything you did not create

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how elaborate your puppets, sets and sound equipment are and how much touring you plan. Treat this as a rough estimate and get quotes before committing.

Things to check include public liability insurance, and whether venues or festivals need their own cover. Also check Working With Children Check requirements for you and your team in your state, and workers compensation if you hire performers or crew.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many festivals and venues book you and your ticket prices. Touring costs like travel and accommodation can eat into income, and festivals often book many months ahead.