Touring puppet shows for schools and parties

Schools, preschools, childcare centres, libraries, councils and parents booking birthday parties.

A fixed fee per show, often with a discount for two or three sessions in one day. You can add workshops or puppet-making sessions.

• Puppetry and performing
• Writing or adapting a short children's story
• Making or sourcing puppets and props
• Handling a room of excited kids

• Working with Children Check, required in most states and territories for school and childcare work (check your state's rules)
• Public liability insurance, which venues and schools often ask to see
• Copyright if you adapt existing stories or characters, so use original or public domain material
• ABN, and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Quiet periods, as bookings often peak around school terms and holidays

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on whether you make or buy your puppets, props and portable stage, and what insurance you take out. These are estimates only.

Check whether a Working With Children Check is required in your state or territory for school and childcare work. Also check public liability insurance, which venues often ask to see, copyright if you adapt existing stories, and ABN and GST rules.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many bookings you win. Bookings often peak around school terms and holidays, so expect quiet periods. You would typically plan on at least about 8 hours a week.