Theatre company for schools and community
Tour short shows and workshops to schools, libraries and community groups for set fees.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small theatre company that creates short, portable shows and drama workshops and takes them to schools, libraries, aged care and community events.
Your first three steps
- Develop one 30 to 45 minute show or workshop linked to the school curriculum, with simple sets that fit in a van
- Contact local schools, libraries and councils with a short info sheet and pricing
- Check what your state requires for Working with Children Checks and what insurance clients ask for
Who pays
Schools, councils, libraries, community centres and festivals, sometimes supported by education or arts grants.
How it makes money
A fixed fee per performance or workshop, with extra income from grants and repeat bookings through the school year.
Skills that help
- Devising or adapting short shows
- Performing or directing
- Teaching and engaging young people
- Organising bookings and travel
Watch out for
- Working with Children Check for everyone in the cast and crew, check with your state or territory body
- Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
- Rights and licensing if you adapt existing stories or plays
- School bookings cluster in some terms, so cash flow can be uneven
- Vehicle and travel costs, especially in regional areas
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: theatre company for schools and community
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a touring theatre company for schools?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your sets and costumes, vehicle and travel, insurance and any rights you need. These are estimates, so cost out your first show and tour.
How much can a schools and community theatre company earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many bookings you win, your fees and the time of year. This is an estimate of revenue, and school bookings can cluster in some terms.
What should I check before taking theatre into schools?
Check Working with Children Check requirements for everyone in the cast and crew with your state or territory body. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff, and rights and licensing if you adapt existing stories or plays.
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