Touring theatre show for schools and towns

Schools, local councils, libraries, regional performing arts centres and festivals paying a performance fee.

A fixed fee per performance, or a share of the box office at public venues. Repeat bookings and touring several shows in a day or week help the numbers.

• Producing a show that packs down small
• Selling to schools and venues
• Scheduling and trip planning
• Working well with young audiences

• Working with Children Checks for everyone on the team, check your state's requirements
• Public liability insurance, which schools and venues often ask to see
• Vehicle costs and long drives in regional areas
• Pay and contracts for cast and crew, check Fair Work rules and the relevant award
• Music and script rights if the show uses existing material
• Bookings can bunch into school terms, so plan cash flow around the quieter weeks

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the set, costumes, vehicle needs, rehearsals and marketing. Vehicle costs and long regional drives are worth checking.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many performances you book and your fees. Bookings can bunch into school terms, so plan cash flow around quieter weeks.

Check Working with Children Check requirements in your state for everyone on the team, plus public liability insurance, music and script rights, and Fair Work rules and the relevant award for pay.