Local theatre or dance production company

Audiences buying tickets, local businesses sponsoring shows, and arts councils or municipalities offering grants. Some companies also take paid bookings for corporate or community events.

Ticket sales and bookings, topped up by sponsorship, donations and project grants. Income is uneven, with most coming around each production.

• Directing, choreography or musical direction
• Budgeting and project management
• Promoting shows and selling tickets
• Writing simple grant applications

• Performance rights and licences for scripts, scores and recorded music; check what you need before rehearsals start
• Commercial general liability insurance, and whether the venue requires its own proof of cover
• Choosing between a for-profit business and a non-profit; check provincial rules and what funders accept
• Paying performers properly and checking if any union or fair-pay guidelines apply in your area
• Ticket sales can fall short, so set a firm budget before committing to venue deposits
• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST and whether any event permits are required

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on venue deposits, rehearsal space, sets and licences. Ticket sales can fall short, so set a firm budget before committing to deposits.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,500 to $7,500 CAD, depending on ticket sales, sponsors, grants and any paid corporate or community event bookings. Results can vary from show to show.

Check performance rights and licences for scripts, scores and recorded music before rehearsals start. Also check venue insurance requirements, whether to run as a for-profit or non-profit under provincial rules, union or fair-pay guidelines, GST/HST registration and event permits.