Small theatre company with its own space

Local audiences, season subscribers, workshop students, venue renters, sponsors and arts funders.

Ticket sales and subscriptions, drama classes, renting the space to other groups, bar or concession sales where permitted, and operating grants.

• Producing and budgeting
• Directing, acting or technical theatre
• Marketing and ticketing
• Managing volunteers and contractors

• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire safety inspections and accessibility rules, which vary by municipality and province
• Liquor licensing if you want to serve alcohol, regulated by your provincial body
• Lease terms and long-term rent commitments, so read carefully before signing
• Commercial general liability insurance and property cover
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, with rules that differ by province
• Performance rights and royalties for any published plays or music
• A slow first year is common, so keep a cash buffer

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the space you rent, your lease terms and how much you spend on your first season. A slow first year is common, so keep a cash buffer.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on ticket sales, subscribers, workshops, venue rentals and sponsorship. Classes or workshops can help cover costs alongside your season of plays.

Check zoning, occupancy limits, fire safety inspections and accessibility rules with your municipality and province. Also check liquor licensing if you plan to serve alcohol, performance rights for published plays or music, insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff.