Touring community opera company

Venues and presenters, schools, festivals, municipalities, funders and audience members buying tickets.

Performance fees from presenters and schools, ticket revenue shared or kept at some venues, and touring and education grants.

• Producing and tour planning
• Pitching to presenters and schools
• Managing a small cast and crew
• Comfortable with travel and long drives

• Commercial general liability and vehicle or equipment cover, check what presenters require
• Rights for scores, libretti and translations, and SOCAN licensing, check who is responsible at each venue
• Union agreements for singers and musicians, check Canadian Actors' Equity and the Canadian Federation of Musicians
• Schools may require police record checks for staff, check with each school board
• Winter driving, cancelled shows and travel costs that can wipe out the margin on a small tour
• Many provinces have specific rules for hiring staff and WCB or WSIB coverage, check your province

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of your cast, your set and transport, and how much equipment you need. These figures are estimates, not guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many shows you book and what presenters, schools and ticket buyers pay. These are estimates, and travel costs can cut into the margin.

Check what insurance presenters require, who handles score and libretto rights and SOCAN licensing at each venue, and union agreements with Canadian Actors' Equity and the Canadian Federation of Musicians. Also check school board police record check rules and provincial WCB or WSIB requirements.