Touring puppet shows for schools and parties

Schools and nurseries, libraries, parents booking parties, community groups and event organisers.

A fixed fee per performance, often with a discount for two shows in one day. Extras can include a puppet-making workshop or a meet-the-puppets session after the show.

• Puppet making or puppeteering
• Storytelling and engaging children
• Writing a short script
• Marketing to schools and parents

• Public liability insurance, which schools and venues often ask to see
• Schools usually expect an enhanced DBS check for anyone working with children, so check what each venue requires and how to apply
• If you adapt a known story or character, check copyright before using it
• Performing for an audience of children does not usually need a licence from you, as the venue normally holds any premises licence. If you plan to use child performers in your show, separate rules and licensing apply, so check with the local council
• If you play recorded music in your show, check whether the venue's licences cover it or whether you need your own music licence

Estimated startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your puppets, set, script development and insurance. Treat these as estimates and cost your own show before you start booking.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on how many bookings you take and your fees. That is revenue before costs, and you can start from around 8 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance, which venues often ask to see, and whether each venue requires an enhanced DBS check. Also check copyright if you adapt a known story, any music licence if you play recorded music, and licensing rules if you use child performers.