Local dance company staging original shows

Audiences buying tickets, local sponsors, arts councils and foundations, and schools or venues that book your work.

Ticket sales, grants, donations and sponsorships, plus fees for bookings, workshops and residencies.

• Choreography and artistic direction
• Budgeting and production planning
• Grant writing and fundraising
• Promoting shows and building an audience

• Check the rules and costs of forming a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) versus running as an LLC
• General liability insurance and venue requirements for certificates of insurance
• Grants are competitive and slow, so do not rely on them for the first season
• Ticket income often does not cover costs at first, so keep expenses low
• Music and choreography rights: check licensing for any work you did not create
• Workers' compensation rules once you hire paid dancers or staff

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your productions and venues. This is an estimate. Ticket income often does not cover costs at first, so keeping expenses low matters in the early seasons.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on ticket sales, sponsors and any classes or bookings. Grants are competitive and slow, so do not rely on them for your first season.

Check the rules and costs of forming a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) versus running as an LLC. Also check general liability insurance, venue insurance requirements, workers' compensation once you hire paid dancers, and licensing for work you did not create.