Stage lighting rental for events and shows

Local bands, school drama departments, community theaters, churches, wedding and event companies, and corporate event planners.

Rental fees per item or per package per day or weekend, plus delivery and setup fees. Some customers also pay a deposit against damage.

• Basic knowledge of stage lighting and DMX control
• Organized inventory and booking management
• Safe lifting and equipment handling
• Customer service

• General liability insurance and equipment coverage for theft or damage, ask an insurer about rental inventory
• Check whether your state or city charges sales tax on rentals and whether you need a seller's permit
• Check your city or county for a business license and any storage unit rules about running a business from a unit
• Electrical and rigging safety: do not hang lights over people or do permanent wiring unless a qualified person does it
• Gear gets damaged or goes missing, so use deposits, signed agreements and a check-in process

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much gear you buy, such as LED par lights, moving heads, stands, truss and a control console, and what storage space you use. These are estimates.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how much gear you own, how often it is booked and whether you charge for delivery and setup. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check general liability and equipment coverage for theft or damage, whether your state or city charges sales tax on rentals and requires a seller's permit, and your city or county business license and any storage unit rules about running a business from a unit.