Touring children's theater show
Create a small cast show and perform it at schools, libraries and festivals for a fee.
- $1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,490 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.4% in a year
NAICS 711110 “Theater companies and dinner theaters”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A short, portable production, such as a folktale or educational play, with a small cast and simple set that fits in a van. You perform it at venues that book you rather than selling tickets yourself.
Your first three steps
- Choose a short original or public domain story and build a 30 to 45 minute show with a simple set that packs into a van
- Film a short demo and make a one page flyer with your fee and tech needs
- Email local libraries, schools and parks departments, and ask about getting on approved vendor or arts-in-education lists
Who pays
Schools, libraries, parks departments, summer camps, festivals and community groups paying a hire fee.
How it makes money
A flat fee per performance, often higher for multiple shows in one day, plus workshop add-ons and occasional ticketed public shows.
Skills that help
- Writing or adapting scripts
- Performing or directing
- Pitching to schools and venues
- Scheduling and driving
Watch out for
- Rights: use original or public domain material, or get permission for published scripts
- General liability insurance, which many schools and libraries ask to see
- Check whether your state or school district requires background checks for people working with children
- Bookings can be seasonal, with school terms and summer being busy times
- Check your local business license rules and any permits for outdoor events
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: touring children's theater show
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a touring children's theater show?
Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your script, set, costumes, cast, transport, and insurance. These are estimates, so cost out your own production before you pitch it to schools and venues.
How much can a touring children's theater show earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many bookings you win and the fee you charge. Bookings can be seasonal, with school terms and summer being busy times, so plan for quieter months.
What rules should I check before touring a children's show?
Check rights for any published scripts, or use original or public domain material. Also check general liability insurance, whether your state or school district requires background checks for people working with children, and local business license and outdoor event permit rules.
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Photo: 383961 on Pixabay