Fillable Printable Sample Performance Agreement
Fillable Printable Sample Performance Agreement
Sample Performance Agreement
SAMPLE PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT
While this contract could be used for actual business purposes, it may not suit your situation and
the laws of your state. We encourage you to seek legal advice.
This agreement contains two parts: a cover sheet addressing basic terms and a rider. We begin with an explana-
tion of the rider and follow with the entire agreement.
CONTRACTUAL ATTACHMENT (RIDER)
Commentary and Explanations for First-Time Users
Purchaser and Artist or its Agent agree that the following provisions are incorporated into the contract to which
it is attached and made a part thereof, said contract being signed and dated ___________. The parties agree that
the terms of this attachment prevail over the terms of any other document relating to and a part of the contract
in which this attachment is incorporated.
1. PAYMENT AND COMPENSATION. Purchaser will make payment by check to Artist immediately after
completion of the performance(s), unless otherwise previously agreed in writing by Artist and Purchaser.
Payment of performance fee cannot be made until a copy of Artist’s W-9 and Social Security number or federal
identification number (FEIN) is provided to Purchaser.
2. ARTIST’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE. If Artist is entitled to deposit payment as provided above, and the
deposit has not been paid within the time specified, Artist shall have the right to terminate this agreement with-
out any further obligation upon ___ days notice.
3. CANCELLATION. Artist reserves the right to cancel this Agreement without obligation upon notice to
The provisions in this rider are generally optional, but having these things in writing can make the event go
more smoothly for everyone. Just talking with the Purchaser about some of these issues can help both of you
understand better exactly what expectations you both have for the performance. This is always a good thing
since it helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
PAYMENT AND COMPENSATION
It’s important to spell out not only how much you’re being paid, but also exactly when you’ll get the check (or
cash). You might want to ask for a 50% deposit upon signing the agreement, with the balance paid to you after
the performance. Four common methods of compensation include: (1) flat fee with no percentage of ticket
sales; (2) percentage of ticket sales; (3) guaranteed sum or percentage of ticket sales (whichever is higher); or
(4) guaranteed sum and percentage of revenues above the guarantee. Obviously, getting a flat fee gives you
more security than betting solely on a percentage of ticket sales. Filling out a W-9 form and giving your Social
Security number to the Purchaser is standard procedure that most venues require for their own tax records.
ARTIST’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE
This ensures that you have the right to drop the gig if the Purchaser hasn’t fulfilled his end of the deal up front.
CANCELLATION
You’ve agreed to do the gig, you’ve cleared your schedule for that night, and you’ve turned down other offers.
You need to know that if the Purchaser cancels at the last minute you won’t be losing everything you could
have earned. This is what lawyers refer to as a “liquidated damages clause.” It spells out ahead of time what
the Purchaser ’s penalty for canceling is so you don’t have to haggle with Purchaser later over how much you
might have made playing that other gig you got called for but turned down. You should be able to get 100%
compensation if the Purchaser cancels less than two weeks before the show.
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Purchaser thirty (30) days in advance of the Performance date. In the event of Artist’s cancellation, the deposit
payment (if any) shall be returned promptly. If Purchaser cancels the performance less than thirty (30) days
before the performance, Purchaser will pay Artist ___% of the guaranteed fee for the performance. If Purchaser
cancels the performance less than two weeks before the performance, Purchaser will pay Artist ___% of the
guaranteed fee for the performance. The parties agree that such payments are reasonable in light of anticipated
or actual harm caused by the cancellation and the difficulties of proving the actual damages to the Artist.
4. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither Artist nor Purchaser shall be liable for failure to appear or perform its obliga-
tions under this agreement in the event that such failure is caused by or due to the acts or regulations of public
authorities, labor difficulties, civil tumult, inclement weather, strike, epidemic, interruption or delay of trans-
portation service, or any other legitimate cause beyond the control of Artist and Purchaser.
5. SICKNESS AND ACCIDENTS. Artist’s agreement to perform is subject to proven detention by sickness or
accident. In the event of such non-performance, the deposit payment (if any) advanced to the Artist shall be
returned promptly.
6. PROMOTION AND PRODUCTION. Purchaser shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the promo-
tion and production of the scheduled engagement, including but not limited to venue rentals, security, and adver-
tising. Purchaser agrees to promote the scheduled performance(s) and will use its best efforts to obtain calendar
listings, feature articles, interviews of Artist, reviews of the performance and Artist’s recordings in all local
prints, radio, and television media. Purchaser shall forward all copies of clippings, reviews, and posters to Artist.
Artist agrees that Purchaser may use Artist’s name, pictures, photographs, recordings, and other likenesses in
connection with advertising and publicizing the engagement(s) hereunder, but such use shall not be without prior
approval of Artist.
7. TICKETS AND TICKET SALES. Purchaser agrees that tickets shall be consecutively numbered and shall be
available at the following prices: ______. Artist’s representative shall have the right to inspect all ticket records
and to be present in the box office prior to and during the performance. Free admission shall not exceed _____
percent of total tickets.
FORCE MAJEURE
This lets everyone off the hook if disaster strikes on the day of the show. This kind of clause was invoked fre-
quently to cancel performances in the days just after September 11, 2001. Notice it doesn’t include emergen-
cies (including financial) within the control of either of the parties.
SICKNESS AND ACCIDENT
If you are too sick to play the show, or if you have an accident that keeps you from playing, you’re covered by
this clause. Obviously, it’s not in your best interests to cancel unless you are really lick or injured. “Proven
detention” means the Purchaser can ask for proof of whatever kept you from performing. And note that you are
obligated to return whatever deposit you have been paid if you cancel the show under these terms.
PROMOTION AND PRODUCTION
This makes it the Purchaser ’s responsibility to do all the advertising and promo for your show. This doesn’t
mean you can’t choose to do some promotion on your own, just that you aren’t expected to do it. It also gives
you control over the choice of any of your music or pictures that are being used to promote you. You can make
sure that the Purchaser uses your most recent recording to promote you rather than the basement recording
you made when you were 13.
TICKETS AND TICKET SALES
This is especially important if you’re getting a percentage of the box office take. Giving away lots of free tickets
eats into your potential profits. It also allows unscrupulous promoters to take the free tickets and sell them,
keeping the proceeds for themselves. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out, being generous with free
tickets can help fill up the room and create buzz on the night of the show.
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
8. COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS. Unless otherwise agreed, Purchaser will allow ___ guests per band member,
with a maximum of ___ tickets.
9. SALE OF MERCHANDISE. A fee of ______ percent of gross sales will be paid to Purchaser by Artist for all
merchandise, such as souvenir programs, books, photographs, recordings and other merchandise related to the
Artist, sold immediately before, during or after the performance at the Venue. This fee will be paid to Purchaser
upon completion of selling. Purchaser shall not permit any other sale or distribution of merchandise bearing
Artist’s trademarks or image. Purchaser shall provide a six-foot table and two chairs, or other accommodations
mutually determined to be appropriate to the venue, for merchandise sales. Merchandise will be prominently
placed so as to maximize sales.
10. VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPING. Purchaser shall not, and shall not permit any person to, record, broadcast or
digitally stream in any manner whatsoever, Artist’s performance without prior express written consent from
Artist. Artist and/or his designees shall have the right to record the performance and to use the recordings as
Artist sees fit. Purchaser shall have no interest or rights of any kind whatsoever in or to any such recordings of
Artist’s performance during this engagement.
11. TECHNICAL RIDER. Sound and/or lighting equipment and/or services shall be set forth in more detail in a
Technical Rider signed by both parties and attached and incorporated hereto.
12. DRESSING ROOM. Purchaser shall provide _____ safe, clean dressing room(s) with lock(s). Special
arrangements shall include: ___________________________________.
13. HOSPITALITY. Unless otherwise indicated, Purchaser will provide an allowance of hot and cold beverages
in the dressing room for the sole use of band and crew members. Special arrangements shall include:
_________________________________________________________.
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS
Having a few comps to hand out is one of the perks of being a performer, but some of the concerns from the
previous item apply here, too.
SALE OF MERCHANDISE
This gives you the opportunity to sell your disc or your t-shirts, or your autobiography to the audience.
Standard practice is to give the Purchaser a cut of anywhere from 15-40% of gross sales.
VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPING
This is one of the most important parts of the contract. Recordings of your work have real value. You should
be very protective about letting people make and use recordings of your work. Some venues routinely record
“Reps archival purposes.” Archival purposes do not include commercial release of the material in a “Great
Performances of Jack’s Pub, 2003” CD. If you agree to let archival recording happen, make sure you negotiate
what happens (how much you get paid) if the recording is ever used for a commercial purpose. Recording
issues can be complex; talking with an attorney is a very good idea if you have any questions.
TECHNICAL RIDER
This additional document sets out the specifics of your lighting and sound reinforcement needs.
DRESSING ROOM and HOSPITALITY
This is basic language. If you have special needs and/or have the bargaining power to get special treatment,
spell out the details here.
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
14. SECURITY. Purchaser shall provide adequate security so as to guarantee the safety of the audience and the
Artist. Purchaser will ensure that no unauthorized persons will have access to the stage or backstage area, and
the band will provide names of persons or guests authorized to be backstage. Purchaser shall be responsible for
any theft or damage to the equipment of Artist that may occur during the time that the equipment is a located on
Purchaser’s premise. Special arrangements shall include: ___________________________________________.
15. BACKGROUND MUSIC. Artist shall approve all background music played before and after Artist’s per-
formance.
16. PYROTECHNIC DEVICES. No pyrotechnic devices shall be used without the prior express written consent
of both Artist and Purchaser. Any such device shall be subject to applicable fire laws and shall be administered
by a person with professional experience in pyrotechnics. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining all appli-
cable permits.
17. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Artist acknowledges that it is an independent contractor and not an
employee of the Purchaser and shall be responsible for all taxes. Purchaser shall control the times and division
of the performance, and Artist shall control the manner, means, and details of such performance.
18. INSURANCE. Purchaser shall obtain and maintain, at its own expense, adequate personal injury and proper-
ty damage liability insurance coverage and such coverage shall extend to all activities related to Artist’s engage-
ment and performance, including time of set up and take down. Except for claims arising from Artist’s willful or
intentional acts, Purchaser shall indemnify Artist for any third party claims.
BACKGROUND MUSIC
This allows you to set the right tone for your appearance and manage the crowd to maximize your own effect.
PYROTECHNIC DEVICES
The dangers of improper use of pyrotechnics are obvious. Laws regarding their use vary from state to state
and locality to locality. Make sure you know the applicable laws if these devices will be part of your show.
Everything relating to pyrotechnic use should be in writing.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
This is another tax-related clause. This just spells out the fact that the Purchaser is not your “employer” for tax
purposes. Details of performance and break times should be worked out and agreed upon in Part I of the
contract.
INSURANCE
This makes the Purchaser responsible for all insurance related to the gig so that if anything happens to you,
the audience, or the venue during the course of your show, it is covered by the Purchaser’s insurance. When
the Purchaser “indemnifies” you, it means that if you personally are sued because of something that happens
at the show, the Purchaser has to cover claims against you. The exception is if you do something that could be
considered “willful or intentional that causes injury or damages.”
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
SECURITY
This places responsibility on the Purchaser to make sure that you and your stuff will be safe.
19. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PURCHASER’S REPRESENTATIVES OR AGENTS. Any representative
of Purchaser executing this contract as Purchaser or an agent thereof shall not be held personally liable for the
payment of any costs or fees related to this contract.
20. ASSIGNMENT, ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT, GOVERNING, JURISDICTION, AND MEDIATION. This
agreement cannot be assigned or transferred without the written consent of artist. This agreement constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties. No modification shall be enforceable except in writing and signed by the
parties hereto. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of _______. In the event any dispute
arising under this agreement results in litigation, arbitration, or mediation, such action or proceeding shall be
brought within the state or federal courts of _______. Mediation of any dispute arising from this agreement shall
be conducted in accordance with the rules of the Arts Resolution Services, a program of the St. Louis Volunteer
Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts.
21. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity
shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid
provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
22. REPRESENTATIVE’S AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. By signing this document, the representative and/or
agent of the Artist hereby represent that such person is duly authorized and that the Artist agrees to be bound by
the provisions of this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that in acting hereunder solely in the
capacity of representative or agent of Artist, said person is not a party to this contract and shall not be liable or
responsible in any way for the omissions of Artist, nor for any failure by Artist to adequately perform or comply
with any term or condition hereof.
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PURCHASER’S REPRESENTATIVES OR AGENTS
This means that none of the “little guys” you deal with in the course of the agreement are personally responsi-
ble to you for your fee. That responsibility lies with the Purchaser himself or his company.
ASSIGNMENT, ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT, GOVERNING, JURISDICTION, AND MEDIATION
This is the “fine print” which says: 1. You cannot get someone else to play this gig in your place without the
consent of the Purchaser; 2. What’s on these pages is the whole contract; 3. If we want to add or change any-
thing we have to do it in writing and sign it; 4. We’re bound by our state’s law, and if we need to go to court
over anything in this contract, we do it at “home.” 5. If we have a dispute and we live in Missouri or
Southwestern Illinois, you can use VLAA’s mediation service to help resolve it. Don’t forget that if you ever run
into arts-related problems, you can contact VLAA for a referral to legal assistance.
SEVERABILITY
This says that even if one clause of the contract turns out to be invalid, the rest of the contract is in force.
REPRESENTATIVE’S AUTHORITY T O CONTRACT
This says that whomever signs on your behalf (if it’s not you) has the authority to do so and that her signature
binds you to the terms in the contract. If possible, always try to have at least the bandleader sign it, if not all
band members.
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
Performance Agreement
THIS AGREEMENT for the personal services of performing artists on the engagement described below between
the undersigned ______________________, as purchaser of performance services ("Purchaser") and the under-
signed artist or ensemble and /or its agent ("Artist") is made this _____ day of ______________, ________.
A. BASIC TERMS:
1. Name of Artist: __________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
City: ________________________State:__________Zip:________________
Telephone: _____________________ FAX: ___________________________
E-mail address: __________________________________________________
2. Place of Engagement: _____________________________________________
3. Date(s) of Services: _______________________________________________
4. Number of sets and duration: ________________________________________
5. Time for load-in:__________________________________________________
6 Time for sound check: ______________________________________________
B. PAYMENT OF ARTISTIC FEES:
1. Compensation Agreed Upon: ______________________________________
2. Amount of Deposit:_________________ Date Due:_________________
3. Time of Payment: Fees will be paid by Purchaser’s’ check to be presented to
Artist after performance on _______________.
4. Artist requests its check be made payable to: _____________________________.
5. Artist’s Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number:
__________________. Attached W-9 must be completed and returned in order for
payment to be processed.
6. The Purchaser’s Contractual Provisions are attached and incorporated herein.
Purchaser requires that a representative of the Artist sign and return
the attached provisions, which are an integral element of this Agreement.
Artist_____________________________ Purchaser:__________________________
By:______________________________ By:_______________________________
Name:____________________________ Name:_____________________________
Title: ____________________________ Title: _____________________________
CONTRACTUAL ATTACHMENT
Purchaser and Artist or its Agent agree that the follow-
ing provisions are incorporated into the contract to
which it is attached and made a part thereof, said con-
tract being signed and dated ___________. The parties
agree that the terms of this attachment prevail over the
terms of any other document relating to and a part of
the contract in which this attachment is incorporated.
1. PAYMENT AND COMPENSATION. Purchaser
will make payment by check to Artist immediately
after completion of the performance(s), unless other-
wise previously agreed in writing by Artist and
Purchaser. Payment of performance fee cannot be
made until a copy of Artist’s W-9 and Social Security
number or federal identification number (FEIN) is pro-
vided to Purchaser.
2. ARTIST’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE. If Artist is
entitled to deposit payment as provided above, and the
deposit has not been paid within the time specified,
Artist shall have the right to terminate this agreement
without any further obligation upon ___ days notice.
3. CANCELLATION. Artist reserves the right to can-
cel this Agreement without obligation upon notice to
Purchaser thirty (30) days in advance of the
Performance date. In the event of Artist’s cancellation,
the deposit payment (if any) shall be returned prompt-
ly. If Purchaser cancels the performance less than thir-
ty (30) days before the performance, Purchaser will
pay Artist ___% of the guaranteed fee for the perform-
ance. If Purchaser cancels the performance less than
two weeks before the performance, Purchaser will pay
Artist ___% of the guaranteed fee for the performance.
The parties agree that such payments are reasonable in
light of anticipated or actual harm caused by the can-
cellation and the difficulties of proving the actual dam-
ages to the Artist.
4. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither Artist nor Purchaser
shall be liable for failure to appear or perform its obli-
gations under this agreement in the event that such
failure is caused by or due to the acts or regulations of
public authorities, labor difficulties, civil tumult,
inclement weather, strike, epidemic, interruption or
delay of transportation service, or any other legitimate
cause beyond the control of Artist and Purchaser.
5. SICKNESS AND ACCIDENTS. Artist’s agreement
to perform is subject to proven detention by sickness
or accident. In the event of such non-performance, the
deposit payment (if any) advanced to the Artist shall
be returned promptly.
6. PROMOTION AND PRODUCTION. Purchaser
shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the
promotion and production of the scheduled engage-
ment, including but not limited to venue rentals, secu-
rity, and advertising. Purchaser agrees to promote the
scheduled performance(s) and will use its best efforts
to obtain calendar listings, feature articles, interviews
of Artist, reviews of the performance and Artist’s
recordings in all local prints, radio, and television
media. Purchaser shall forward all copies of clippings,
reviews, and posters to Artist. Artist agrees that
Purchaser may use Artist’s name, pictures, photo-
graphs, recordings, and other likenesses in connection
with advertising and publicizing the engagement(s)
hereunder, but such use shall not be without prior
approval of Artist.
7. TICKETS AND TICKET SALES. Purchaser agrees
that tickets shall be consecutively numbered and shall
be available at the following prices: ______. Artist’s
representative shall have the right to inspect all ticket
records and to be present in the box office prior to and
during the performance. Free admission shall not
exceed _____ percent of total tickets.
8. COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS. Unless otherwise
agreed, Purchaser will allow ___ guests per band
member, with a maximum of ___ tickets.
9. SALE OF MERCHANDISE. A fee of ______ per-
cent of gross sales will be paid to Purchaser by Artist
for all merchandise, such as souvenir programs, books,
photographs, recordings and other merchandise related
to the Artist, sold immediately before, during or after
the performance at the Venue. This fee will be paid to
Purchaser upon completion of selling. Purchaser shall
not permit any other sale or distribution of merchan-
dise bearing Artist’s trademarks or image. Purchaser
shall provide a six-foot table and two chairs, or other
accommodations mutually determined to be appropri-
ate to the venue, for merchandise sales. Merchandise
will be prominently placed so as to maximize sales.
10. VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPING. Purchaser shall
not, and shall not permit any person to, record, broad-
cast or digitally stream in any manner whatsoever,
Artist’s performance without prior express written con-
sent from Artist. Artist and/or his designees shall have
the right to record the performance and to use the
recordings as Artist sees fit. Purchaser shall have no
interest or rights of any kind whatsoever in or to any
such recordings of Artist’s performance during this
engagement.
11. TECHNICAL RIDER. Sound and/or lighting
equipment and/or services shall be set forth in more
detail in a Technical Rider signed by both parties and
attached and incorporated hereto.
12. DRESSING ROOM. Purchaser shall provide
_____ safe, clean dressing room(s) with lock(s).
Special arrangements shall include:
________________________________________.
13. HOSPITALITY. Unless otherwise indicated,
Purchaser will provide an allowance of hot and cold
beverages in the dressing room for the sole use of
band and crew members. Special arrangements shall
include:
_________________________________________.
14. SECURITY. Purchaser shall provide adequate
security so as to guarantee the safety of the audience
and the Artist. Purchaser will ensure that no unautho-
rized persons will have access to the stage or back-
stage area, and the band will provide names of persons
or guests authorized to be backstage. Purchaser shall
be responsible for any theft or damage to the equip-
ment of Artist that may occur during the time that the
equipment is a located on Purchaser’s premise. Special
arrangements shall include:
________________________________________.
15. BACKGROUND MUSIC. Artist shall approve all
background music played before and after Artist’s per-
formance.
16. PYROTECHNIC DEVICES. No pyrotechnic
devices shall be used without the prior express written
consent of both Artist and Purchaser. Any such device
shall be subject to applicable fire laws and shall be
administered by a person with professional experience
in pyrotechnics. Purchaser shall be responsible for
obtaining all applicable permits.
17. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Artist
acknowledges that it is an independent contractor and
not an employee of the Purchaser and shall be respon-
sible for all taxes. Purchaser shall control the times
and division of the performance, and Artist shall con-
trol the manner, means, and details of such perform-
ance.
18. INSURANCE. Purchaser shall obtain and main-
tain, at its own expense, adequate personal injury and
property damage liability insurance coverage and such
coverage shall extend to all activities related to Artist’s
engagement and performance, including time of set up
and take down. Except for claims arising from Artist’s
willful or intentional acts, Purchaser shall indemnify
Artist for any third party claims.
19. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PURCHASER’S
REPRESENTATIVES OR AGENTS. Any representa-
tive of Purchaser executing this contract as Purchaser
or an agent thereof shall not be held personally liable
for the payment of any costs or fees related to this
contract.
20. ASSIGNMENT, ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT,
GOVERNING, JURISDICTION, AND MEDIATION.
This agreement cannot be assigned or transferred with-
out the written consent of artist. This agreement con-
stitutes the entire agreement between the parties. No
modification shall be enforceable except in writing and
signed by the parties hereto. This agreement shall be
governed by the laws of the state of _______. In the
event any dispute arising under this agreement results
in litigation, arbitration, or mediation, such action or
proceeding shall be brought within the state or federal
courts of _______. Mediation of any dispute arising
from this agreement shall be conducted in accordance
with the rules of the Arts Resolution Services, a pro-
gram of the St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and
Accountants for the Arts.
21. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this
Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid,
the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or appli-
cations of this Agreement which can be given effect
without the invalid provisions or application, and to
this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared
to be severable.
22. REPRESENTATIVE’S AUTHORITY TO CON-
TRACT. By signing this document, the representative
and/or agent of the Artist hereby represent that such
person is duly authorized and that the Artist agrees to
be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. It is
expressly understood and agreed that in acting hereun-
der solely in the capacity of representative or agent of
Artist, said person is not a party to this contract and
shall not be liable or responsible in any way for the
omissions of Artist, nor for any failure by Artist to
adequately perform or comply with any term or condi-
tion hereof.
Artist______________________________________
Purchaser___________________________________
