Performance Agreement
Book a band, DJ, comedian or other performer with the date, set times, fee and cancellation terms in writing, so show day goes the way everyone expects.
Includes 30 days of edits
- 5 to 20 minutes
- Print-ready PDF
What is a Performance Agreement?
A performance agreement is a contract between a performer and the person or business hiring them, often called the purchaser, buyer or host. It is used for musicians, bands, DJs, comedians, magicians, speakers, dancers and other entertainers booked for a wedding, private party, corporate event, venue or festival.
The agreement pins down the practical details that cause most show-day disputes: the date and venue, load-in and set times, how many sets and how long, who supplies the sound system, what food, drinks and parking the performer gets, and whether the performance can be recorded.
It also covers money and risk. It records the fee or door deal, any deposit and when the balance is due, overtime, and what happens if either side cancels, the weather turns bad at an outdoor show, or an event outside anyone's control gets in the way.
When to use it
- You are hiring a band, DJ or entertainer for a wedding, birthday, corporate event or private party.
- You are a performer and want a deposit and clear cancellation terms before you hold a date.
- A bar, club or venue is booking an act for a flat fee or a share of door receipts.
- A festival or fair is booking performers and needs consistent terms on set times, equipment and insurance.
- You want to agree in advance on overtime, recording, merchandise sales or a weather policy for an outdoor show.
What is included
- Event details, venue, load-in, sound check and set times
- Flat fee, door split or guarantee-plus-percentage deal
- Deposit, balance payment timing and overtime rate
- Sound, lighting and stage equipment responsibilities
- Hospitality, travel and lodging arrangements
- Recording, photography and promotional use of the performer's name
- Merchandise sales terms
- Cancellation by either party and an outdoor weather policy
- Safety, insurance, independent contractor status and governing law
How to make your Performance Agreement
Answer the questions
Tell us about the parties and the terms you want. Most documents take about 5 to 20 minutes.
Review the preview
Check the draft as you go and change any answer. The document updates instantly.
Download, sign and keep a copy
Download a print-ready PDF, sign it with the other parties, and give everyone a copy.
Frequently asked questions
What should a performance contract include?
At a minimum: who the parties are, the date, venue and set times, the fee and when it is paid, who provides equipment, and what happens if either side cancels. This agreement also covers hospitality, overtime, recording, merchandise, weather and insurance.
Is a deposit for a gig refundable?
It depends on the contract. Many performers treat the deposit as non-refundable once the date is held because they turn down other bookings. This agreement lets you decide whether the deposit is kept on a late cancellation and when the full fee becomes due.
What is a door deal or guarantee versus percentage?
In a door deal, the performer is paid a share of ticket or cover charge receipts. In a guarantee-versus-percentage deal, the performer receives the greater of a guaranteed minimum or a percentage of receipts, which protects the performer if attendance is low.
What is a technical rider?
A rider is an attachment listing the performer's technical needs, such as stage size, power, microphones, monitors and lighting, and sometimes hospitality requests. This agreement can reference a rider attached to the contract.
What happens if it rains at an outdoor event?
Without a weather clause, disputes are common. This agreement lets you choose whether the performer is paid in full if they are ready to perform, whether the show is rescheduled, or whether a reduced fee applies when weather prevents the performance.
Is a performer an employee of the person who books them?
Usually not. Most performers booked for a single event are independent contractors who control how they perform and supply their own equipment. This agreement states that relationship, but the actual facts of the arrangement decide how it is treated under tax and employment law.
Can the host record the performance?
Only with the performer's permission, because recordings involve the performer's rights in their performance and often copyrighted songs. This agreement lets you prohibit recording, allow personal non-commercial recording, or require written consent for anything more.
Does a performance agreement need to be notarized?
No. A performance agreement is valid once both parties sign it, and electronic signatures are generally accepted. Notarization is not required for this type of contract.
